Eletta Cameron

For clarification purposes, I am not a medical doctor or a Ph.D. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. That said, thank you for your question. First, it is important to try and determine the root cause of the anxious experiences you’re having. You may want to consider seeking mental health counseling and a therapist can assist you in determining the source of the anxiety and help you develop tools and techniques to better control anxious experiences. Medication can be helpful, but it’s not a panacea. A psychiatrist or your PCP can evaluate you and determine what medication would be best for you to help manage; however, therapy would also be extremely helpful as well. Best wishes and take care of your mental health and wellness.

Good evening and thank you for your question. Let me clarify the fact that I am not a physician. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My first suggestion would not be medication and instead a regimen of learning how to effectively practice deep breathing even when you are not feeling anxious so your body learns how to call on the tool like second nature. I also suggest finding a good therapist with whom you connect to begin addressing the thought processes behind your feelings of anxiety. Finally I suggest downloading an app like Calm or Breathe to assist in relaxation at night before falling asleep. Limit your screen and tv time. Spend time outdoors, with good friends and family. Anxiety is a normal emotion that gets turned up when something is bothering us. You are not alone and there is nothing wrong with you. Take care of yourself, think optimistically, and you will eventually realize learning to be in control of yourself will significantly lessen your anxious feelings. Warmest regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. It depends on what type of social worker you are looking to contact. I believe you need to identify what resources you are looking to access and based on that you can better determine the type of SW you would need to contact.

Thank you for your question. If you are concerned about what you hear, it never hurts to make a phone call to either the police or CYF. They are responsible to investigate and you can make the call anonymously.
Thank you for caring.

Hello and thank you for your question. Repeated blackouts absolutely constitutes alcoholism. They may think because they don't drink every day that they are not alcoholics, that is not true. Alcoholism is defined by tolerance, amount and frequency. Her blackouts are a sure indication that she has a problem with alcohol. Hopefully she will eventually come to an understanding that how she drinks and the amount she drinks is effecting her. Blackouts are one way the body protects itself by shutting down before poisoning occurs. Blackouts happen when the person cannot exercise control and doesn't know when to stop.

Hello and thank you for your question. A severe mental illness is one which effects a person mood, thoughts and behaviors; ultimately making it difficult for him/her to take care of their daily basic needs. Many people have depression and it is treated with no issues. I hope this answers your question.
Warmest Regards

Hello and thank you for your question. This question is complicated because there are various unknowns (ie: the age of the child, history of depression, is it circumstantial, has the child been professionally diagnosed, etc). I think discussing with her that you believe it is important to talk about how she is thinking and feeling is vital. Also, how do you know she is uncomfortable? She can be comfortable in her surrounding and still suffer from depression. I suggest you seek a child therapist and attend the session with her at times to provide another layer of support to this child. Warmest Regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. Before jumping to a diagnosis I believe there are some other things to consider. I suggest having his vision and hearing checked. These are sometimes barriers to learning that are not considered. Once that is cleared, I would speak with his teachers and school counselor, who may be a social worker or an educator. Share your concerns regarding your son and request an evaluation by the school psychologist. He may require modifications or accommodations. Being a pre-teen and having a lot of hormonal changes could also play a role in how he is thinking, feeling and acting. Also, make an appointment with the pediatrician and discuss your concerns with them. They can provide you with resources and referrals for counseling should he find it beneficial. I wish you the best outcomes.
Warmest Regards,

Hello and thank you for your question. Social workers are human beings who are not exempt from experiencing life; so they absolutely could develop anxiety and/or depression. However, I am not sure if you are asking if Social Workers develop these conditions because of their profession. There could be certain work environments or situations that are more likely to be stress and anxiety producing (ie: working in high trauma situations, working in prisons or with child abuse and neglect). I believe anyone going into any discipline needs to know themselves first and understand the various dimensions of their discipline. Thus if certain aspects of their discipline like working for CYF is something too heavy for them, then there are numerous other areas within social work in which they can seek employment.
I hope this answers your questions. Warm Regards.

