Mental Health In The Medical World - Newsletter 16

03

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL BOARD

04 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

05 CONTRIBUTORS

06 IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY

08 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS: UNTOLD STORIES OF OUR HEROES AND HEROINES

10 EFFEMINATE NIGERIAN (GIRLY MAN)

13 THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH OF NURSES

15 COVID-19 PNDEMIC: “THE GUARDIANS OF HEALTH” - IS THEIR MENTAL WELL-BEING GUARDED?

18 MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19: IMPLICATIONS ON HEALTHCARE WORKERS

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 1

CONTENTS

20 PRESSURE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMY ON HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

23 MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

24 UNTITLED POEM

25 AT LEAST YOU GET TO GO OUT AT NIGHT

26 HEALTHCARE WORKERS, PATIENTS AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE INTERSECTION

28 DEPRESSION AMONGST PHYSICIANS

30 THE MENTAL WELLBEING OF OUR FRONTLINE SOLDIERS

32 ESCAPE FROM DEPRESSION

36 IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 2

SILENT SUFFERING: ADDRESSING THE PANDEMIC OF POOR MENTAL HEALTH AMONG NIGERIAN PHARMACY STUDENTS

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 3

Dear Reader, The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives greatly psychosocially. As young professionals and students in the medical and pharmaceutical field, our mental health and well-being have been of crucial concern during this pandemic era. The conversation around mental health has been ongoing via different fronts all over, and even before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is still more that needs to be done especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

This publication is intended to raise awareness on and promote the importance of good and stable mental health. It features articles and submissions proudly written by AfROers and we hope that you enjoy reading them in addition to learning different perspectives about mental health from the contributors.

As Demi Lovato (American singer and songwriter) alludes, "You do not have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent.

You can live well with a mental condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it." Embrace the power of

speaking up.

Editor-In-Chief Silvanus Manyala Regional Media and Publications Officer IPSF African Regional Office

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

CONTRIBUTORS AISHAT DUROJAYE YUSUF RASHIDAT O. OTONO FAKHRUDEEN MUHAMMAD SANUSI ABDULQUDUS ABIOLA MAVI VAL-UGBOMA ALEX KAMANGU JIMOH SARAT AYOMIDE NWOFIA MARTIN ADEDIJI NAHEEMAH A. IBRAHIM AISHAT CHRISTOPHER MALUNDU OLOWOLAGBA SHALOM MOROLAKE I. OTITODUN GANIYAT AYILARA OLUWASEYI EGBEWANDE

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 5

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

BY AISHAT DUROJAYE Medical professionals have always been endowed with the responsibility of curing or preventing disease with their skills, a strong sense of duty for them involves choosing the patients first [1]. The Hippocratic Oath, one of the oldest and most important standards of ethics in medical history, gives medical professionals a moral code of behaviour to follow in order to keep doctors and patients on good terms. The Hippocratic Oath states that medical practitioners will use their skills for the benefit of the sick to the best of their abilities and judgment and that they will protect the sick from injury and injustice. It also promises that they keep their word and not break the pledge. The duty of medical practitioners is addressed in this notion of implementing actions for the welfare of the sick [2].

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Medical professionals, due to the commitment required of their profession, feel they are expected to provide care to patients even when they could be exposed to dangerous situations. There is always a risk of being exposed to hazardous situations, and this article aims to address situations where medical professionals intentionally expose themselves to these situations with little regard for their mental capabilities/strength in order to provide care for their patients.

Medical practitioners, especially young doctors and nurses, although scared, find themselves thinking mostly about their patients because they do not wish to be considered weak or selfish. Also, peer pressure from their senior colleagues who are ready for the particular situation can push them beyond their limits. In situations where they actually need help with their mental health, they are mostly reluctant to consult another physician in the same institution.

[3,4,5]

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no known treatment/cure options available yet medical professionals were at the frontlines, exposed sometimes without their consent to the virulent disease, sacrificing themselves [6].

Emotional, psychological, and social well-being all fall under the scope of mental health. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices 7].

Therefore, when a person's resources and coping abilities are stretched beyond their limits, their mental health could be impacted [8]. The mental health of medical practitioners is thus directly influenced by life-threatening situations. They are exposed to occupational stress and pressure from the public when some of them just want to be with their families to assure them that they will see through it together [9].

A high amount of work-related stress could make medical professionals more vulnerable to mental illness and lead to inadequate delivery of clinical care [10]. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders have been linked to healthcare jobs during epidemics and pandemics like SARS, MERS, and Ebola illness, according to various studies. Potential risk factors have also been identified, including being assigned to work closely with patients suspected of carrying the virus, according to a research [11].

