Amanda Gibson is a clinical social worker.
What kind of social work do you do?
I work as a clinical social worker at Sutter Health Systems supervising psychiatric patients, especially those who are at risk of hurting themselves or others. Because of government cuts to funding for behavioral health, these people have no choice but to go to the emergency room for help.
What do you love most about your profession?
I love educating other people in health care about the best ways to work with mental health disorders and I love breaking down the stigma.
What is the stigma?
The stigma is that if you get help for mental health issues you will be labeled crazy, lose your job, or be rejected by your family.
What is the alternative way to think about mental health disorders?
We are all one crisis away from madness.
What is the most challenging aspect about your profession?
The most challenging aspect would be managing the multiple priorities for patients. It is difficult to get patients the help that they need, and out of the emergency room, when the facilities that they need are overcrowded.
Do you believe in a higher power? If so, what do you call it?
Yes, I do. I have different names depending on the practice.
What are some of those names?
Creator is my favorite name.
If you woke up one morning without fear, what would you do?
My biggest fear is not being loved. So, if I were without fear, I would love with abandon.
For what would you like to be forgiven?
I would like to be forgiven for any time that I have been judgmental towards others.
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