Text & Email Only Policy

“I messaged you.”

Where?

Checks… Facebook messenger.
Checks… Signal.
Checks… Discord.
Checks… TikTok.
Checks… LinkedIn.
Checks… BlueSky.
Checks… Pinterest.
Checks… Mastodon
Checks… Work cell.
Checks… Personal cell.

Nothing.

Where?!

Oh. Instagram.

Y’all.

I know I do a lot but I’m still a neurodivergent AuDHD weirdo who struggles with certain areas of executive functioning.

I need and want to be able to reliably reply within an understandable/reasonable amount of time through at least one channel of communication with the aspiration of two: text and email.

I am working with a lot of patients and on a lot of projects and I want to spend way more time with my friends and loved ones. I cannot keep spending my time checking tons of different messengers throughout the day. Attempting to filter and find important information across a bevy of apps is like attempting to nail jello to a wall with a sledge hammer. It’s a mess.

It literally causes me anxiety (what if I miss something important?!) and then analysis paralysis as I try and remember if I replied to someone or not, or if I forgot a follow up or if I miss prioritize because I have to track it down in one of 300 messaging/discussion/whatever apps. Too much gets lost in the fray.

I’m done. I’m declaring messengers bankruptcy.

If anyone needs to reach me:

For a guaranteed response: text me or email me. Do not DM me by messenger and expect more than an emoji react 3 to 6 weeks or months later*. I may stop checking messengers all together. We’ll see.

(*Caveat: the few chat groups I participate in I’ll still participate in at the same rate I do now, in whatever apps they’re in).

If there’s an off chance I don’t have your number include your first and last name in your first message so I know you’re not trying to talk to me about my car’s extended warranty or attempting to catfish me out of the billions of dollars I don’t make as a social worker.

If you’re a patient or client text the number you received from me when we started our professional relationship.

Colleague? Text the cell phone number you have for me or Teams me.

If you’re a friend or chosen family or a family member I talk to: text me.

Don’t have my number? Email me and I can give it to you. My email is: matt[at]drmattdsw{dot}c0m

Messengers
I’m not deleting any of my social media or messenger accounts (I like to pop in and see what’s going on) but these shouldn’t be used for any important information you wish to communicate with me or something that requires a reply at all. Feel free to send funny reels, cat memes, etc. I love binge looking at them when I get a chance, but if you’re looking for a response please see above.

I can’t control every new app having its own messenger. I can set and maintain my own boundaries around which ones I engage with.

Thank you 🙏