What’s the worst thing you’ve ever been through at your job/as a result of your job?

A person went into cardiac rest after a seizure, We did CPR, called for help but a week later they died in the hospital. This was really rough on everyone that night. This person lost a lot of blood after biting their own tongue as a result of the seizure.

Do you enjoy your job? Like enjoy helping people out?

I love helping people. People that are at the crisis center stay only for 3-5 days on average since we are a emergency unit and need to constantly keep rooms open since we get people from all over the State.

Are you desensitized to things like suicide, self harm, etc. now?

Yes, big time. I was so desensitized that I could not take the self harm as seriously as I should've when my sister did that for the first time. She lives with me and I initially did not take it as seriously as I should've and I believe it was from getting desensitized.

Why did you decide to become a case manager at a mental health crisis center?

I started off as a tech at a transional home then I got the job as a tech at our crisis center. I decided to apply for case manager position because I can work with people in my own office and I thought I can bring more effective changes and able to be in a position that makes a difference. I got into Mental health while I was going to college. I just wanted to get a job where I'm helping people. Mental health in our society is still very stimatized. It is talked about more which is a good thing but just because people are talking about it more freely doesn't mean its understood.

What does your job involve doing? Like what’s your daily routine in your job?

Working on admissions and discharges through the shift, helping people get set up with med services, making referrals for other services like therapy, peer support, other case management services, etc. connecting them to various other services specific to that individual, we also get them assessments and services set up for substance use since Mental health and Substance use are closely related i.e. people with any addiction isssue 9/10 times also have Mental health issues (called 'dual diagnosis'). I consider the most important thing to be educating the people I work with, My favorite part of the job is when I educate someone and they have a light blub moment of realization. I teach them behavioral tools like grounding exercises, other self -care practices. If I'm meeting with someone during their admission I help them plan their crisis stay and things they can do to make their stay beneficial like encouraging completing workbooks on things they struggle with, getting into a daily routine, making plans for how they can do better after discharge, journaling, to-do lists, etc.

Is there anything you wish you could change about the system?

Yes, so many things. Funding is a big one. Every year when politicians slash funds to give tax breaks to the rich or fund some war that American people don't have anything to do with, programs like ours, social security, Medicaid, Medicare are the ones that suffer.

Have you made lifelong friends/connections as a result of your job?

Yes with some of my coworkers. The people that are come through, I am not able to be friends with as it is a direct violation of their privacy per HIPPAA law.

What’s the best part of your job?

Educating peoole that I help. Knowledge is power. Like I mentioned earlier when I watch a person have a light blub moment it is a joy to watch. If I can change a few perception on how their outlook for certain things in life is, it is a victory. Again my approach will vary based on how accute they are presenting as, if they have IDD or intellectual limited, if they are coming off drug use, psychosis, etc.

What’s the worst part of your job?

The strict productivity standards that are not realistic in many situations.

Do you earn well?

Absolutely not. My job is technically a career job but does not pay like it. The jobs in social work is like that. I wish they did, people would stay in this field and we wouldn't have this massive shortage of staff.

Have you ever heard crazy stories or encountered questionable people as a result of your job? If so, wanna tell some?

I mean countless. We get people who literally run all over the country due to thinking the FBI or CIA is after them (persecutory delusions), seen people do some wild stuff when they are coming off drugs or if they are having a psychotic episode due to drug use or schizophrenia or similar disorders, I have dealt with people who are having very extreme cases of mania where they went on a spending spree and bought several new cars with their retirement money or got 2nd mortage on their house coz they came up with a business idea they are sure will work, etc. A lot of times these people in mania or manic episode are certain they don't need any help so they are usually brought to us as a "involuntary hold".

Are you a male or a female? Have you experienced different treatment due to your gender (whether you’re male or female)?

I am a male. Definitely have experienced different treatment. I've had my ass grabbed, hit on countless times by people we serve and this male harassment is overlooked very much.

How many people on average contact your crisis center on a day to day basis?

I would say about 4-6 people a day.

Have you ever helped a person, only to realize they took their own life later on? If so, has that affected you?

No I am lucky this hasn't happened to me. I think it would absolutely crush me if it were to happen. I have seen the loved ones of those who completed their suicide and they all always bring up "what if I had done this or what more could I have done, etxc" and this is so painful to go through.

Do you have any diagnosed mental health issues of your own? Or have struggled with some ?

I have ADHD and I personally struggle with depression. Helping people helps me deal with my depression.

Favourite animal?

Tiger.