5 years ago · Leah Fogt · 0 comments

Happy World Social Work Day!

March 19, 2019 is World Social Work Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of social workers world wide and take a message to communities to raise awareness about the contributions of the profession as well as needs for further action.

This year’s theme is “Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships” emphasizing a particular core value of the profession that is of great importance. There are seven core values of the social work profession:

• Service
• Social Justice
• Dignity and Worth of the Individual
• Importance of Human Relationships
• Integrity
• Competence

These values guide our efforts as social workers and must be central to all that we do.

As I reflect on this year’s theme for World Social Work Day, I find it particularly relevant at a time when fear and division dominate our communities. Relationships are essential to what makes us human beings. Relationships create opportunities for growth, support, discovery, and healing. They also can lead to hurt, hate, division, and oppression. Particularly here in the United States, many relationships are becoming strained and even severed, families are being divided over disagreement and polarization. Politics, religion, and race have become hotter topics than they’ve been in years, and as a society we seem to be losing the ability to build healthy and fruitful relationships if there is any disagreement whatsoever.

It’s time we extend the value of the importance of human relationships beyond the social work profession and related professions. Let’s work toward respectful connection and partnership, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye. It is in relationship that we grow and flourish as people.

One of my favorite authors, Brené Brown offers some very useful suggestions on navigating relationships, forging connections, and finding true belonging in her book “Braving the Wilderness.” She tells us, “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” If we take the chance to get closer to those with whom we have differences, it is easier to find mutual respect. You can read my review of the book HERE. I highly recommend it for those looking to more deeply connect despite today’s challenges.

So much of what we do in our lives cannot exist without relationship. Business, art, sports, therapy, family…virtually every human activity involves some type of relationship. We are at our best when our relationships are healthy and strong. So today I am especially grateful for the healthy relationships in my life:

• I am grateful for the relationship I have with our Creator, who sustains me every day.
• I am grateful for my spouse who fills my life with love, laughter, and adventure.
• I am grateful for my family who encourage and teach me, each in a unique and special way.
• I am grateful for my colleagues and coworkers who help me hone and practice my craft.
• I am grateful for my client’s who honor me with the chance to witness to their amazing journeys of healing and resilience.
• I am grateful for my friends and neighbors who make me smile and bring joy to everyday life.

What relationships enrich your life? I invite you to join me and the rest of the social work profession in celebrating human relationships, enhancing positive relationships, and improving those that are strained.

5 years ago · Leah Fogt · Comments Off on Happy Social Work Month!

Happy Social Work Month!

Social Work Month is in March and this year’s theme is ELEVATE SOCIAL WORK. Each day, nearly 700,000 social workers nationwide work to elevate and empower others, giving them the ability to solve life’s problems, cope with personal roadblocks, and get the services they need.

For generations, social workers have worked tirelessly to improve our wider society and make our nation a better place to live.  These social workers include Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, who pushed for a minimum wage and Social Security; Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams, who is considered the mother of social work; Civil Rights leaders Dorothy Height and Whitney Young Jr.; and Ambassador Wendy Sherman, who helped broker the Iran Nuclear Agreement.

You may not realize it, but social workers are everywhere. For example, they work in hospitals and mental health facilities and clinics, helping place people on the path to recovery from sickness and mental illness. They support our brave military personnel, veterans, and their families. They are in schools, helping students overcome issues that prevent them from getting a good education, and they protect children who have been abused or neglected. They also help children find new families through adoption.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States, with 100,000 more social workers expected to enter the profession in just seven years.  Still, this year’s theme – Elevate Social Workers – is not just about discussing the success of the social work profession. Despite the life-affirming, invaluable work that social workers perform, their salaries tend to lag behind that of other helping professions such as nurses, teachers, and policeman.

Social workers are needed now more than ever as the nation grapples with serious issues such as preventing violence and abuse, preventing suicide, ensuring access to good health care, as well as addressing the growing opioid addiction crisis now gripping the nation.

During Social Work Month, I urge you to learn more about the social work profession and how you can help members of this great vocation continue to make this nation better and get the compensation they need to do the amazing work they do.  You can learn more about the profession from the National Association of Social Workers.

