Natural Benefits on Mental Health

Term Paper

Alexander Fitzgerald

Natural Benefits on Mental Health

     I did my research on the benefits of nature along with different types of environments that affect mental health. In my perspective, it is an important topic that explores ways in which abnormal behavior is triggered by unnatural settings and benefited by the natural world. It comes with all areas of functioning including cognitive, physiological, emotional, and behavioral.  When we spend time outdoors, we feel connected to nature and that plays a huge role in improving psychological well-being. People who are exposed to nature have greater attention, less stress, better mood, and working memory. The more time we spend outdoors, the lower our risk for developing mental illness. There are also emotional benefits that enable us to find meaning and purpose of life. 

Happiness is a key predictor of nature that many of us feel beyond a sense of connectedness as well as positive interactions with others. It is found that hiking in a wilderness promotes a healthier lifestyle by boosting mood and restoring attention. Depressed people also benefit from nature by just walking around in silence and listening to natural sounds. People who live in rural settings have more access to nature than those living in urban areas. Parks and beaches are examples of locations that provide green and blue spaces. The “green spaces” represent areas with forests and the woods as the most powerful source of the natural world. Blue spaces include rivers and ocean waves that seem to have cognitive benefits as well. Exercise through nature can be a beneficial tool to increase connection and cooperation.

As technology spreads globally, many of us are spending less time outside when in front of screens for most of the day. People that stick to the habit of modern living are sedentary. Research findings suggest that sitting in front of screens reduces the amount of time spent in outdoor nature. Spending more time indoors and on the internet can be harmful to human well-being if regular contact with nature is absent. In recent decades the number of children with virtual reality has increased sharply as more and more electronic devices become available. Screens are an issue that affect traditional values of society sparring children in current generations. Kids with excessive amounts of virtual entertainment are less likely to want to spend extra time playing outside. The unavailability of green spaces in neighborhood schools is linked to negative outcomes of children’s cognitive development such as poor social interactions, learning difficulties, and patterns of mental dysfunction that lead to aggression and impulsive behaviors. Young people who exhibit lack of exposure to nature are at increased risk for developing depressive and anxiety disorders later in life. ADHD is a mental disorder that some individuals develop when living without adequate exposure to green environments. Symptoms include inability to focus attention to tasks and memory loss. Some theorists propose that our drive to be in nature reduces fight-or-flight responses. Others argue that it is an essential part of human life and a therapeutic process.

    In terms of contact with nature, it not only positively influences emotional and cognitive functioning but also contributes to benefits on physical and emotional health. Schools and businesses are aware that something needs to be done to make outdoor environments accessible, especially trees and grasses. In a research survey of principals and teachers in urban primary schools, evidence indicates that children who participated in nature based hands-on activities function better in their education. All schools should have control over students who behave abnormally in classrooms by considering environmental changes outside of the school building to be incorporated into the curricula.  When children begin school, teachers manage play time outside the classroom for at least 30 minutes a day. Playgrounds and blacktops must be sited to enhance physical activity during recess time. Trees and other types of plants are significant aspects of green spaces that can be restored to promote strong benefits on healt and well-being. Most schools have windows that are large enough for kids to view the natural world from indoors during their busy days.

Scientists around the globe are working to determine the prevalence of green spaces that trigger nature experience. There is some research support in the field of psychological ecosystem services, with regard to positive values that affect mental health. Environmental advocates use an ecosystem services model to help them better understand how decisions related to nature projects impact mental health. Examples include improving air quality in urban areas, building new local parks, and addressing health inequality. These decisions are crucial in providing opportunities to increase access to nature with respect to populations struggling for resources. A set of models called integrated Valuation of the Ecosystems Services Tradeoffs (inVEST) are a useful tool to assess how production functions affect the value of ecosystem services. In an article, “Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystems Perspective,” studies have found that various types of nature contact display many benefits on affect, cognitive, and physiological functioning. A body of research on the value of nature and mental health conveyed points of consensus to take into account the benefits. In the cognitive side, an exposure to nature is associated with children’s ability to learn in school, improved memory and concentration on tasks, and inhibitions. In the physiological side, it demonstrates better sensory experiences such as sights and sounds, a decreased risk for acute and post-traumatic stress, and improvement in sleep. With these associations incorporated in research, investigating causal and correlational factors of nature is an important aspect of understanding the relationships between environments and mental health. One study conducted by the University of Hexter’s Centre for Environment & Human Health found that people who spend two hours a week in nature experience healthy conditions than those who don’t. These findings concluded a high dose of green environments provides sufficient healing. Biological theories indicate that nature stimulates the nervous system and produces changes to neurotransmitter and dopamine activity in the brain. According to the diathesis-stress perspective, people who inherit a genetic predisposition to develop mental illness are more likely to experience stressors during late adolescence if not spending time outdoors. Nature immersion is the process of mental involvement in standard activities that benefit mental health.

    Nature exposure reduces blood pressure and levels of stress hormones. Biologically nature targets the physiological responses to stressors that lower amounts of cortisol and arousal. A fight-or-flight response to stressful events decreases as more time spent outdoors occurs. Biological theories hold that nature improves connections between regions of the brain that increases norepinephrine activity. Cognitive-behavioral models suggest that nature-based activities promote positive thinking and enjoying pleasure. A person can be less worried about anything while hiking in areas with forests and rivers. A growing number of clinicians are studying the link between exposure to the natural world and the psychological problems clients experience. A key to understanding therapeutic effects of green and blue spaces involves identifying different types of environments and how they work. Nature is a therapist that guides people with psychological disorders through immersion. It helps to reduce depression and anxiety as well as crime rates and aggression. These factors are associated with positive social interactions and increased self-esteem. While psychotherapy and medication are all appropriate approaches of treatment for various psychological disorders, forest therapy is a preventative method that puts individuals in touch with the present moment to help them relax and stop luminating. Studies have shown that the effects go deeper than provide a sense of well-being. People who don’t feel safe enough to go out in nature become isolated and may result in risky behaviors and even poorer health. Being outdoors for certain periods of time has robust effects on people’s health and well-being.

