“Darla” was referred to Behavioral Health (BH) Services in June 2020 due to major depression and bipolar disorder. As Behavioral Health was seeing the patient, the BH Specialist identified housing issues as a barrier to wellness. The BH Specialist then referred Darla to the Care Navigator, Amy. Upon meeting with Darla and BH, Amy discovered Darla was in a controlling living situation and abusive environment. Darla stated she “felt like a prisoner” and was not being allowed to make decisions independently. Darla was also in this situation because she was not currently employed. Her employer had let her go due to a loss of work related to the COVID pandemic. Amy assisted Darla in filing for unemployment where it was found the employer had falsely stated Darla had gone on medical leave, thus not allowing unemployment to be collected. Amy worked with Darla to obtain all the necessary documentation to provide to the unemployment agency the correct information. In the meantime, Darla obtained a job on her own in July, working overtime and long hours to make enough money to get her own apartment. She moved out of her controlling situation and is staying with friends until she makes enough money for the apartment. Amy is working with Darla on paperwork to apply for a voucher to assist with rent.
In the midst of all this change, Darla also was in a car accident and developed a Pulmonary Embolism. Amy continued to communicate with Darla weekly as she made sure Darla was taking care of herself while also staying on her path of independence.
While seeing Behavioral Health, Darla learned to prioritize her life and needs and to trust her own judgment, rather than what others decide for her. Amy and the BH Specialist worked to find and enroll Darla in long-term Behavioral Health services and she has stated how she is looking forward to some test results to provide more information on how she can be treated.
Darla is a smoker and after tending to these social needs, stated to Amy and Dr. Ng that she is ready to try some cessation techniques. She has become more compliant with her medications and is in frequent communication with her care team of Dr. Ng, Bonnie, and Amy. “Because of her angels” Darla is super-motivated to get better and if she identifies any barriers, she calls up her care team to help her. She even calls Amy her “little sister”.
Amy states she is very proud of Darla. She has seen her confidence and self-esteem greatly improve. “We are making a difference through all she has accomplished – her attitude, security, and confidence.”