5 years ago · Leah Fogt · Comments Off on The Addiction Crisis: A Catholic and Lutheran Response

The Addiction Crisis: A Catholic and Lutheran Response

On February 19th I was honored to participate in a conference hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – The Addiction Crisis: A Catholic and Lutheran Response. The event was held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cincinnati.  I was pleased to attend with two individuals who are very special to me: Suzanne Beckmeyer, LISW-S, my colleague and close friend, and Deacon Roger Duffy, a deacon at my church and the celebrant when my husband and I were married!  Nearly 400 people participated in the event, representing Lutheran and Catholic churches  across the state, as well as physicians, social workers, nurses, other professionals, and concerned citizens.  The day was focused on collaboratively forging solutions and equipping local churches with information, skills, and resources to better serve individuals with Substance Use Disorders and their families.

A Beautiful Collaboration

When my friend and colleague, Suzanne suggested we attend the conference together, I was very eager to be a part of the event.  I feel very strongly that our community needs to band together to address the Addiction Crisis, particularly in this part of Ohio.  The collaboration and partnership between the Catholic and Lutheran churches in this particular event is what I hope will be the beginning of a fruitful partnership.   It is so exciting to see two Christian denominations uniting toward a common goal.  Indeed, we are more alike that we are different.  As believers and servants to the community, we are called to do all we can to help one another – and we do better when we all work together!

Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt and Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.
(Photo credit: Pr. Aaron Layne)

It was inspiring to see Archbishop Dennis Schnurr and Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt praying and working side-by-side at the event, bridging gaps between two denominations that have historically been in opposition.  We can put our few differences aside, join together in our similarities, and unite toward the goal of serving others.

The conference opened and closed with song, scripture, and prayer co-led by Bishop Dillahunt and Archbishop Schnurr.  Both faith leaders affirmed a commitment to support service and change in the area of addictions in our state, as well as a commitment to future collaboration.

Equipping Clergy and Lay Ministers

The main goal of the day was to train and equip local faith communities to better understand and address the addiction crisis in their communities.

Fr. Mark Hushen, O.S.F.S. (Photo Credit: L. Fogt)

We heard a presentation by Fr. Mark Hushen, O.S.F.S., a Catholic priest in the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, counselor, President and CEO of Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and recovering alcoholic and addict.  Fr. Hushen shared with us some of his personal story of struggling with a Substance Use Disorder and finding his way to recovery.  He spoke about the benefits of 12-step fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Celebrate Recovery.  Through his lively and interactive talk he emphasized how individuals in recovery are most successful in achieving and maintaining sobriety when they are surrounded by a wide variety of supports including medical support, pastoral care, psychotherapy, housing options, vocational rehabilitation and employment, supportive friends and family members, and other resources.  Fr. Hushen emphasized that local churches can play a powerful role in supporting those in recovery and their families.  One cannot recover alone!

We also heard a compelling presentation by Sis Wenger, the President and CEO of the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), who spoke about the impact addiction has on the family unit.  She emphasized how many of the consequences of addictive behavior are suffered by the children in the family, however the indicators of this problems are often very hidden.  Wenger encouraged those serving in local churches to be attentive to covert signs that children in our community might be suffering.  She identified ways that children are often “parentified” at young ages when there is addiction in the family, taking on adult responsibilities and protector roles rather than more developmentally appropriate activities.  She emphasized that local churches wanting to serve those impacted by the addiction crisis must be prepared to help not just those with Substance Use Disorders themselves, but their families as well.

Another fruitful aspect of the day was a time devoted to identification of specific resources available to help those in recovery and their families.  Participants broke up into smaller groups by county to learn about specific programs and ask detailed questions.  I attended the Montgomery County break out session where we heard are recovery story from a member of the community and a presentation fro Jodi Long, LISW-S, LICDC-CS who is the Director of Treatment and Supportive Services for the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS).  This was an opportunity for local church leaders to gather details and brainstorm solutions to bring to their towns and neighborhoods.  Long outlined specific ways churches can make commitments to better support those with addiction and their families like hosting trainings on addiction and trauma issues, having Narcan available on the church premises, partnering with local recovery centers through donations and events, hosting 12-step meetings, and preaching with sensitivity and awareness.