When a person experiences the natural world, he or she sits in a conscious state and notices the breathing. Forest exposure helps us to relax, providing strong effects on the mind and body. 

   Nature therapy is referred to as Eco Therapy. It is the process of spending time doing therapeutic activities in green spaces where a licensed professional actively guides clients to explore and appreciate nature. These programs offer many options on different approaches to nature intervention for those who suffer from mental illness. The first is adventure therapy, which provides activities to be performed in an individual or group setting. Some examples include rafting and rock climbing. Animal assisted intervention is another option that connects participants with animals in green locations like parks, farms, and zoos. A therapist helps them learn to pet and feed the animals with joy and kindness. This form of treatment appears to have emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and motivational benefits on mental and physical health. Additionally, wilderness and horticulture therapies are as effective in improving human well-being as other approaches to nature appreciation. Individuals who spend time in wildlife use green environments for hiking and making shelters for invasive species. According to Maurie Long, a licensed therapist and counselor, she concluded, “It’s [about] noticing what is around you and increasing awareness of ourselves in relation to the world and environment.” (Laguele, paragraph 13). In terms of cognitive-behavioral principles, eco therapy is linked to mood modification and improvement in attention. In a biological view, nature exposure reduces risk for medical problems including pain and obesity combined with genetic factors associated with development of psychological disorders.

Researchers have found that spending as little as five minutes a day outdoors may help boost wellbeing. Despite our current lifestyle, most people now become distant from the natural world with advances of technology. Mental health officials made it clear that the majority of people living in the United States now spend most of their time indoors. In many parts of the country, cold weather is a concern because it prevents us from going outside due to lack of opportunurues in the natural world and limited daylight during the winter. Lack of sunlight can make some people feel depressed  and unable to enjoy pleasure. Approximately 70 percent of the world’s population live in urban areas. An increase in urbanization and time spent online worry many mental health officials that people are restricted from nature. In recent years a growing number of psychologists are knowledgeable of eco therapy and its positive benefits on the brain. Promising results suggest nature therapy is done successfully by licensed therapists. Like any form of treatment for mental illness, eco therapy helps individuals improve relationship skills, lower stress levels, and reduce symptoms of ADHD. It may also lessen personality disorders as well as mood problems in childhood and adolescence. Nature therapy is a preventative method that promotes better functioning in daily life as well as a sense of connectedness.

   In conclusion, the overall explanations of natural benefits on mental heath have helped us anticipate the basis of human intervention. The provision of ecosystem services in local communities are successful in improving environmental capacity so that everyone has access to green spaces. These projects opened the door to maximize the amount of land in order to achieve the benefits. Therapy in nature is highly effective in treating participants who suffer from various psychological disorders. This approach to treatment is now applied in therapists’ role in helping individuals become aware of their problems and increase levels of functioning.

  Here is some of my artwork that represents the natural benefits on mental health. I have also included a link to my Redbubble shop where customers can purchase any item they like that has the piece titled “Nature Dream.”

https://www.redbubble.com/people/BrookevilleAlex/shop?asc=u

References

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature. 

Bratman GN;Anderson CB;Berman MG;Cochran B;de Vries S;Flanders J;Folke C;Frumkin H;Gross JJ;Hartig T;Kahn PH;Kuo M;Lawler JJ;Levin PS;Lindahl T;Meyer-Lindenberg A;Mitchell R;Ouyang Z;Roe J;Scarlett L;Smith JR;van den Bosch M;Wheeler BW;White MP;Zheng H;Da. (n.d.). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science advances. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31355340/. 

Bratman, G. N., Daily, G. C., Levy, B. J., & Gross, J. J. (2015). The benefits of nature experience: Improved affect and cognition. Landscape and Urban Planning, 138, 41–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.02.005 

Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2012). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118–136. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x 

How nature benefits mental health. Mind. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/. 

Maller, Cecily and Townsend, Mardie 2006, Children's mental health and wellbeing and hands-on contact with nature, International journal of learning, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 359-372.

Robbins , J., Pearce, F., & Cosier, S. (n.d.). Ecopsychology: How immersion in nature benefits your health. Yale E360. Retrieved October 16, 2021, from https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health. 

Tillmann S, Tobin D, Avison W, et al Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health 2018;72:958-966. 

 

How Final Cut Pro Works

By Alex Fitzgerald

My band Duke and I started a project for our first upcoming virtual performance. We have been using one of the latest video-editing software called iFinal Cut Pro. The first time I experienced it introduces us to new techniques in creating and organizing the project with a mix between video and audio. The drummer of my band Pat Shepherd, also a technical filmmaker, agreed to work collaboratively to record separate tracks in video and importing content into the project. My beloved father Steve Fitzgerald taught me how to use it and helped figure out how the project can be done successfully. With many challenges and limited access to digital applications affected by my vision impairment, Steve takes time to put massive amounts of work into effort. 

