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Social workers

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Mental health social work brings me into contact with people from different walks of life. My case load consists mostly of men, with about one third women. There are a disproportionate number of black service users given the general population in this area and I recognise that racism is likely to play a part in the greater prevalence of black people in the system. Mr Y is in his early 20s and he developed a psychosis during the latter part of his teens. His early life experience was problematic, with several episodes spent in care. He has struggled to come to terms with his past and he experiences delusions about supposed family members that don't exist. He can be quite challenging at times and I have to reflect on my own reactions to him, being careful not to stereotype his behaviour as aggressive. I have had to challenge colleagues who in the past were seemingly quick to label him as dangerous, when actually he was trying to express himself from within his own cultural experience. This case contrasts significantly with another which involved a 30 year old mother of twin daughters born 18 months ago. The mother, Ms F, experienced severe post natal depression. She had a relatively ordinary childhood but reports that her parents' high expectations meant that she was always going to fail in life. Her self-esteem is rarely high and she struggles with her twin daughters. She is often very compliant when I am with her and I have to be very careful not use my power excessively. Although she has some support, I recognise that her care of her daughters has not always been adequate. I am currently recommending that a referral to children's services is made in order to try and secure some additional support for her and the children.

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