Coming back together as a group, returning from our individual county break out groups, we concluded the informational and learning portion of the day with a final presentation on “Connecting the Dots.”  Fr. Hushen and Sis Wenger together walked us through additional resources and empowered us to engage in community-based ministry in partnership with existing programs, initiatives, and service providers.  Some examples of their recommendations include:

1. Be a welcoming community.  We can use person-first language.  We can resist judgment and invite the community into our church.  We can be mindful of the families we serve and reach out when needed.
2. Promote addiction awareness and reduce stigma.  We can host trainings and events to raise awareness and increase dialogue.  We can create lists and gather information about area programs and resources and make them readily available and visible.  We an assist those in need by connecting them to resources in loving, supportive, and judgment-free ways.
3. Talk about addiction.  Clergy and ministers can preach and teach about addiction issues, healing, and forgiveness.  We can pray together for those struggling with Substance Use Disorders and their families.
4. Form an Action Team.  Local churches can develop collaborative strategies and address the unique needs in their community, establishing contacts and point-people to facilitate action and assistance.  These groups can lead the charge in supporting a  welcoming environment.
5. Reduce overdoses. Church staff can be trained in administering Narcan and keep Narcan available on the premises.  A Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) training ca be offered to equip members of the congregation to recognize signs of overdose and administer Narcan.
6. Get involved with your county board. Faith communities can collaborate with local service providers and programs, host trainings, and offer sacred space for discussion and healing.

It was a compelling call-to-action, which left me personally feeling energized and inspired.

A Community’s Prayer

The event concluded with a Prayer and Commissioning Service.  We prayed for our communities and for the courage, wisdom, and fortitude to serve effectively and compassionately.

One of the closing prayers from that service said it best:

(Photo Credit: Pr. Aaron Layne)

You have blessed us, O Lord, with wisdom and insight and linked us to those who can help us walk with our sisters and brothers with a substance use disorder.  We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, family members, co-workers, members of congregations and members of society.  We know that what hurts one member of the Body of Christ hurts us all. We also know in faith that if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.  Give us strength to continue to shoulder the cross of this crisis in our midst, to be patient and compassionate as we look forward to a day of sharing the joy of healing, no matter how small, because we are each a member of you body, O Christ.  Amen.

 

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A special thanks to Suzanne Beckmeyer, LISW-S for encouraging me to participate in this event.  Thank you to Deacon Roger Duffy and Fr. Pat Sloneker for supporting me.  Thank you to Pr. Aaron Layne, John Pyron, and Susan Barton-Nonno for allowing me to use event photos and quote event materials.  Thank you to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for putting on a great program.  I look forward to future collaborations to bring about health and healing in our communities. 

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6 years ago · Leah Fogt · Comments Off on Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and today, October 10th is World Mental Health Day.  It’s a great time to pause and take inventory of our perceptions, beliefs, experiences, and knowledge about mental health.  It’s a great time to be active or get involved in mental health causes or efforts.  It’s also a really great opportunity to just talk about mental health issues with those around us.

A common slogan that often circulates in the mental health field that I am especially fond of is “Know Science.  No Stigma.”  At the core of this catchphrase is the idea of reducing myths and misconceptions about mental health by being informed on the science behind the matter.  For example, if we are aware of things like biochemistry and basic physiology, it’s hard to fall into misunderstandings or even judgment of those who struggle with mental illnesses.  In my work with clients and their families, I take very seriously the importance of increasing understanding the roles of the body, brain, and chemistry play in recovery and management of mental illnesses.  It is helpful in de-stigmatizing and reducing judgment and criticisms.   

You don’t have to be a science whiz to reduce the stigmas around mental health though.  Sometimes it’s as simple as taking the chance to talk about it.  So this week, I have been asking some of my clients what they wished other people knew about mental health.  Some were brave and gracious enough to allow me to share their thoughts in this post.  Below are some of the insightful, honest, and courageous statements some of my client’s have shared.  They have had some really cool things to say, so please give their ideas a good think!

“If you just understood that I’m different than you, and different is okay. I just have to work on things differently.”

“Don’t be afraid to talk about it.”

“People who have mental illness sometimes value life more. They shouldn’t be ashamed of it. There are difficult days but that doesn’t make life unworthy.”