   We used two different cameras to videotape ourselves playing along with each other at different times, including GoPro and a traditional camera mounted on a tripod.  Each camera has its own frame weight, so the larger the frames can be, the more pictures it takes per second. If we move from IMovie to Final Cut Pro, there are a lot more options for arranging new projects as an alternative to other video-editing programs. The process of editing videos in Final Cut Pro requires synchronizing the files to fit in the timeline. For example, the first thing I did was set the sample weight of an original audio to 4800 so that the video clips are synchronized properly and mimics all of the content. As a guide for beginners learning about how Final Cut Pro works, let’s review the basic steps to help you get familiar with it. The most important features of the content include Libraries, Events, and Projects. When creating a project, media must be selected and imported into the project.  All we do is store all media content that is created automatically and it keeps projects organized. Video clips should be trimmed and dragged forward or backward before adding to the timeline. After that you can choose titles for your project and drag them down onto a timeline. This allows you to use specific clips as long as you place them on top. If you are unsure what titles you want to add, it’s fine to explore and come up with these in mind. Final Cut Po also establishes transitional features that come with the gap between video clips. You can adjust the length of transitions from one scene to the next by dragging them inward or outward. Next, you can add music/audio to the project by importing them the same way as video. Pick your favorite song, then drag it into the timeline. It works well with royalty-free music tracks so there’s no big deal with that. The software offers dozens of colors you can correct on video clips. It makes the project look professional and the viewer will have a better idea of what is happening inside the scene. Once you’ve completed the project following all the steps, it’s time to share your movie with anyone, especially your friends, family, and neighbors! The videos I’m working on will contain almost all of these elements of content. Steve and I put together song tracks that match the length of clips. Some special effects will be added as well as background corrections to enhance the high quality of our project. A green screen, for example, is the best place to record individually so you have room for graphics and/or other videos to be inserted into the background.

I believe that Final Cut Pro is a very useful tool for professionals who want more depth in shooting video. It is a great choice for musicians and those working from home. It’s now available on Apple computers which can be easily installed. I hope this information is helpful, and that you enjoyed learning about the program. Below is the link to our YouTube clip showing overall progress we made throughout the project:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=z0zQGqrtD70&feature=share

Alex’s Appreciation to Theatre

Hi everyone,

I wanted to offer an update about the era of theatre arts for people with special needs. On November 10, 2021, I attended the Beauty and the Beast performance at the Olney Theatre Center. I was impressed by the production that casted an actor with one missing leg who portrayed the Beast. Given his role in the scenes, one of the things that inspired me was when he navigated the stage with a walking stick and used his talent to act the same way as the actual character. I was seated in section 150 that is several rows away from the stage with some accessible spaces to fit wheelchairs and walkers. Despite my visual impairment I sat on the left side of the aisle so I could have a better view of what’s happening throughout the entire performance. The scenery was colorful and nature-like. 

  It’s been many years since I got passionate about theatre. I became actively involved in the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts in high school. The program is designed to promote an inclusive environment for students with and without disabilities. Thankfully my drama teacher provided me with the support and opportunity to form connections with peers whom I worked with.  My good friend Jake and I partnered in Wizard of Oz and High School Musical. During rehearsals he and I went over the scripts to memorize our lines. The best part about the school’s drama program is that accommodations were made to address my needs. For example, my performing partners gave me “tapping cues” when it’s my turn to sing and speak the lines. I also relied on them to roll my wheelchair around the stage to protect me from possibly falling. My friends took the time to adapt ways of communication which has helped me understand the conversation by lip-reading. What I have learned from my acting experience is that it enabled me to develop strong social skills and creativity. Theatre is one of the most fun activities I have ever participated in. 

  I feel the show I attended recently relates to my past experiences. One of the members of the cast is physically limited and also showed powerful expressions as the main character. The performance taught me about how theatrical companies recruit actors with disabilities and assign each individual a specific role that fits their needs. In the near future I’m hoping to try out ArtStream where adults with disabilities engage in performing arts. During COVID there were no options that work for me which left me isolated from the drama community. Now that things changed back on, I’m optimistic about returning to my old lifestyle and be a performer again!

My Painting Journey

 

I have some incredible news! I started making new forms of art and decided to narrow my journey. On May 19, 2021, I met Paige Snedeker who also has RTD and is also an artist. We both communicated via Zoom. I learned from her artistic experiences that she uses her mouth to paint and is an inspiration to many artists with multiple physical disabilities. I decided to try painting the same way and it has changed my perspective. For many years I created most of my artwork through digital applications just by using my nose. Now that I found out what other people with RTD are doing with their creative endeavors, I was motivated to try a new technique. Using a mouth brush holder to paint gives me the power and consistency to incorporate this new perspective. The part of my mouth I prefer most is the middle where the brush is positioned between my lips. I’ve been painting outside in the shade for at least a month. I have been using acrylic paints mixed them with water.  Some of my paints are ones that my uncle gave me, and I also purchased my own professional set of paints from a company called Blick. Liquitex Basics is one of brands I’ve been using that I like. So far, I have 32 different colors and I’m able to combine them together to create different colors and shades. The greatest challenge I have in terms of filling the background is the ability to reach the top part of each piece. Before I paint the other side I move the paper upside down so I don’t have to lean forward too far. I sit at a large, portable craft table to allow room for sketch paper of all sizes. I don’t feel the need to wear an apron or smock at this time since I can handle the spillage with the correct materials and someone helping me pick up the paint from the plastic trays. 

