The therapist who refuses to stay silent on COVID, gender ideology, and mental health

In this episode of Nurses Out Loud, Nurse Jody O'Malley and Pamela Garfield, a seasoned mental health professional, discuss the troubling state of mental healthcare post-COVID. Pamela shares her journey with thoracic outlet syndrome and her concerns over many therapists who blindly follow harmful COVID policies. They highlight the growing suicide crisis, the rise of gender ideology in therapy, and the secrecy school counselors maintain from parents. Emphasizing the importance of questioning experts, the conversation encourages listeners to protect children and rethink mental health practices. Pamela's insights shed light on how the training and challenges faced by social workers impact the quality of care and raise awareness about the flaws in the mental health system today.

Personal experiences can heavily influence one's views on healthcare and mental health. After enduring years of misdiagnosis and lack of belief from medical professionals, the speaker learned the importance of advocating for oneself. Through perseverance, they finally received a proper diagnosis and underwent successful surgery. This journey highlights the need for patients to take charge of their health, ensuring they seek out the right specialists who truly understand their conditions. Although some healthcare providers are ineffective, there are also many who genuinely help. The speaker's experience underscores the critical necessity for open communication and validation between patients and doctors in order to improve healthcare outcomes.

Many people felt isolated during the COVID-19 lockdowns, realizing how important social connections are, especially in times of crisis. The impact on children was particularly concerning, as they were deprived of normal interactions and experiences, leading to increased anxiety and mental health issues. This situation highlighted the need for community support and awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals. It was surprising to see how certain measures appeared to only serve specific agendas, rather than addressing broader public health concerns. The emotional toll on children and the disconnect from their peers had lasting effects, showcasing a need for better consideration of human connections in policy decisions. Overall, understanding the psychological impact of such drastic measures is essential, as it not only affects kids but all members of society, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and developing resilience.

During the pandemic, efforts to protect the vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly, ended up causing significant harm. Many elderly individuals suffered emotional distress from isolation and lost will to live, while children dealt with increased anxiety from disrupted routines. Health professionals expressed frustration over how gender ideology has changed their practice, causing them to feel they must comply with new beliefs that contradict their training. Overall, there have been dramatic shifts in mental health perspectives, with traditional views now challenged by rising cultural narratives that prioritize new ideologies. This discourse reveals a need for attention and compassion for those whose needs were overlooked during crisis periods and highlights growing concerns about how these changes affect practitioners and patients alike.

A three-step gut health system and a gel supplement for beauty from within are being promoted as effective natural solutions for gut issues and dull skin and hair. Additionally, there is a conversation about the fight for personal freedom and social issues, highlighting a generational shift in attitudes towards race and political movements since the 90s. The participants reflect on their experiences with different cultural movements, including Black Lives Matter, and their awakening to broader societal issues, emphasizing the importance of questioning information and standing up against perceived tyranny.

Experiences can lead to realizations about friendships and the impact of government programs. The speaker reflects on her journey from relying on public assistance to finding independence and strength after leaving an abusive relationship. She learns that true friends value well-being rather than political beliefs, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with genuine support. The evolution of her views, especially during challenging times in 2020, emphasizes the need for honest discussions and awareness of differing perspectives. This journey has empowered her, leading to a desire to advocate for truth and demonstrate resilience, even when facing societal pressures and personal challenges.

After a long absence due to health issues, a therapist returned to work and found drastic changes in her field, especially regarding gender identity discussions among teens. She observed that many children were identifying as trans and felt that the focus was misplaced. During therapy sessions, masks hindered personal connections, making it challenging to provide effective support. As she struggled to adapt to these new ideas, she chose to speak out against the prevalent narratives surrounding gender ideology in schools and healthcare, ultimately becoming an advocate for truth in mental health. Her experience highlighted the need for open dialogue about the implications of these changes on kids and families.

There are serious concerns regarding the treatment and medical decisions made for transgender youth. The discussion highlights how states like California and Minnesota allow minors to access gender-affirming procedures without parental consent. Critics argue that these surgeries and hormone treatments can cause significant, irreversible harm and health risks to young people. They emphasize that the emotional and physical consequences are often downplayed, and many undergo procedures they later regret. Furthermore, the push for acceptance of different pronouns and identities can create confusion and distress for children who are still trying to understand their own identities. There are apprehensions about the long-term effects and the notion of being trapped in the wrong body, leading to a cycle of lifelong medication and potential health problems.