Stigma can play a large part in increasing the suffering of an injured or sick person. Often they feel like they are being judged, or letting the side down, and when they do return to work, will they be treated the same way.

In this episode Dr Caroline Howe speaks to Libi Stone - Occupational Rehabilitation Leader and Senior Rehabilitation Consultant - in a wide ranging conversation encompassing stigma, the role of anxiety, how the medical heirarchy and Case Managers help (and sometimes don't) in Workers Compensation, plus how to combat stigma, regain your confidence and see through to the other side.

They are joined by members of the My Social Support Network who share their experiences with stigma.

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This week's episode is a special presentation by Dr Caroline Howe, founder of My Social Support Network, on not only how to avoid burnout, but also an exploration of Trauma Informed Therapy. Recent studies with PTSD and trauma patients, show that both EMDR and Trauma Therapy, supported by other practises, show amazing recovery results.

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When you feel so many things have changed in your life and that you've lost everything, it's very hard to see outside your situation, see that you are more than your job, or your former ability.

In this episode, MSSN founder Dr Caroline Howe speaks to Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer, about his journey about rebuilding his life from a point where he thought he had lost everything. The is a story of hope, of shifting perspectives and how to not only move forward, but to thrive!

For more on Warren Davies' story, his website www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au has more on his story and the work he is doing to help fix communities and individuals.

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Burnout is the modern curse of the workplace. Most often seen in the most diligent of workers, burnout is a major impediment to a happy and balanced work life. Even more so, burnout is a huge concern for people returning to work after a workplace injury who are now facing the prospect of reinjury.

In this episode, Dr Caroline Howe is in conversation with Alicia Gibbs, who takes us through the effects burnout can have on your ability to return to work, plus how to avoid burnout in the first place.

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When people go through Worker's Compensation, or any insurance claim, they are assigned a Case Manager (sometimes called a Claims Manager). Together, the injured worker and the Case Manager are supposed to work through the process together to see a healthier worker return to the workforce.

So what's it like being a Case Manager, what are the pressures and how do they see working with injured workers?

In this episode, Dr Caroline Howe is in conversation with Alicia Gibbs, who has a long history as a Rehabilitation Expert and also a Case Manager, who also trains Case Managers. Her insights give us an understanding that we otherwise don't get access to.

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During times of injury or sickness, it is not unusual for people to turn to self-medication. The most common forms are food, alcohol and drugs - but this can be a slippery slope and end up in addiction, which as we all know can be very dangerous.

On this episode, MSSN Founder Dr Caroline Howe speaks with Zoe Cook, creator of the Pink Cloud app, which works to assist women to combat the use of alcohol addiction while also creating a community of supportive people available to help.

Pink Cloud: iOS and Android.
Zoe also mentioned a screening tool - Pink Cloud would be appropriate for those with a score of 8 or more: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

Also during the interview, Zoe mentioned an app that will assist people with opiod addiction issues called TaperMate.

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There are so many questions when you're on Worker's Compensation - it can feel like a full time job! When it comes to doing the right thing with your Certificate of Capacity, knowing your rights with Independent Medical Consultants, and the ultimate goal of returning to work, getting good advice can be difficult, especially if it seems like a lot of legal gibberish!

In this week's episode, MSSN Founder, Dr Caroline Howe speaks with Scott Dougall, partner at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers and a Personal Injury specialist and expert litigator about simplifying some of the more complicated aspects of making your way through these processes.

If you feel you need legal advice, the Independent Review Office is there for you: https://iro.nsw.gov.au/find-lawyers

To contact Carroll & O'Dea Lawyers: https://www.codea.com.au/

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Recovering from an injury is, more often than not, isolating. Some people reach out at this time for companionship from an animal, a friend who can give comfort and love when the world seems all too hard.

So what is the best pet for you and how do you go about choosing your new lifelong companion?

Dr Caroline Howe is joined by hosts of the upcoming Yap and Yarn podcast, Nursed Angie and Dr Reiko for a fun chat about pets as therapy and finding your perfect non-human companion!

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