 

I believe I inherited my artistic interest and ability from my grandmother who is also an artist and went to college for visual arts.  My uncle is also a very talented artist.  But in addition to my family’s influence, there have been other things that have inspired me.  I am particularly motivated when I see other people with disabilities sharing similar artistic experiences.  I’m a big fan of King Gimp! and the documentary I about how he paints with a headset. This impressed me because he came up with a cool way to adapt to the world of art despite his physical limitations. After I lost the ability to hold painting tools on my right hand as a teenager, I naturally began using the most obvious second choice to draw, which was my nose. I did not know much about the effectiveness of using the mouth until recently. I still use my nose and the technology to create art pieces, and my goal right now to spend more time using the Procreate app to produce as many pieces as possible. I plan to sell my work online to help pay for college and/or an art studio. A great thing about Procreate is it offers a wide selection of tools along with essential ones, such as the Brush Library, Smudge, and the color circle. It’s a new program to me but I’m getting familiar with everything. Procreate is designed for both beginners and professional artists to explore varying styles and techniques that would build their skills. 

 

Several months ago, I entered the, the Ellene "Brit" Christiansen Memorial Art Contest for Artists with Disabilities:  "Optimism, Resilience, Hope!" My artwork won second place and I received a $500 check plus a Blick gift certificate in honor of statewide competition. One of the judges was Maryland’s First Lady, Yumi Hogan.  Being an artist has helped me gain appreciation of the world as well as objects I see that represent hope and optimism. Nothing in life slows me down from accomplishing my work. My friend from Ohio who is also diagnosed with RTD is a naturally talented painter. Like I said, the stories I hear from disabled artists are inspiring. Mouth painting works well for me and I consider it a long-term solution until the day comes that science can give me back use of my arms and hands.  I encourage new beginners with disabilities to do the same. Painting is a fun process, and it brings opportunities to express ourselves and influence people’s understanding and attitude toward people with disabilities.

 

 

 

 

The Top Areas of Social Work

I don’t have a lot of experience in social work. However, because I am an expert on living with a disability and have done research on social justice, I’m expressing an interest in working with communities in need. One reason I found the right path is because I enjoy using my strengths and intentions to bring about change in the lives of people.  Social work is a diverse field. It is an integral profession that helps people cope with various problems in everyday lives. The types of social work vary depending on the form of practice within a specific population. For example, clinical social workers diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric diseases. There are two distinct areas of social work practice: generalist and specialization. As with my understanding of the difference between both, generalist practice means having a broad base of knowledge of problems that can be addressed in all levels (such as family, group, individual, and community) while specialist practice includes a higher degree of intervention including palliative care and psychotherapy.

 

Below is a summary of the primary areas of social work that explains what skills are required to perform the job effectively based on the level of intervention. I have highlighted a list of jobs available across the United States, along with pictures depicting a social worker talking to clients directly. If you intend to become a social worker, this information will help you figure out which area of practice suits you the most. Think of something you are really good at doing. If you are interested in learning more about the types of work with clients, view www.betterhelp.com for additional details.

 

 

1. Healthcare Social Work

 

Medical social workers work with patients who are seriously ill to address the need for treatment options, scheduling appointments, and helping patient families cope with medical problems. Social work practice in clinical settings involves collaborating with nurses and healthcare professionals to provide information about resources available to care for the sick, making clients eligible for health benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Some work with a combination of families and pregnant women to discuss possible solutions before a child is born normal and healthy. Others work with elderly residents to explore long-term care options when they are no longer managing independently at home. These jobs are found in hospitals, mental health clinics, and hospice care facilities. A medical social worker in the emergency room may experience frequent deaths of residents as well as traumatic incidents related to their physical and psychological conditions that require intensive care. They provide psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling in a client-centered approach. Depending on the field they are in, some social workers arrange follow-ups with foster care agencies to schedule child visits and report appeals to the court when children are living in a structured environment. Many hospitals have an intensive care unit and a substance abuse unit that they are assigned to take part in.

 

The days they work with their clients are good and bad. Many professionals think of clinical social work as an exciting career because they enjoy working with people deal with situations that affect human beings. There are positions where employees are intimidated by their relationship with client systems not being helped by them. The lack of autonomy and control over the position is one of the common issues social workers face when seeing patients suffering pain. Because of this, it’s important that clinical social workers keep track on their daily records and make time for a certain number of clients in response to health needs. Understanding the frustrations people have about themselves in hesitation to live in society requires active listening and it gives them a chance to accept the solutions a social worker is offering. The key responsibilities in getting the job done include checking in with clients to see how they feel, outreach with state and local agencies sharing complaints, and going to the office every day to get in touch with people who need immediate support.

 

Social work practitioners with the sub-specialty in HIV/AIDS must be highly knowledgeable of physiological effects of sexually transmitted diseases to maintain focus on sessions allowing clients to adjust to drug therapy. The number of patients struggling to learn how to survive despite suffering and pain feel the need to benefit from the help of clinical social workers who lead support groups to provide relief from life-threatening conditions. Client deaths happen many times during the position working with them and it makes the clinical situation exhausting and emotionally demanding. The job requires having a sense of creativity and skill to be able to make the best of helping survivors live with as much comfort and happiness as possible. The efforts to addressing pregnancy issues are essentially part of the priority for social workers with a broader understanding of infertility to offer reproductive services before the baby is born.

 

2. Research Methods

 

 

Research capacity helps social workers to document on client assumptions of life. They collect data and write field notes to learn how to help people in need. A direct service worker, for instance, may choose to do an exploratory research study focusing on parental caregiving and children at risk for HIV. The purpose of doing field research in social work is to evaluate the strengths, self-management, and what is most needed to achieve intervention goals. The types of research that is normally done in home visits or in the clinic would depend on the level of capacity. Questionnaires and interviews are administered by coworkers to discuss the ethical requirements of research papers. When participants are active in the studies, a researcher must develop strong interactions with them using analytical and listening skills. It’s not quite easy, but important. This makes the process more valid with the effectiveness of data collection. If you work in the clinic serving as a medical consultant, you would be assigned to join sick patients in the appointment room to do a correlative questionnaire before they are seen by the doctor. In addition to most other professions, psychologists and public health educators have the duty to gather data from observations for estimating the number of individuals who have received therapy.