A high amount of work-related stress could make medical professionals more vulnerable to mental illness and lead to inadequate delivery of clinical care.

Medical professionals are also humans, with responsibilities to themselves and their families in addition to patients. The health of a doctor is just as important as the health of a patient, hence more attention should be placed on the safety and health of medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in a pandemic or epidemic. They should also be allowed to choose what is best for them, with the understanding that it is okay not to be okay.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 7

REFERENCES 1. Mccoid AH. Issue 3-Symposium on Professional Negligence Article 2 6-1959, The Care Required of Medical Practitioners. Vanderbilt Law Rev. 1959;12.

2. Acikgenc A, Zafar Afaq Ansari T, Shigeru K, et al.

Imposition of Good Samaritan Laws to Improve Professionalism among Medical Practitioners. journals.iium.edu.my. 2017;37(1). Accessed December 7, 2021. https://journals.iium.edu.my/intdiscourse/index.php/id /article/download/1065/730 3. Safdar K, Palazzolo J, … JA-WSJ, 2020 undefined. Young doctors struggle to treat coronavirus patients:’We Are Horrified and Scared’. fmda.org. Accessed December 7, 2021. https://www.fmda.org/COVID/Media/YoungDoctors-Struggle-to-Treat-Coronavirus-Patients_-WeAre-Horrified-and-Scared---WSJ.pdf 4. Hey S, Macdonald EB, Mccloy EC, et al. Sick doctors.

Workaholics harm families also. BMJ Br Med J. 1994;309(6963):1235. doi:10.1136/bmj.309.6963.1235 5. Beach SL. Of Heroes and Cowards. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(6):e36. doi:10.1056/NEJMP2013266/SUPPL_FILE/NEJMP20132 66_DISCLOSURES.PDF 6. Dyer G, surgery SL-TJ of bone and joint, 2020 undefined. What’s Important: COVID-19—Helpers, Not Heroes. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed December 7, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC72246 16/ 7. Mental health: strengthening our response. Accessed December 7, 2021. https://www.who.int/en/newsroom/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengtheningour-response 8. About Mental Health. Accessed December 7, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm 9. Llena-Nozal A, Lindeboom M, Portrait F. The effect of work on mental health: does occupation matter?

Health Econ.

2004;13(10):1045-1062. doi:10.1002/HEC.929 10. Su JA, Weng HH, Tsang HY, Wu JL. Mental health and quality of life among doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. Stress Heal. 2009;25(5):423-430. doi:10.1002/SMI.1261 11. Greene T, Harju-Seppänen J, Adeniji M, et al. Predictors and rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety in UK frontline health and social care workers during COVIDEur J Psychotraumatol.

2021;12(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2021.1882781/SUPPL_FILE/ZEP T_A_1882781_SM3861.DOCX

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

UNTOLD STORIES OF OUR HEROES AND HEROINES

Most people see Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and their likes as heroes but our true heroes and heroines are the healthcare workers; medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians - the multidisciplinary team working round the clock, giving their best to help, care for and save lives.

These professionals work for long hours diagnosing patients, recording symptoms of illness, monitoring patients' health, running tests, prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines as well as providing emotional support for patients and concerned family members and of course, after spending years studying and training in medical school.

When faced with a lot of duties and responsibilities, it could be both physically and emotionally tasking. Since they spend the majority of their time at work, they have little or no time to rest, exercise, or spend time with friends and family. They witness a variety of horrific traumas, ranging from seeing people suffer physically, mentally, and emotionally to witnessing people lose their lives. Healthcare workers are under pressure to show empathy to patients rather than expressing negative emotions. They are expected to suppress their negative emotions. This is referred to as emotional labour. They also face unrealistic patient expectations, heavy workloads, stress, anxiety, and high emotional exhaustion.

All these may result in burnout. Excessive and prolonged stress can lead to burnout which is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. When one is overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands, it's referred to as burnout.

Burnout raises the risk of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicidality, among other psychiatric disorders. They also face sleep disorders as a result of shift and night work.

The stigma associated with mental health disorders discourages many people from disclosing their depression. Healthcare workers are afraid of naming and blaming, sanctions, lack of confidentiality documentation on their professional record, and job loss. Thus, depressed healthcare workers face professional and institutional stigma when trying to seek care, making them more isolated and vulnerable. Society forgets that a diagnosis of depression does not always imply a loss of professional abilities.