“It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, but once you do, things start to get better.  I wish I didn’t wait as long as I did to start therapy.

“Mental Illness is real. It’s not something we make up. It’s a real thing. It’s a real illness. It’s not made up. It’s real struggles.”

“Struggling with mental illness looks different in each person.  There shouldn’t be stereotypes.  A lot of people don’t know I struggle, because I have a good job and take good care of my family.  They don’t know that inside it’s a battle all the time.  You probably know more people than you think who have a mental illness.”

6 years ago · Leah Fogt · Comments Off on World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.  It’s a day when world-wide we work to raise awareness about suicide, mental health, and most importantly prevention of death by suicide.  One of the most valuable ways everyday people can participate in suicide prevention is by reducing the stigmas associated with suicide and mental illness.

At a recent professional conference, I was discussing these topics with some of my colleagues and an interesting conversation came up regarding the movement to change the language we use to talk about suicide.  Typically we hear expressions like “he/she committed suicide”, and many mental health professionals and advocates are suggesting this language is problematic.  The word “committed” is typically used to describe actions that we consider wrong, immoral, or deplorable.  For example a crime is committed, adultery is committed, a sin is committed.  Suicide is not a crime, and most religious communities no longer recognize it as a sin – so “committed suicide” doesn’t work.  Using this language imposes judgment and may cause people who are feeling suicidal to feel unsafe or afraid to seek the support and help they need, even from trusted friends and family members.  

Some suggest using the words “completed suicide” to describe when a person dies in this manner, however many take issue with that language as well, since “complete” is usually a positive thing (e.g. complete a class, complete a task, complete a work day).  Completion is good.  Suicide is not.

The preferred language that is becoming increasingly common in the mental health field is to say a person “died by suicide”, which acknowledges the role of mental ILLNESS, much like when we say “she died of cancer” or “he died from a heart attack.”  While it may be a little more cumbersome to say, it conveys the act of suicide is the result of illness, intolerable stress, or trauma.  It removes judgment from the picture.  Event the Associated Press officially discourages the use of the phrase “committed suicide” except in the case of direct quotes, preferring alternatives like “died by suicide.” 

Shifting our language can help decrease the stigma and judgment around suicide issues.  It may help make it a little easier for a person who is struggling with thoughts of death to talk about how they are feeling and seek the help they need, which in the end must be our goal.   

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, TALK ABOUT IT!  Don’t wait!  Don’t ignore it! There is help and support available.  Below are some national and local suicide prevention resources.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-TALK (8255), chat online HERE.

Butler County Crisis Consultation and Intervention – 1-844-4CRISIS (1-844-427-4747). 

Warren & Clinton Counties Crisis Hotline – 1-877-695-NEED (6333)

Preble County Crisis Hotline – 1-866-532-3097

Montgomery County Crisis Care – 937-224-4646

Hamilton County Crisis –  513-281-CARE (2273)

8 years ago · Leah Fogt · Comments Off on Let’s Talk about Mental Health!

Let’s Talk about Mental Health!

Every year in May we recognize Mental Health Month as a time to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote access to quality care and services.  The tradition began back in 1949 and remains an important opportunity to be mindful of the role mental health plays in our lives as individuals, couples, families, and communities.

Did you know?

Approximately 1 and 5 adults in the US will experience a mental illness in a given year.

About 1 in 25 adults in the US will experience a serious mental illness in a given year, which significantly interferes with one or more major life activities.

6.9% of adults in the US had at least one Major Depressive Episode in the past year.

18.1% of adults in the US experience an Anxiety Disorder (such as PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, or phobias).

50.5% of US adults who experience a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental illness.

>>>>>Even though mental illness is this prevalent, only 41% of US adults with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year!

We’ve got to work together as a community to solve this problem!  Let’s support mental health research and encourage the development of effective treatments, programs, and services to help those who are struggling.  Let’s educate one another, engage in dialogue about mental illness.  We can’t be afraid to talk about this!