 

3. School Social Work

 

 

School social workers manage group and classroom activities for students. They are generally employed full-time compared to classroom hours for teachers and school personnel. They work Monday through Friday each week and take weekends off to relax and have fun. Students can often be supervised and taken care of by social workers if they have serious trouble at school. The caseload focuses on helping kids cope with changing situations that impact their social behavior.  School social workers communicate with teachers and parents of students with difficulty balancing classroom learning and feelings of distress. Dealing with peer pressure and bullying is always a perfect way to promote a better education for all students. As a school social worker, you may observe young kids getting into a fight in a playground, what would you do? Imagine that you are investigating an incident that happened at recess. You may decide to pull students apart and escort them to the front office to arrange disciplinary referrals and discuss resolutions of conflict. Social workers also provide group counseling to help kids make better choices for learning to meet their goals. It can be referred to students in special education who share the same teachers. Part of the job involves attending IEP meetings with teachers and staff to discuss transition plans and the possibilities for disadvantaged students to take mainstream classes. Many feel isolated when working alone in a designated environment, which is why being able to connect with other social workers within the school district is helpful. Creativity and effective time management skills are necessary characteristics of school social work. There are jobs available in rural areas that social workers must become trusted and confident with respect to the values as a member of the community. Being respectful to the entire population gives you the ability to do the job in an ethically responsible manner so your interventions are appropriate in practice.

With a problem-focused approach in school social work, professionals need to be able to intervene child-family systems who are in conflict with each other, ranging from abuse to disruption in student learning and mental functioning. A teen who is hurt or depressed after being beaten by his or her parents should seek intensive counseling and psychotherapy to reduce these feelings even if the victim chooses to drop out of school. This method of intervention plays a big role in resolving conflict between families and the school community. Social workers receive reports about what happened to kids to try to deal with the incident.

 

4. Working with Gay and Lesbian Youth

 

Since social work with homosexuals is a widely growing field, many jobs are available in community-based organizations that provides a supportive network for gay and lesbian couples. An interesting thing about coordinating programs for young people is that a team of social workers and members of an agency are engaged in projects to help gay and lesbian clients who struggle to come out. They provide opportunities to face the challenges in living as a homosexual through outreach and group interaction. They often put together a list of foundations to make clients eligible for support groups. A social worker in this field helps families with a history of sexual complications reduce anxiety towards gay and lesbian relatives. Understanding and analyzing the stereotypes of same-sex couples leads to greater effectiveness of helping them cope with isolation, violence, and rejection from family members. A mother who is disappointed about her daughter’s relationship with a lesbian partner creates stigma as a result of her homophobia (it is an important concept in working with lesbians and gays who are coming out.) A social worker must acknowledge the feelings shared by clients in order to get the help they need and connect them with groups. Community-based projects consisting of state grants and funding for direct services provide transportation and recreational activities to support LGBTQ movement. The social worker’s role in meeting with gay and lesbian youth is to explore possible opportunities to participate in groups that can solve problems for them. A nightclub, for example, is a perfect place to hang out with others who share similar experiences in dating. It is true that growing up as homosexual isn’t a bad thing, but there are some cases where crime rates are reported in certain areas that require enough licensed social workers available to address the issue.

 

5. Social Work in Child Protective Services

 

In this field, child protection social workers are responsible for intervening the cases of child abuse and neglect. They often keep children safe in foster care programs once they are removed from their homes. The placement of abused children into institutions with adaptive caregivers is an important task because it provides them with security and comfort on a daily basis. Social workers who serve in child welfare agencies are often employed by state governments. With difficult decisions to be made, you have to go through these allegations to ensure quality protection based on a family systems perspective. Most child protective workers submit reports for the judge to issue a court order to permit children’s withdrawal from unsafe homes. This profession is filled up with different types of services to help families who have the history of abuse, psychiatric problems, violence, and drug/alcohol addiction. If a father is mentally ill and tries to kick his daughter out permanently, you must respond to this situation by testifying the consequences for abuse. Agency vehicles are designed to pick up children at various places and driving them to hospitals or adaptive care facilities for getting the help they need. Other tasks include casework, management, and administrative planning. Some child welfare social workers work in neighborhood centers that supervise youth development while creating day programs for adolescents.

 

A specific skill set is required in this field. You must be able to empathize for others in order to best protect families and children. It’s important to keep the levels of stress down, maintain a balance of what you do during and outside of work. Recognizing the “good” is vital to enhance preparation for challenging outcomes of working in the field.