As our heroes' and heroines' mental health declines as a result of dedication to their profession, there are little gestures we could do to help them overcome. The next time you visit the clinic, show respect to health care providers. Check in on health care workers and if you have family or friends who work in the field, see if they are okay and want to talk.

A little gratitude can go a long way.

REFERENCES

1. Ann Occup Environ Med. 2018; 30: 31. Published online 2018 May 3.

DOI: 10.1186/s40557-018-0244-x 2. K Outhoff (2019) Depression in doctors: A bitter pill to swallow, South African Family Practice, 61:sup1, S11-S14, DOI: 10. 1080/20786190.2019.1610232 3. Local Reg Anesth. 2020; 13: 171 – 183. Published online 2020 Oct 28. DOI: 10.2147/LRA.S240564

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 9

Effeminate Nigerian I read from Facebook about the loss of a child.

A mother took her son to his aunt's place. The aunt took it upon herself to exorcise this boy of this spirit of femboy by taking him for deliverance at a church. Drama began. The pastor at the church did not take it easy on him. He pushed, flogged, and did all sorts of rubbish on him. He went into a coma and before jack could be said, he passed on. A boy that was just about to begin the bitter journey of being an effeminate man.

Effeminacy is the manifestation of traits in a male that are often associated with feminine behaviour, mannerism, style, or gender roles.

You could define it as the state of males not being sufficiently masculine according to the expectations of their culture which could include traits like virility, emotional control,

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 10

and lack of demonstrativeness. This term effeminacy carries negative connotations and feeds patriarchy fat.

There have been a whole lot of causes thought to be lead to this. Endocrine-disrupting hormones disrupt the proper functioning of human hormones leading to the feminization of males. Some plants produce chemicals compounds that have a similar effect as human estrogens (female hormone) like nuts, cereals, legumes, and oilseeds. It is thought that frequent consumption of these phytoestrogens contributes to male feminization. This knowledge isn't common.

You behave like a woman, man up. No excuses.

There is this guy that resides close to my street.

He wears tight jean trousers. The times I've seen him, the colours of his polo are usually in the bright colour spectrum; pink, yellow, burgundy, you name them. It offensively looks good on him and you will just love the colour combo. That's not where his magic ends. The way he sashays as he walks down the streets unapologetically, his gesticulations as he speaks, and the curious disappointed looks on the faces of the onlookers as he struts down the street.

A friend of mine told me a story of how he was sexually assaulted. He was coming late from work that day and was stopped by this group of guys. They forced him to orally pleasure them and took turns to sodomize him. He cried and begged all through. This young man was molested and probably scarred for life and the perpetrators justified this evil with "e dey do like a woman". Should we talk about how many jobs he has lost because of something he has no control over?

want to be heard. Being seen is pretty risky. I just want to go unnoticed. In a school full of testosterone hormones, you must be noticed.

"Ome ka nwaayi" "onye ntu" "sissy". Labels! Labels that are not true. Labels that do no justice to the magic I make daily. Labels that downsize my achievements.

My friend talked about how he was called up before his class to prove he was a man by his college lecturer. He told him to pull down his shorts and show the class his penis. I mean, the lecturer might be right, he must have tapered his breasts to his chests. How bad can it be?

How comfortable can it be living in an uncomfortable body? His parents do not help.

His mum does not like him being out of his room when her coworkers swing by at home.

The dad? He only talks to him in the confines of their house. You have parents but it seems like you are a dejected orphan. Two failed suicidal attempts spiced with long episodes of depression. Beat that reach!

Effeminate men are not disabled, they are not handicapped, and they are not dunce. They are men in their complete regalia. I remember speaking with a group of friends about their thoughts on effeminate men. They ignorantly said that effeminate men are like that because they chose to be. I was taken aback and shocked. These are future parents with no idea of how these things work. They think solely that they woke up and started behaving like that.

It was at a party. His first and last. These girls took turns sexually assaulting him. They said he needed to man up. Having sex was the easiest way to prove it. They wanted to explore the flavour of a sissy in bed. Report? Excuse you! We are contemplating whether you are a man or gay and the only proof to say you are the former and not the latter is to rape you and you want to make a fuss about it?

Unbelievable! Sadly, he has been on his HIV regimen for 3 years now. No one wants an HIV+ sissy. Boy, no one.

