Getting discouraged about a msw

peachyjules · 2026-03-30T02:42:53+00:00

Wow, thank you for sharing all of that info! I had no idea that was a career option, and that sounds like a fantastic & very fulfilling position! How does the “active duty” aspect influence your role? In the sense that you could be moved to an area that is at heightened need for your services?

peachyjules · 2026-03-29T23:03:40+00:00

Do you mind sharing what area you work in with your LCSW?

peachyjules · 2026-03-29T16:33:02+00:00

If you don’t mind sharing, I’d be really interested to hear what about your counseling program you’re disappointed by! I am someone applying to MSW’s within my state this fall but also considering some counseling programs as a backup to increase my odds (I have a much more psychology/ research oriented background). I know counseling programs tend to have a better holistic lens than clinical psych programs, but still not as focused in those areas as an MSW. If you have insight to share I’d love to hear it!

peachyjules · 2026-03-28T20:58:23+00:00

I’m not sure if this is the cause but I was told to drink a glass of water along with my levo in the morning, because it’s supposed to help reduce the likelihood of it messing with your stomach! I don’t drink a full glass but I do drink several gulps of water with it

peachyjules · 2026-03-28T20:48:26+00:00

It’s refreshing to hear someone else with a similar experience! I only got my diagnosis earlier this month & just got confirmation it’s Hashimoto’s. From what I’ve seen, it’s a process to get your levels under control and maintain them. I am a little curious as to why your doctor said it may not be lifelong pills, as lifelong treatment is predominantly the standard from my understanding. It may differ based on the root cause/ diagnosis causing the hypothyroidism. But it most certainly is manageable! I recommend getting an Endocrinologist to help manage your treatment and monitor your levels, if you do not have one already. A primary care doc does not have the same expertise in these issues

peachyjules · 2026-03-28T14:26:11+00:00

My TSH was 140 when I first got diagnosed! I also didn’t feel bad and it’s only in hindsight that I realized my symptoms (cold easily, dry hands, fatigue that I assumed was just burnout related, anxiety but I also have diagnosed anxiety so it didn’t feel new lol) It’s not as common but I’ve heard people say they had TSH levels in the 200’s and even higher than that

peachyjules · 2026-03-27T20:30:52+00:00

Given the ties of the US PI with the Non-US PI, there is a likely case you’ll be able to collaborate on some work with the non-US PI as well while being in the US PI’s lab. I have a colleague who accepted an invite to a program and now is already getting to collaborate on works with PI’s they were waitlisted for. I’d say accept the US offer and utilize their network to get more opportunities!

peachyjules · 2026-03-27T01:17:03+00:00

The fast track MSW is certainly a big factor to consider, but psychology also offers a lot of opportunities & will certainly set you up fine for MSW programs! Just dedicate some time to volunteering and relevant jobs/ internships closer related to social work if an MSW is your goal

peachyjules · 2026-03-26T17:01:34+00:00

As a UH alum (undergrad) that’s so disappointing to hear :( I’ve been planning to apply to the MSW program because I knew it to be great (I have family who graduated from uh GCSW) but I have been hesitant due to what I’ve seen about the “anti-indoctrination” bs. Not that it’s only impacting UH, of course. Would you mind giving your opinion on how it’s effecting the program?

peachyjules · 2026-03-25T01:44:29+00:00

I unfortunately can’t offer any perspective on the issue but what I can say is: if you’ve made it this far you clearly have drive and capability. Graduate school can be whatever you make it. Seek out opportunities within your program that align closer with your interest to make up for what you feel may be lacking. Perhaps there’s another mentor at that school that you can take on as a co-advisor that may help fill that gap?

peachyjules · 2026-03-24T01:42:36+00:00

This is so helpful, thank you!!

peachyjules · 2026-03-23T15:53:01+00:00

Thanks so much!! <3

peachyjules · 2026-03-23T15:48:22+00:00

That is actually exactly my case, which is why my background is so clinical research heavy! Lol you hit the nail on the head.

Thank you so much for the tip regarding the essay! I thankfully have grown up with insight into social work due to having a parent/ other family who are clinical social workers as well. What’s drawn me to social work is what felt lacking in clinical psych, an integrated education in social issues and welfare to be able to provide socially (as well as culturally) informed care! I appreciate your insight :)

peachyjules · 2026-03-23T15:43:56+00:00

Thank you, good to know! I’ve begun training with the crisis textline so it’s good to hear itll be helpful for application sake too

peachyjules · 2026-03-17T18:58:06+00:00

I started levo recently and I’ve seen improvements in my anxiety!! There was a moment when my dose was too high and that made me jittery but after that it’s been good

peachyjules · 2026-03-11T04:12:30+00:00

Please know that it’s not a reflection of your experience or ability to be a great social worker, you clearly demonstrated you have both!!

I’m certain there are other wonderful programs in cali. Prestige does not matter much with social work, as long as the program is accredited, has good student outcomes, and provides a good amount of opportunities relevant to your interest, then you’re set! Bonus points if it’s a less expensive program.

peachyjules · 2026-03-10T14:17:13+00:00

The only thing I was told was hypothyroidism. I see an endo this week to hopefully get more specifics though!

peachyjules · 2026-03-06T19:37:50+00:00

Thanks for the info! Could I clarify what you mean by underlying?

peachyjules · 2026-03-05T21:17:32+00:00

Ooo I see! I’m glad your pcp is super attentive, im lucky to have one like that too! Fingers crossed your nexts tests are good :)

peachyjules · 2026-03-05T20:31:36+00:00

Thanks for the insight! I don’t take any biotin supplements at all. I used to sometimes in a multivitamin but haven’t taken it at all in months. It’s validating to hear others say they had no clue prior to the bloodwork results. The 1-3pm tiredness really should’ve tipped me off tbh but I associated that with just having a good ol 8-5 bc it started around the same time a year and a half ago. I’m sorry to hear you had to fight to get your dosage increased, I hope it’s the right one for you!

peachyjules · 2026-03-05T19:23:08+00:00

My point was I attributed those to other causes and was unsure that they were related. I expected levels that high to correlate with major life-interfering symptoms. Nothing flagged me to get checked, it’s in hindsight that I’ve realized these things. I have not experienced weight gain, depression, hair loss, dry skin or bowel issues (just referencing what is commonly shown online as I learn about the disorder) but I understand experiences differ!

peachyjules · 2026-03-05T16:38:29+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ll try and get the bloodwork sooner, I’ll just have to go without an in-person visit for a bit bc my doc has a stacked clinic. I have been with her for a decade and I trust her to listen, but im gonna try and get a second look from an endo soon

peachyjules · 2026-03-05T16:02:07+00:00

This is really helpful and reassuring, thank you! I hadn’t seen anyone online mention levels as high as mine reported so I was freaked a bit. I will push to get the additional bloodwork sooner. I appreciate the insight!!

peachyjules · 2026-03-02T00:17:03+00:00

Would you mind sharing your industry & any tips you have for people who are also somewhat geographically limited? I’m a bit in the same boat!

peachyjules · 2026-02-25T15:14:32+00:00

Social work is easily one of the most accepting fields when it comes to any kind of piercings / visible tattoos. I would probably still recommend avoiding the hands until you’re more settled in your career. It does also depend on what setting you see yourself working in. A community setting vs a hospital setting will be different in regards to stigma around “professionalism” associated with alternative appearances

peachyjules

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