 

6. Employee Assistance

These jobs in the employee assistance programs are available in providing human services to employees and their families in need. Like many other professions, employee support workers help clients remove barriers related to job performance. Since most social workers serve in national networks that contribute resources to employee assistance programs, they are involved in a combination of roles through a specialized process of addressing employee problems including advocates, counselors, mediators, brokers, and organizers.  The professionals in this field meet with clients to assess specific reasons why they don’t get along with co-workers. It provides training for employers and supervisors to help them understand how to manage troubling situations experienced by those who fail to perform well on the job. An intervention strategy involves looking at a difficult situation in which group dynamics impact diversity in the workplace. For employees who are referred by the supervisor, social workers must notify the concerns on job performance to a team to seek employee-based services. A chemical dependency assessment is also an important part of the position that enables social workers to acknowledge substance use as a job performance issue. Imagine that you have an appointment with a teenager who is referred by his supervisor for using drugs with a group of friends that he ended up losing his job. What would you do to solve this problem regarding his poor behavior? It is important to understand that workplaces are stressors to employees and that work-related problems cannot be resolved without offering help, as it is for EAP to be used as a resource. You may conduct workshops to inform the strategies of managing stress and handling conflicts off employees and employers. It allows both a social worker and a client to work together on getting help from an agency so they can improve focus on their productivity and do better at work.

 

7. Social Work with Individuals with Disabilities

 

An area of work with children and adults with disabilities is a meaningful position. Agencies that direct the services to this population provides support and information on resources that best meet the needs of families and children. Disability social workers assess and review the diagnosis of a client’s specific disability that includes physical and cognitive limitations. The job has a primary focus on adapting resources with accommodations according to disability needs. These professional social workers supervise and coordinate with agencies that provide consultation of staff of special education teachers, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to guide their work with children with special needs. Advocacy is an equally important aspect of the field because many family systems face the challenges for a child’s ability to function in the world. A social worker must acknowledge that all people with disabilities have the right to become a full human, advocate for opportunities to obtain necessary accommodations despite limitations. Everyone can attend school and be part of the community with access to public transportation and personal care. The hours of support are manageable within agencies. Many disability social workers share a depth of knowledge in vocational rehabilitation that enables clients to find good jobs and live independently. The field of Supported Employment is a practical concept as it comes with disabilities. If you are the one working with a client employee who suffers from injury on the job, think about what needs to be done to monitor the changes to the client’s lifestyle. There are challenges that may not always be intervened immediately. The good news is that social workers and employment specialists expand a full range of resources for accommodations to be provided so that disabled individuals of all types can enter the workforce. However, it is important to be cautious about what might work best for them based on their differences.  If you have a strong interest in developmental disabilities, you may meet with single parents who are unemployed and require public assistance to reduce risk for poverty while raising children. You would say that mothers who are unable to work are eligible for financial aid regarding her disability like SSI or SSDI, but eligibility is often determined by an agency. Funding is a key issue for the disability population. In most cases, organizations offer programs to help effectively meet basic needs of family and child with special needs. Social workers must gain professional expertise with writing and case management skills. Implementing clear policies about disability rights requires a sufficient amount of knowledge in law and development throughout the life span.

 

8. Social Work in the Mental Health Field

 

Mental health is a widely growing field of social work practice that deals with psychiatric conditions affecting the lives of people with intense needs. Psychiatric social workers provide therapy and assessments to patients and their families. These professionals are employed in a wide variety of settings that is typically based on the level of intervention. Some work in clubhouses that support members with their educational and employment goals. If you are the social worker looking to help clients who require long periods of mental health care, earning a master or graduate degree in this field is a useful way to obtain knowledge of treatment options for those in constant need. This type of practice includes clients with drug and alcohol addiction, and those who have suicidal thoughts. Social workers also work with mentally ill patients being hospitalized for days to weeks. Facilitating admissions and discharges is the goal for clinical social workers to make treatment plans for their clients. Some patients may be offered to put in a waiting list for transitioning to a residential care program if they need to. The most important aspect of the position involves leading groups to educate individuals about ways of coping with mental health problems. During therapy sessions theyr perform lectures on specific topics such as communication skills, reducing stress, anxiety and anger management, etc. Additionally, they teach their clients to be honest when describing feelings and thoughts about what they’re experiencing. Most of all, attending community meetings is considered one of the busiest times of the day that they are expected to be there. If you work in a highly clinical setting, you are to see patients throughout the day by doing psychotherapy. You meet with doctors abs other therapists to review diagnostic assessments and schedule appointments for psychotherapy. In other places where you will meet people with severe mental illnesses needing help adjusting to outcomes of life, you must possess a high degree of flexibility towards dealing with various issues. Psychosocial rehabilitation involves helping people who have difficulty overcoming personal and relationship problems on their own. The focus on a client’s diagnosis for psychiatric symptoms enables therapists to assess their treatment needs and exposing them to day programs that can provide mental health services. Having close contact with psychiatric staff is important because it builds on clients’ specific needs to guide intervention in meeting their goals.  The job requires patience, flexibility, and advanced social work skills in order to work effectively with people. The reasons why the clients are in the group and what their goals are must be documented before beginning the intervention process. There is a tool called the “partial hospitalization model” designed to support outpatient treatment so that patients don’t have to stay in the hospital with 24 hours of care. It is the program less restrictive than total hospitalizations that these clients attend to successfully achieve psychiatric stability through daily medication. A therapeutic approach to support groups demonstrates problem-solving as a strategy to improve mental functioning. A clinical social worker must be aware that behavioral changes are needed according to the severity of a patient’s condition. Any client should be allowed to return to community life after receiving therapy. The number of patients moving from in-patient care to programs without very strict policies has increased since the 1970’s, meaning more resources are being available to provide effective treatments over shorter periods of time. Day care centers and group homes are also places you can find work in mental health. The key duties a social worker performs on the job include meeting with different kinds of people, managing and organizing activities, completing administrative tasks, and reality checking in with clients to see how they are doing.

