#227 Redefining ICU Mental Health Support with Melissa Carman

Welcome to Season 5 of Blink of an Eye, where we delve into the transformative journey from trauma to resilience for those with spinal cord injuries. This season, you'll be captivated by raw and real-life experiences, from the initial injury through the arduous recovery, showcasing not just survival but the quest for a better, thriving new normal.

In this episode of Blink of an Eye,  Louise and Dr. Melissa Carman, a psychologist with a focus on holistic wellness during life transitions, delve into the profound emotional and mental health challenges that accompany a traumatic spinal cord injury in the early days of the ICU.  With permission from her patient Dianne Vitkus, who lives with quadriplegia and is the focal point of this chapter, Dr. Carmen discusses the therapeutic work they did together in the first weeks of injury.  Dianne was 27 years old when a catastrophic accident left her with a C5 complete spinal cord injury. Dr. Carmen shares insights into the therapeutic aspects of navigating the early stages of trauma, the emotional complexities of the ICU experience, and the crucial role of mental health support during SCI recovery.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.