At some point in my life, I blamed God because the Bible made us understand that he is the creator of all. I was filled with anger, resentment, and hatred. How could preachers paint him white while I get to see the mistake of a creation that I am? You have the male genitalia, chest, and some very few attributes of men but the characteristics are borderline feminine. Callistus, one night taught me how to walk like a man. Painstakingly, I took lessons. Spread your legs while walking, your butts are shaking so much, slow down, your arms are swinging too much, that's attentionseeking. I practised day and night, I lost my voice in meetings, school, and church. I don't

Oh, me? How am I coping with the effeminacy? I have a very small group of friends that I am extremely vulnerable to.

They see behind the charade I present externally. The mask I wear every day pretending that I am okay is glued to my face like to what water is to fish. You cannot believe that I have had a failed suicide attempt. This is a never-ending pattern for me and my kind out there. I see young boys who are effeminate. I feel pity for them. The hate will hit them below the jaw real quick. You better be prepared and the only preparation you will have is a loving, accepting, and adjusting family. I pray you never succumb to thoughts

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 11

of ending it all thinking it is the easiest way out.

You are always the second option. There are no manners on how effeminate men should be treated. There are no set methodologies or guidelines on how they should be treated.

They are humans, treat them like one.

Being a Nigerian man is hard.

Being an effeminate Nigerian is harder.

Nwofia Martin.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH OF NURSES

By Otono Fakhrudeen Muhammad the

Intensive Care nurses. Nurses have been

global society, the physical health and

confronted by unprecedented traumatic

mental well-being of Nurses and other

experiences

healthcare professionals are at risk for

pandemic,

some negative well-being outcomes due to

countries that have not experienced similar

their

epidemic outbreaks in recent years.

As

COVID-19

roles

continues

as

care

to

impact

providers.

Nurses

during this

is

the

more

COVID-19

particular

to

worldwide have been facing mental health challenges before the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the beginning of the spread of the virus,

and the outbreak only seems to have

hospitals

escalated the situation, especially for the

personal protective equipment, and

guidelines or treatment were not well-

Assessing and preserving the mental health

established,

state

causing

confusion

and

of

had

limited

nurses

infected with this deadly virus. Exposure to

importance for optimum disease control.

such cases with no training beforehand,

There is a need for psychiatric interventions

longer

the

to address the mental well-being of nurses

growing health care demand, stigma, and

treating COVID-19 patients. This can be

loneliness from constant exposure to the

through

ravaging disease are among the factors

increasing

which caused burnouts among nurses. The

psychological and mental support services,

continuous stress nurses are facing could

e-learning

trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms,

communication skills, case handling skills,

occupational

poor

and problem-solving skills to deal with

delivery service, suicide imagination, and

likely psychological problems that may

suicide.

arise from dealing with COVID-19 patients.

burnout

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 13

to

manage

syndromes,

organizational social to

is

healthcare

professionals,

hours

general,

all

of

hesitancy in the treatment of patients

working

in

and

availability

utmost

interventions,

support, educate

of

providing nurses

on

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 14

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

COVID-19 PANDEMIC: “THE GUARDIANS OF HEALTH” IS THEIR MENTAL WELL-BEING GUARDED?

BY SANUSI ABDULQUDUS ABIOLA

Like every other pandemic in recent history (e.g. the

Healthcare professionals encounter unanticipated,

SARS outbreak of 2003 and the Ebola outbreak),

life-threatening

COVID-19 has taken its toll, not only on the physical

pandemic, especially those on the first line. A cross-

well-being but also on the mental health of people

sectional study of 1,257 healthcare workers who cared

worldwide, not excluding the "guardians of public

for COVID-19 patients in several places across China

health"- healthcare professionals.

found that poor mental health symptoms were quite

circumstances

by

the

COVID-19

common. Depression (50%), anxiety (45%), insomnia (34%), and psychological distress (72%) were all

What is Mental Health?

reported by healthcare personnel. Using an agematched comparison group, healthcare providers

Although the definition of mental health varies, it

were significantly more depressed and generally

describes the state of a person's mind. It includes

anxious than the non-healthcare providers during the

psychological and social well-being; how we think,

first months of the pandemic across the United States.

act, relate with people and make healthy choices. The indicators of poor mental health include but are not

The high level of infection, mortality, lack of sufficient

limited to depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Mental

personal protective equipment, fear of the disease,

health problems are often associated with stress.

intense fears that their family and friends might die of the disease, grief and helplessness when these deaths

It is not unknown that public health emergencies

occur, all negatively impact the mental health of

(such as the COVID-19 pandemic) cause mental

health professionals.

trauma, mounting a burden on the mental well-being professionals.