Good morning and thank you for the question. Without knowing the age of your child, some separation anxiety is normal and age appropriate; however, if it escalates to the point where, as you mentioned, it becomes a challenge to leave for work or even the room, then there are some things you can do to reassure your child. If your child is school-aged and going off to school, never linger; and the same goes for when you are leaving for work. Tell them, "Mommy will see you later. Love you and have a good day." When you all reconvene tell them I am so glad you had a good and see Mommy did come back just like I told you. It is important to reassure and keep so-longs to a minimum when leaving.
I hope this helps. Warmest regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. The day of a social worker really depends of the type of social work and venue in which it is being practiced. Having worked for numerous organizations such as schools, health centers, colleges and hospitals your days is contingent on the type of social work you are practicing. I would suggest reaching out to social workers who work in various capacities and ask to speak with them or even shadow them for a day or two. Hope this is helpful. Best Regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. Confidentiality is dependent on the content of the conversation. However, it is best practice for the Social Worker to always contact the parent(s) to let them know they spoke with their child and here were the concerns. I suggest requesting a meeting or phone call to discuss with the social worker his or her practices and make them aware that you would like to know if they speak to your child about things pertaining to their mental health and wellness and/or emotional and physical concerns. Sometimes, student do just drop in for basic conversation about their day or a frustration with a class. Those types of topics are not considered "confidential." I hope this helps. Best Regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. It is important to ask them about their dream; however if they don't feel comfortable talking about it give them a means of drawing or writing it to the best of their ability. If the nightmares continue it may be beneficial to seek a child therapist that specializes in play therapy and trauma. Best wishes and warm regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. The death of a loved one is very difficult and especially the death of a parent for you child. You're son's response to his father's death is not uncommon, however it may be time to seek professional intervention. However, before doing so talk to him. Share with him that the loss of his father is difficult for all of you and whatever he is feeling is ok. Don't expect a long conversation, and don't expect for him to make you feel ok by responding. Just let him know you are there for him and that whenever he is ready to talk you are willing to listen. Also, acknowledge that he may want to talk with someone outside of you. That is not a negative thing. It will allow him to be vulnerable with someone who has no emotional investment except for wellness of his Mental Health. Ask him would he like to have the chance to speak with someone. However, don't push the issue. In time he will upon up slowly. I would also consider seeking an outlet for yourself. Dealing with the loss of his father and the emotional distance with your son right now has to be difficult. I wish you the best. Warmest Regards.

Hello and thank you for your question. It is awesome you are considering a career in social work. Social Work is a broad field with three main dimensions from which to practice: micro, mezzo or macro. That said, most types of social work may have some level of each. However, carrying a caseload is really based on the environment in which you work and responsibilities are based on what the position requires. I believe what may be beneficial is to talk with social workers who are employed in diverse settings or have been employed in various roles who could give you insight into the life and responsibilities of a SW. You may even consider shadowing different SWs in different for a week so you can observe and ask question In the context of which it is occurring. Best of Luck to you. Warm Regards.

Thank you for your question. The field of social work is quite broad. However, all Social Workers are trained as Generalist; meaning the basic competencies are known, understood, implemented and practiced to fidelity. Social workers are to act as agents of change - be that in communities, institutions, organizations, or private practice. We are individuals who provide resources and connections to those resources by understanding the expressed need of the person with whom we work. That said it sounds like you may seeking an LCSW who focuses on direct practice/therapy/counseling. Depending on where you live you may find and LICSW or LSW. These individuals are trained to assess and treat mental health and wellness issues. I hope this helps. Be well.

Thank you for your question. It’s important to know if you still have parental rights and if those rights are intact or have been terminated. If you do still have rights you can petition the courts for custody. If you have lost parental rights It would probably be beneficial to seek legal counsel.
However, prior to doing any of that I think it would be beneficial to you, your children and your mother to have a conversation. Discuss where you were, are and desire to be. This situation doesn’t have to be nasty. Trust has to be re-established between you, your mother and children; and that takes time. Begin with finding out how to re-establish the trust and then talk about what is needed from all parties. Sometimes it’s not about obtaining custody but developing a healthy relationship in which all parties can benefit through mutual respect, understanding and love. I wish the best outcome for all parties involved.

Yes, a social worker is an excellent resource to the school system, teachers, students, and parents. Though your son’s grade level is not mentioned, there may also be a guidance counselor who can work in tandem with the social worker to identify the underlying issues. The Student Assistance Program (also referred to as SAP) may be another resource the school can employ. Inquire as to if your son’s school has such a program in place. May you have success with your process and I wish your son peace and wellness.

Reassure your son that he is loved by both parents. Also, let him know he is not expected to take a side; this is an adult issue. Share with him that if he has any questions he is welcome to ask. Be age appropriately honest with him. He is processing in his own way so give him safe space and let him know his feelings are valid. Check in with him from time to time and ask him his thoughts. His thoughts will reveal his feelings. Be well.