Clinical Psychologist. Principal at Queenston Psychological Services. Digital Nomad. Interests include PTSD, nightmares, sleep/dreams, treatment of veterans, first responders, medical staff
Three months ago I wasn't on LinkedIn -- or any social media. I was wary of the experience. I started by connecting with someone safe (thanks to my wife), then some old school chums. Given my interests (PTSD, treating vets, police officers, medical staff and sleep issues) I began contacting relevant others. To my surprise everyone was friendly, kind, considerate and helpful. Offers poured in (come visit our lab, lets have coffee, when you're in Perth let me know) and there was a great sense of collaboration, unlike many conferences that I have attended. In the space of 90 days I have had the privilege of connecting with individuals and organizations doing world class work. I've met courageous police officers from Melbourne to Toronto. Firefighters changing the ethos of their work environment for their colleagues. PTSD researchers from Stanford to Stockholm. Physicians taking on the extra task of helping their colleagues, because the employer would not. Many organizations fully committed to helping veterans. Lived experience stories that were inspirational (thanks Officer B). Too much to list. It's been a paradigm shift for me. I now have colleagues from Tasmania to Timbuktu (well not really but the Tasmania part is true). My resource network has expanded infinitely. I think I've been able to be of some assistance to others and I know they've helped me - not just in providing content but in providing a network that is ever so useful. So, thanks to those who've connected with me. I've learned that a bigger network in this case is really a better network. #SocialNetworking #SocialConnection #PowerOfConnection
Dr. Denis Belicki looking forward to staying connected. You have shown through a simple experiment just how easy collaboration is and yet a major reason why we have such a high rate of psychological injury among first responders - because of a well established lack of collaboration with stakeholders in and beyond Canada. 🤔
Fantastic post and great news!! My experience with LinkedIn is that you can very much choose your tribe and connect with some truly genuine, supportive and knowledgeable professionals. As a serial networker, I’ve loved it! Enjoy!!
We are lucky to have this platform to connect with likeminded people. Glad you are here🙌
I'm inviting you and all your new LinkedIn connections to join fire service leaders (like me), psychologists (like you), and other mental health clinicians at the Fire Service Psychology Association, www.firepsychology.org. Together, we're working to "build a bridge between professional psychology and the fire service."
I can completely relate! I’ve now been hanging around on LinkedIn for almost 2 years and have made so many fabulous connections and found a real sense of community that I really hadn’t anticipated. It’s completely reframed my view of social media. Like with all good things though, I need a break periodically - then come back refreshed. Enjoy your ongoing experience, and it’s great to be connected!
LinkedIn has been a life changer for me as well. Very happy to connect a d collaborate with anyone offering support to our service persons.
I've been veey hesitant on here for same reasons Dr. Denis Belicki, and now, like you, have 'met' some of the most supportive and well informed people who genuinely want to lift each other up. As the others have said, you can find your own 'tribe/s' and I too have appreciated that!
Yes - by the by - the sculpture is incredible…
i surprised please ne connection i will accept
Biochemist, Chartered Biologist, Nutritionist, Scientific Communication Consultant | CIO Acorn Scientific Marketing
11moI was in exactly the same position just over a year ago, Denis. Although I had been on LinkedIn for many years, I had never needed to engage apart from the odd work message. This year brought big change when I began working alongside my son and I, like you, have found a tremendous support network of colleagues old and new. It has enabled me to broaden my horizons with a wealth of new research, knowledge and information but what has surprised me most has been the selfless willingness to help, share and collaborate. Glad to have you on board!