 

9. Social Work in the Criminal Justice System

 

 

In general, criminal justice social workers conduct individual, group, and family therapy in dealing with charges of crime. A variety of roles they serve in the field include victim advocacy, promoting alternatives to incarceration, and working with police departments to reduce chances of crime. They work in jails and prisons as the first to serve clients in therapy sessions. A body of knowledge and skills to effectively seek support for victims of crime.. Criminal justice is a practical area of work that consists of providing comfort for those convicted of crimes to cope with the consequences for their actions. The profession brings many challenges and opportunities for social workers to develop solutions of conflict in all levels. Let’s think about it this way...what if you attend the court hearing and the judge tells you there is a case for periodic prison sentences? If you are working with violent men, having empathy and compassion for victims is important in accomplishment of client-based intervention. Most social workers within the criminal justice system engage in contact with probation and parole officers and families about reports of criminal behavior. Part of the field involves a perspective in mitigating death penalty cases. Most importantly, a set of roles in practice with victims include leading a fight against racism, preparing victims to testify in court, and seeking prevention services to those with expressing thoughts of suicide. If you work in a defense team that is committee to support racial justice in local communities, you are probably aware that policy changes are needed to bring together civil rights and equity of all people.  A foundation for establishing group therapy techniques will enable you to incorporate positive reactions to the relationship between victims and their offenders. Some people with a social work license are employed in residential treatment centers and programs for juveniles who commit sexual offenses. In response to child abuse and neglect, they become part of an investigation process to protect children and adolescents from being physically or mentally assaulted by family members. The reports of intimate partner violence that they receive from police departments are representative of groups with similar situations. The couples who experience rape or any form of sexual offense require immediate attention and that social workers are needed to deal with these significant social problems. It can be a very stressful position, but if you enjoy clinical work it’s a good idea to consider working in a psychiatric setting that specializes dynamics of group conflict among victims of child and sexual abuse. It’s because you love doing psychotherapy with much of the focus on applying cognitive-behavioral techniques to improve personality and life satisfaction once a client recovers from mental illness. In order to gain experience with victim services, you may decide to volunteer in an emergency room or courthouse to learn about the history of clients’ lives. For example, when you are working with clients who are experiencing serious injuries caused by physical abuse, your job is to review victim records carefully and provide support available to remove harmful aspects of victimization. Social workers who serve in criminal justice must be educated and trained to develop interviewing skills to effectively communicate with different groups of people involved in crimes.

 

In my opinion, social work can be an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy being part of a helping process to solve problems in all levels. The field of practice I like best is the one that includes people with disabilities. I have learned from my experience with a social worker that if I needed support I was eligible for special education since I was six years old. It means my family and I faced your struggle for reasonable accommodations in place to ensure I had access to education. My social worker recommended to get me into an elementary school with better teachers who recognized my disability status and understand how best to help me become successful. It was more of a honor to have a social worker in the past because she did a good job helping me overcome the barriers and I felt grateful for the support I received in school. I also had the opportunity to participate in mainstream classes with special education services to assist my ability to learn. As a social worker I would do the same thing for the coming generation of children and adults with disabilities. I’m happy about the profession, and I’m hoping to accomplish my career goals when I enter the field.

Community Organizing and Advocacy for the Rights and Equality

 

The practice of community development is one area of social work that I thought about when considering a position to work with people who need services to lead productive lives.  Organizations are defined as formal networks that bring contributions to social movement. Each group has its own ideological approach in addressing ongoing issues that society plays. I spent the last couple of months studying the concept of community organizing that helped me understand the strategies in exchange for making a positive difference in the world. I chose the book “Stir It Up” because it provides a lot of evidence that supports the reasons why I want to serve in a social service agency. I’m cautiously optimistic about having the opportunity to hold a career in promoting justice and equality for all. My dream job would involve educating the public about making life better for people with disabilities and ensuring equal access to resources.

 

I watched the film documentary called Crip Camp about a group of activists with disabilities who fought for their civil rights and regulations to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. The point where disabled activists and protesters gathered on the streets of New York City are shown to overcome the obstacles in navigating around the community. The massive traffic and lack of access to subway stations made it even difficult for the group to get anywhere in the city. The 1970’s had an enormous impact on America and political involvement in the situation grew. They held peace signs with a handicap symbol on it to indicate being disabled doesn’t mean they should be forgotten. The federal legislation passed during the ‘70’s gave them the right to become educated and treated equally while allowing transportation and public places to be made accessible. Under Section 504, organizations were covered with the funding for adequate services related to transportation, independent living, and employment. If I were an activist, I strongly believe society must be aware that these people want to be protected against discrimination at all times. The film is a good example of how I will successfully advocate for more than just what happened in there. I hope to work in a wide range of settings to provide the support they need, such as the Center for Independent Living and the American Association for People with Disabilities. I have heard a lot about the National Federation for the Blind that offers classes and workforce training to help blind students learn the skills to become self-sufficient and that sounds like another great setting to make an impact.

 

As a community organizer, the first thing I want to work towards in running my business is to recruit and train certified members to be part of an advocacy organization. When I can find people to work for me, I hope to hire disability rights attorneys and specialists who have experience in law and other fields of practice with disabled communities. I will consider integrating leadership roles into my constituency and developing relationships with employees to help strengthen the network. I also hope to serve as a resource adviser for the Direct Action for the Rights and Equality program, make time to see my clients, and do policy work abroad. I may hold educational sessions and annual meetings to discuss the history of discrimination drawn by political actions that affect the availability of services and funding by the government. I see myself creating campaigns about making buildings and entertainment facilities accessible, allowing school districts to provide special education programs, and implementing budget plans for necessary services like adaptive technology and attendant care for those living alone. Another way to do this would include consulting with architectural workers to ensure they don’t discriminate against the handicapped while constructing new apartments and college campuses. There are places where individuals with disabilities still struggle for equal access to public education and participate in community-based activities which would need to be addressed as quickly as possible. I’m a strategic planner and it provides me with opportunities to learn what’s happening in the world before knowing what issues to take into account.   