Another cause of mental strain is the heavy workload.

Coronavirus was identified first in Wuhan, China

Healthcare providers now have to work longer hours

December 2019. Since then, the world has plunged

than usual, resulting in tiredness and extreme stress.

into panic, and healthcare professionals included.

As a result of understaffing and over-stretch of

of

individuals

and

healthcare

hospitals with COVID-19 patients, they now have to work more than they used to.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 15

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

Underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension

The public can help by following the COVID-19

coupled with the fear of contracting the virus have

protective protocols, such as wearing nose masks and

heightened the tension of some healthcare providers.

keeping a safe distance from others. These protocols

Research of dentists in Israel showed increased

significantly reduce the spread of the virus among the

psychological distress, heightened fear of infection in

population, lessening the workload of healthcare

those with a history of diseases. Rumours at the onset

providers.

of

the

pandemic

conditions

are

say

people

generally

more

with

underlying

vulnerable.

It

heightened their fears.

Employers

and

the

government

should

pay

healthcare professionals better to reduce brain drain and strengthen the health workforce. For instance, in

Working in hospitals overloaded by COVID-19 patients,

Nigeria, about 12% of the total number of nurses in

with a lack of efficient therapies and equipment

Nigeria had emigrated as of 2000. At least 2,000

shortages such as ventilators, has posed ethical issues

medical physicians are estimated to leave Nigeria

for healthcare personnel in Italy. They try to balance

each

their safety with the need of patients and families and

currently employed by the British National Health

also make decisions that might go against their moral

Service in the United Kingdom. Better remuneration

beliefs.

can prevent this.

So, is the mental well-being of our heroes guarded?

Employers and the government should ensure the

The answer is - NO!

provision of sufficient personal protective equipment.

year,

with

5,407

Nigerian-trained

doctors

It will reduce the fear of infection among health professionals, especially those at the front line.

How can they be helped?

It is imperative to keep our heroes in a positive state of Healthcare providers are motivated when they see

mind, enabling them to continue to guard public

their efforts being recognized and rewarded by

health and help us through these trying times.

employers, patients, and the government. Individuals should appreciate their efforts, and offer help when needed.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 16

"It is imperative to keep our heroes in a positive state of mind, enabling them to continue to guard public health and help us through these trying times."

REFERENCES

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 17

MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19

IMPLICATIONS ON HEALTHCARE WORKERS

By Olowolagba Shalom

Coronavirus has rampaged through the world, leaving harsh consequences behind. Everyone had their fair share of bad experiences from the pandemic, and our health care workers were not left out. They have endured quite a lot as they were the ones on the front lines during the pandemic.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, mental health is the state of the psychological and emotional well-being of people. It is the state of well-being in which individuals are able to cope with the normal stresses of life. "Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization [1].

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 18

Many healthcare workers were damaged mentally by what they faced during the pandemic. The public believed they were well paid, forgetting about the healthcare workers' state of well-being.

Healthcare workers suffered mostly from depression and anxiety [3]. Most healthcare workers were separated from their families and the things they loved, causing them emotional distress because they were confined within the hospital. Also, healthcare workers form strong bonds with their patients, so when those patients experience near-death events (or even die), it affects the healthcare workers negatively.

Healthcare workers became personally and emotionally unstable [3]. They could not sustain relationships outside their work, leading to poor interpersonal relationships.

Most healthcare workers find it hard to interact with the outside world because their perceptions are drastically different, due to their experiences.

During the pandemic many pharmacists, medical doctors and nurses had to work around the clock, leading to mental stress because they are not machines. Most healthcare workers were not prepared and adequately trained to combat the virus [2].

Healthcare workers became addicted to drugs and alcohol. They used drugs and alcohol to suppress their fear, anxiety, depression and they also used them to stimulate and boost their energy, leading to drug and alcohol independence [2].

Healthcare workers went through a lot of physiological and emotional distress during the pandemic. They were the heroes of every nation, not just because they were at the front lines, but because they had to neglect themselves while taking care of others.

References

1.

COVID-19 disrupting mental health services in most countries, WHO survey.

2. Claidia Carmassi, et al. PTSD symptoms in healthcare workers facing the three coronavirus outbreaks: What can we expect after the COVID-19 pandemic? psychiatry Res. 2020 Epub 2020 Jul 20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ar ticles/PMC7370915/ University of London 3. City, Institutional RepositoryCitation: McManus, S. ORCID: 0000-0003-27110819, Bebbington, P. E., Jenkins, R. andBrugha, T. (2016). Mental Health and Wellbeing in England: the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Permanent repository https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprin t/23646/

Many healthcare workers suffered from bipolar disorder caused by recurring depression. Others have been very aggressive during the pandemic because they were depressed, sad and they felt emotionally detached from people [3.]

