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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dealing with pain through injury, whether it be physical or psychological pain, is a major part of the day to day difficulties for anyone dealing with an injury. Adding pain to stress, isolation and uncertainty brings with it a bevvy of complications, but what if there was a way to work through that pain without yet more medication.

Dr Tania Gardner is a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at Sydney School of Health Sciences and Senior Physiotherapist in the Department of Pain Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital. She joins My Social Support Network's founder Dr Caroline Howe to discuss chronic pain management and the idea of joy in recovery.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Total and Permanent Disability? If you have sustained a serious work injury and you are unable to work, are you eligible?

Today we are joined in conversation with Dr Caroline Howe and members of the My Social Support Network by David Coorey from Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers to talk about how and if you might qualify for TPD, what it is and where the money comes from...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some workers with injury, PTSD (or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) plays a dominant part.

The Mayo Clinic in the U.S. describes PTSD thus: "The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety or depressed mood."

In today's episode we are joined by MSSN member Alex in conversation with MSSN Founder, Dr Caroline Howe.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During this week's episode we spoke to Siddhi Shakti from Soul Light Energetic Healing about how meditation, sound healing and yoga has been incredibly beneficial for people going through trauma and PTSD. As promised, here is the 5 minute sound healing session so you can practice sound healing any-time, any-where.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.