Documenting my journey through the mental health system

Everyone is saving their original email and emailing it back each Monday at President Musk’s demand. This is in reference to “list 5 accomplishments from last week” and the follow up email – do it again and every week, forever.

So this week I ran a few prompts through chatGPT and had a bit of fun with it. I rewrote everything it spit back at me, but in my own words:

(This first paragraph is copy pasted from my first and serious email response. I also end with a serious note. But in-between, I am hilarious).

As a VA Certified Nurse Assistant, this role is essential to fulfilling the VA’s mission: “To care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” This responsibility requires expertise, compassion, and dedication to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. The role aligns with the ICARE Core Values (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence), ensuring that Veterans receive the best possible care. The following five points highlight the critical necessity of this position.

1. Showered a patient: the veteran was not in the mood and grabbed the showerhead, spraying me instead. Without skipping a beat, he said “now we’re both clean!”
2. Nightly rounds: I checked on a veteran who appeared to be talking to self. When asked who they were talking to, they pointed to a stuffed teddy bear. “What’s he saying?” I asked. The veteran sighed and said, “he won’t shut up about his taxes.”
3. Building security/patient safety: I helped locate a missing veteran with confusion found trying to hitch a ride in a golf cart belonging to engineering services. When asked where he was going, he said “Vegas baby!”
4. Nutrition/hydration: I found a veteran inching down the hallway, staying low. When asked what he was doing, said “this is a covert op. The kitchen has jell-o, and I need a snack.” So, I offered to be his lookout.
5. Medication compliance: A veteran was receiving his nighttime medication and grumbled “this is worse than the chow line.” I said at least it’s not MREs.” He said, “but at least MREs won’t give me the runs!” I said I wouldn’t be too sure of that, and he took his medication.

These responsibilities are essential to the continued care of our nation’s veterans.

I CC’d both my manager and the assistant manager, as per the original instructions.