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 19

PRESSURE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMY ON HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

By Morolake I. Otitodun

"The state of mind always reflects on our daily activities. Heavy and unsettled minds give rise to cloudy and unproductive ideas. Hence, a sound and healthy mind are important for productivity."

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 20

Man is not God, a common statement people make to portray the imperfection of man. So health practitioners who we look up to as gods have flaws just like any human. The term "health practitioner" is diverse and includes doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentists and many others.

Health practitioners maintain health in humans and animals through the application of principles and procedures of evidence-based medicine and caring. The process of maintenance of the health of others often leads to work-related stress, which impacts their mental health negatively. Most often, health practitioners do not subject themselves to mental health evaluations or even admit to mental health problems because of fear or about damaging job prospects and being looked down upon by other colleagues.

Generally, People have different ways of dealing with stress, some exclude themselves from the world, and some take a walk, and listen to music while other people turn to substance abuse as a means to let it all out. In Nigeria, where so many misconceptions as regards mental health continue to bud makes people with mental disorders feel less confident of themselves or fear being labelled as a mad person. Economic factors rank as one of the major factors that can negatively affect the mental health of health practitioners. The impact of the poor economy on the mental health of health practitioners lead to burnout and mental ill-health which in turn lead to medical errors, poor quality of care, poor judgments and poor relationships with patient, staff or family.

Some of the economic factors affecting health practitioners in Nigeria include and are not limited to the following: High standard of living: Everyone wants a comfortable life, who can judge that. Standard of living is often referred to as the level of wealth, comfort, material goods and necessities of life available to a certain class or area. In Nigeria, the average take home for a resident doctor working with the government is about ₦235,000:00 from which he is expected to pay for rent, personal income tax, settle contributory pensions, pay professional association levies, feed the family and other responsibilities. The combination of these monthly responsibilities cum high cost of daily needs caused a decline in living conditions for Nigerian citizens without the exception of health practitioners. The cycle of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer never cease.

High living standards coupled with income decline, high inflation rate, incomplete incentive payment and uncertainty of payment often led to industrial action (strike) in some cases. For example, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on a labour strike on the 2nd of August 2021 because of a pay dispute and breach of the agreement by the federal government but the strike was suspended on the order of the court on 23rd August 2021. Also, the income decline weighs negatively on the mental health of health practitioners leading to low productivity, poor service delivery, poor judgments and poor health outcomes for the patients.

As earlier stated, no man is God. Who would not want to increase the prices of drugs or services to meet their pending needs? At least man needs food to survive and apart from that, good health is also a necessity leaving patients with no other option but to adhere.

Lack of adequate health infrastructure: The lack of adequate health infrastructure has negative implications on the health care delivery system and reduces motivation for performance by health workers.

Abandoned projects by past administrations and lack of basic health infrastructure have led to work-related stress and exhaustion. Instances where patients had to be turned away from a health facility due to inadequate infrastructure decreased the will of health workers to adequately perform their duties.

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 21

Unavailability of drugs and equipment at health facilities lead to demotivation of health workers and increasing burnouts as they believe their efforts are futile due to lack of necessary equipment to foster their work. They are unable to perform their professional duties adequately and accurately, thereby not seeing their patients happy and fulfilled. This act on its own breaks down their morale and pushes them into mental stress due to the fact of being occupationally handicapped and not being able to offer more of their services to save lives.

Poor road infrastructures: Health workers do not only offer services in the hospitals, pharmacies amongst others but also offer their professional services at home during home visits to patients. Poor road networks and sometimes lack of means of transportation could be a hindrance to this process. Some health practitioners have been unable to participate in home visits due to fear of road accidents as a result of the poor road network. This has made them turn down requests from patients who are unable to personally transport themselves to health centres due to their health conditions and so many other reasons. All these affect their overall performance, thereby negatively affecting their mental health due to the fact that their potentials are not being put to maximum use. The impact is low productivity and the inability to offer professional services to the fullest, which in turn lead to poor health outcomes for the patients.

The state of mind always reflects on our daily activities. Heavy and unsettled minds give rise to cloudy and unproductive ideas. Hence, a sound and healthy mind is important for productivity.