Here are some ways to get involved:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is focusing its efforts this year on reducing the stigma of mental illness in American Society with the goal of “replacing stigma with hope.”  NAMI emphasizes changing societal views of mental illness – that we see the PERSON first, not the illness.  Even actress Mayim Bialik is getting involved!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzk7sSOHGSQ[/embedyt]

Another organization, Mental Health America  is focusing its efforts this year on sharing stories about life with mental illness.

“This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is – Life with a Mental Illness – and will call on individuals to share what life with a mental illness feels like for them in words, pictures and video by tagging their social media posts with #mentalillnessfeelslike (or submitting to MHA anonymously). Posts will be collected and displayed at mentalhealthamerica.net/feelslike.

Posting with the hashtag will allow people to speak up about their own experiences, to share their point of view with individuals who may be struggling to explain what they are going through—and help others figure out if they too are showing signs of a mental illness. Sharing is the key to breaking down negative attitudes and misperceptions surrounding mental illnesses, and to show others that they are not alone in their feelings and their symptoms.”

Whether you choose to be involved in any organized efforts this month or not, I invite you to take the opportunity to be mindful of role mental health plays in your life.  Consider asking yourself some challenging questions.

• How has mental health impacted my personal life?  My loved ones?
• Do I use any words that perpetuate stigmas, myths, or marginalization of individuals with mental illness?
• Am I embarrassed or ashamed to talk about my mental health, even with people I trust or people who could help?
• What do I wish the world knew about mental illness?
• What are some examples of ways I have been resilient?  Who or what has helped me along the way?

If you or someone you love may be struggling with a mental illness, talk about it!  One loving, judgement-free conversation can open the doors to a more healthy and hopeful future!  Resources and treatment options are available through your insurance provider or your county’s Mental Health and Addictions Recovery Board.  You can also read about beginning therapy with me HERE.

8 years ago · Leah Fogt · Comments Off on “Forging Solutions out of Challenges”

“Forging Solutions out of Challenges”

Every March the Social Work Profession celebrates Social Work Month as a time to raise public awareness about the role of social workers, research current social issues, promote social change and solutions, and support the growth of the profession.  This year’s theme is “Forging Solutions out of Challenges” – a concept at the core of every good Social Worker’s practice. 

There are a lot of myths about Social Work.  Chances are you have been or will be served by a social worker at some point in your life.  (If you are my client, you already ARE working with a social worker!)

Here are some things you might not know about the Social Work Profession:

• The primary mission of the Social Work profession is to enhance well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in society.
• Social Work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States with more than 640,000 members of the profession.
• Social Workers work in all areas of our society to improve happiness, health and prosperity, including in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, community programs, the military, and mental health and health care facilities.
• Social Workers have helped this nation live up to its ideals by successfully pushing for equal rights for all, including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who are LGBTQ and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups.
• Social Workers have helped people in this nation overcome racial strife and economic and health care uncertainty by successfully advocating for initiatives such as Medicaid, unemployment insurance, workplace safety, Social Security benefits, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Affordable Care Act.
• Social Workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States and daily work to help people overcome depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other disorders so they can lead more fulfilling lives.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employs more than 12,000 professional Social Workers and Social Workers help bolster our nation’s security by providing support to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
• Thousands of child, family and school Social Workers across the country provide assistance to protect children and improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families.  Social Workers help children find loving homes and create new families through adoption.
• Social Workers in schools work with families and schools to foster future generations by ensuring students reach their full academic and personal potential.
• Social Workers work with older adults and their families to improve their quality of life and ability to live independently as long as possible and get access to quality mental health and health care.
• Social Workers have helped the United States and other nations overcome earthquakes, floods, wars and other disasters by helping survivors get services such as food, shelter, and health care and mental health care to address stress and anxiety.

Leah Groshek, LISW-S, CTP

My favorite thing about being a social worker is that on a regular basis I am able to see every-day people achieve amazing things despite challenges or adversity.  I am proud that my profession is centered on identifying, mobilizing, and building upon the strengths that already lie within ourselves, our families, and our communities.  As human beings, we have what it takes to do incredible things, and my job is to help awaken that potential in each person I serve.  Especially as a therapist and Certified Trauma Practitioner, I am often amazed by the magnificence of human resilience I witness in my clients. I am honored to support individuals’ ability to heal from the past and pursue a life-giving future.