 

My team should build partnerships with other agencies as a form of collaboration that matches my goals. It means the two or more organizations come together to make the cause. I want to be able to develop a framework to evaluate research capacity in order to apply knowledge of social issues I’m studying. As long as I follow the guidelines to meet ethical standards, my research methods would include interviewing service providers and parents of their children with disabilities to determine how many of them have been denied the right to be educated in mainstream institutions. I like the idea of doing case studies on groups of people in different locations who overcome their disability; I can use these techniques to identify the negative aspects of prejudice and discrimination and gather data on how these factors influence public opinion. Therefore, I’m comfortable with exploring solutions that people will benefit from.   The effort to operate an organization as a service provision is a challenging task. To be clear, the first step to begin the network is defining the purpose...a program with the strength to fight for the rights of handicapped individuals is my preferred purpose. Using strategic planning through collaboration with my colleagues can help them respond to situations that appear to produce barriers among minorities. I’d be eager to accept employees who understand racial justice for African Americans with disabilities.

I don’t know yet how and where I will work. But right now, I have an interest in policy social work since I’m a strong advocate for equality. No one has told me I shouldn’t do anything I want to do. Because being disabled doesn’t mean “sick” I am a big fan of Crip Camp and it made me proud of how successfully the characters achieved justice. This story represents hope and optimism that someday many people like me will get a good job, have a safe place to live, and become more and more socially active.

The movie Crip Camp is currently streaming on Netflix.

 

 

High Hopes for a Better 2021

 

While we’re still in the dark times of the pandemic, most of us are dreaming of returning to normal life this year. The world has changed dramatically with precautions in place to keep us safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and an outbreak. I feel isolated but am very lucky to have family to live with in exchange for social and emotional support. Because of RTD, I was expected to essentially quarantine every day with my family in our immediate household, meaning that I had to avoid putting my health at risk. I haven’t been able to go anywhere or visit my close friends and relatives for a long time. But I sometimes communicate with them online which helps me stay in touch with them. Zoom is a great place to connect with people from anywhere in the world and hold virtual events. For instance, an appointment I had in there with my old friend a few weeks ago went well as I was grateful for them. Another thing that happened was when I decided to try a Zoom dance party a couple times to see what it was like to be virtually active. The people I met online are nice, but the music made it difficult to talk to them while dancing. Communication is one of the major challenges I have faced due to deafness and low vision. In addition, the benefits I learned from my virtual experience include saving time and energy. I prefer in-person gatherings more, however this virus gets in the way that we know leads to an increase of cases. My grandmother stays away from the public and quarantines a lot, so she is able to be with me and my parents safely.

 

The coronavirus is a powerful “teacher” on the ways we interact with the real world that changed our social behavior. Humans evolve over time and science is key to making a difference in reality. New technologies are developing rapidly as a result of more time spent online. Most people don’t really like sitting in front of their screens for hours and somewhat struggle to have access to fast internet. Believe it or not, it’s okay to feel this way, because we all go through logistic challenges as part of life. Despite the COVID-related restrictions, schools and businesses are closed and we were required to isolate ourselves by doing stuff online at home. Therefore, the situation has been tough for everyone amid the pandemic, including myself, my family, and my home community. Maybe even the worst thing that has happened in my lifetime. So many people got infected with the virus, and hundreds of thousands have died from it since last March. Many are hospitalized, while others who test positive often have mild illnesses. The health crisis not only disrupted our lives but also played a huge impact on society as well as economic and environmental conditions. Millions lost their jobs and they had to rely on government help to receive unemployment benefits.

 

Everyone asked, “When will life return to normal like it was before the pandemic began?” Well, I think it will be a while. My best hope is that when vaccines become widely available to prevent COVID-19, the vast majority of the population would hopefully reach herd immunity by summer or fall. But I’m a little worried about the new coronavirus variants that may slow the progress against it. The two of them were originated in the United Kingdom and South Africa—-both are more contagious than the old version of COVID.

 

I got my first shot on February 2nd, and I’m waiting a few weeks for the second dose. I’m getting excited about returning to a pre-pandemic life. It probably won’t change for months, since only a small percentage of total population are already fully vaccinated. If everything improves over the first half of 2021, I am eager to go back to school and volunteer somewhere to get basic work experience, depending on what plays out.  Online learning and virtual gatherings are still vital to continue until we know how much protection vaccines provide in a large part of the population. I was going to visit my grandfather in Massachusetts by mid-June and see my friends again. I miss my close friends and family very much because of how much I care about them. That means we must follow the guidelines to avoid infection. No one I know has ever been positive for the virus. I would consider getting tested before I see my friends and family just to make sure I don’t carry and transmit it to others.

 

Nothing in life is risk-free for anyone right now, even when we’ve received the vaccine. I’m always careful about what I’m about to do safely like double-masking and social distancing. Pandemics take a long, long time to be completely under control. I know how sad it has been for everyone, especially when we are used to being social and chose to do what we wanted. We just need to hang on and listen to the experts about the steps we must take to stay healthy. Someday I hope to be able to get involved in the community and participate in real-world events again as soon as the pandemic nears end. Dear God, please allow light to come at the end of the tunnel. Leave the doors open for widespread vaccinations and make the days go calmer, offer hope, and let the nation do the best it can to make our lives better.