REFERENCES

Yewande kofoworola Ogundeji., Cath Jackson., Trevor Sheldon., Olalekan Olubajo., Nnenna Ihebuzor (2016). Pay for performance in Nigeria: the influence of context and implementation on results. Health policy and planning, 31(8): 955-963. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapoi/czw016 Joseph Afamefuna Nduka., Amalachukwu Chijindu Ananwude., Charity Ifunanya Osakwe (2019). Expenditure of the Federal Government of Nigeria: Effects on the standard of living of her citizens. International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, 9(4): 57-64.

Baba Awoye Issa., Abdullah Dasliva Yussuf., Ganiyu Toyin Olanrewaju., Olatunji Alao Abiodun (2015). Mental health of Doctors in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Pan African Medical Journal, 19(178): 178. DOI:10.11604/pamj.2014.19.178.3642.

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 22

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

BY GANIYAT AYILARA

“You don’t have depression,” Dr Bola told herself as she passed the therapy ward of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Chicago. How could she fathom the idea, she had just given birth 6 months ago and this should be the happiest time of her life as people have constantly told her and besides, she was Nigerian and Nigerians do not have mental problems.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Dr Jackson invaded her thoughts and she realized she had been standing still in the hallway. “What are you thinking so intensely, are you missing your baby?” he asked. Why does everyone ask her about the damn baby, it's like her whole identity changed after giving birth, she's no longer the super smart and pretty doctor who had a bright future ahead of her, she had been reduced to someone's mom, someone who has kept her up all night since he was born and doesn't seem to like her touch as much as his father made her irritable and of course, she has dropped 20lbs since he was born.

“Yes I miss my baby”, she replied and smiled courteously as expected of her and moved to the elevator to take her to the underground garage. She had just completed an 18 hours shift and was on her way home. On entering her car, she had a mini crying session which came as no surprise, she had been doing a lot of that these days but was grateful for the privacy of the quiet garage. Tap tap, she jerked up from her thoughts and saw Dr Jackson again. What is the problem now she thought but smiled up at him?

“Do you know doctors make the worst patients?” he asked, and she looked confused.

“You haven't been yourself today Dr Bola, you were often lost in thoughts, you were super hard on your residents today and now I find you crying here, are you ok?” It was the first time anyone had asked if she was ok since giving birth and like a trigger, it opened the floodgates and she opened up to Dr Jackson about all she had been feeling since giving birth.

“I have read about this and it seems to me like you have postnatal depression. Have you thought of seeing a therapist?” he asked. “Don't you think it's weird for a doctor to see a therapist, what will my patients think of me?” she countered.

“First of all, seeing a therapist is confidential and even if your patients find out, they will think you’re human and NO HUMAN IS PERFECT” moreover, it's your health you should not care about people's opinions.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 23

Untitled

By Mavi Val-Ugboma

Maybe If I wasn't I wouldn't Maybe I don't know But I am and my mental health matters Health student keys

Sleep alot Eat alot Don't sleep alot But eat alot Health student keys

Classes are on Meetings and Prayers Discussion, School groups Friends and Colleagues Health student keys

Assignment Work Study Succumb to sleep Health student keys

Well rounded Everything positive I foster Everything learned fostered I am a health student And these are my keys To peace and mental wellness

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 24

Every time I walk past Stephen’s locker, the doctor that died from COVID as many know him, my heart does a little dance reminding me that this white coat doesn’t make me a superhero. But at least I get to go out at night.

BY ALEX KAMANGU

My nephews cannot go to school anymore, too young to understand why.

They cannot go out to play with their friends which I am sure feels like an unfair punishment. To make it worse their ever so loving, ever so playful uncle now "does not even want to see them." He is barely at home and when he is he is always locked up in his room, cannot even sit with them at the dinner table. But at least he gets to go out at night.

‘Please put on your mask mami’ always sounded bitter the fifth time I had to repeat it. But never before had I been this worried about my safety when trying to cater to my patients. The front

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

line never made this much sense. But for god and our country, we still went outside every night to fight an enemy we couldn’t even see.

But let alone that, being sent to war without the appropriate ammunition must have been the worst feeling ever.

Oh, wait, the sword behind our backs was to learn that funds to buy protective equipment were embezzled by the government set to protect us.

But still, we overcame.

However, every time a patient completely recovered from what they may have thought to be their end, every ‘Asante sana daktari’ and every battle successfully won made everything almost worth it. Almost. Rest in power to every soul we lost in battle. I also want to wish healing from all the trauma those of us who survive have to live with.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 25

HEALTHCARE WORKERS, PATIENTS AND MENTAL HEALTH

"There is a need to pay adequate attention to the mental health of healthcare workers as they face significant stressors, burdens, and mental health challenges as a result of their work.

The mental health concerns of healthcare workers have gotten a lot of attention in recent years as a serious public health concern and a challenge to quality care delivery. Healthcare professionals are exposed to a variety of stressors at work, which can negatively impact their physical, mental, and emotional health (1). Heavy workloads, long shifts, a high pace, a lack of physical or psychological safety, chronicity of care, moral conflicts, perceived job security, workplace bullying, or a lack of social support are all variables that lead to increased stress among healthcare employees. Burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, sleeping difficulties, and other ailments might occur from the associated psychological anguish. All this affects the delivery of care to patients which is their primary function. A good relationship between the health care worker and the patient is an important key that helps in the recovery of most patients (2, 3).

Patients’ mental health, not just their physical wellbeing, should be prioritized by health care workers.

Burnout among healthcare professionals can have a negative impact on patient care. Burnout has been associated with substandard patient care practices, as well as a doubled risk of medical error and a 17 percent increased chance of being named in a medical malpractice claim, according to a crosssectional study (4). Burnout, depressive symptoms, and a reduction in quality of life were also linked to self-perceived severe medical errors. This shows the the intersection among mental health, health professionals, and patient care.

Furthermore, patients are exposed to multiple factors during their time of sickness or recovery.

Patients on admission are separated from their families and as a result, feel lonely which can lead to them being depressed and anxious. Healthcare workers who are already stressed can contribute more to the mental health of a patient or how to relate with the patient. Patients interact with health care providers in crisis or high-stress situations, and if health care workers do not have a positive attitude toward them, their stress levels may rise. High levels of stress in patients can lead to unneeded overthinking or high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to depression and, in some cases, suicide thoughts. In the long run, it could lead to slower recovery or even loss of patients.

Positive practices of health care providers towards its patient will not only receive appreciative feedback but will also earn the respect and trust of their patients by implementing an efficient patient service approach. Medical workers must be well-trained and well-mannered, or they may suffer the repercussions. The overall effect of both the patients' and healthcare providers’ attitudes will improve communication between them, resulting in better outcomes in the mental and physical well-being of the patients.

Conclusively, there is a need to pay adequate attention to the mental health of healthcare workers as they face significant stressors, burdens, and mental health challenges as a result of their work.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 26

E-learning platforms for mental health should be developed and they should be made available and affordable to both healthcare workers and patients.

Mental health services specific to healthcare workers should be incorporated into the pandemic response and it is important these services continue to run during and after the pandemic.

1. Hayashino Y, Utsugi-Ozaki M, Feldman MD, Fukuhara S. Hope modified the association between distress and incidence of self-perceived medical errors among practicing physicians: prospective cohort study. PLoS ONE. (2012) 7:e35585. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035585 2. Mannava, P., Durrant, K., Fisher, J. et al. Attitudes and behaviours of maternal health care providers in interactions with clients: a systematic review. Global Health 11,36(2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-0150117-9 3. Gallard, L.M., Shattell, M.M., &Thomas, S.P. (2009).

Mental health patients’ experiences of being misunderstood. Journal of American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 15, 191-199 4. Balch CM, Oreskovich MR, Dyrbye LN, Colaiano JM, Satele DV, Sloan JA, et al. Personal consequences of malpractice lawsuits on American surgeons. J Am Coll Surg.

(2011) 213:657–67. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2011.08.005

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/how-poorattitude-of-health-workers-is-killing-healthcare-deliveryin-nigeria/

MENTAL IN THE MEDICAL WORLD

DEPRESSION AMONGST PHYSICIANS A BATTLE TO BE WON!

BY IBRAHIM AISHAT

It’s no news that the mental health of the health care workers is at stake. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of death in the age of 15 to 34 years old is unintentional trauma, while the second cause is depression.

Looking into the medical world, at the American Psychological Association (APA) annual general meeting, it was stated that physicians die by suicide at a rate of 28 to 40 per 100,000 per year.

This would amount to about 300 to 400 physicians per year, these figures are higher when compared to any other profession.

In addition, a study carried out on Iranian medical students also claimed that medical students had a greater level of depression compared to the general Iranian population (Mental health of Medical Students in Different Levels of Training, Najmeh Jafari). In another study carried out, on 2193 medical students and residents, 21% had mild to moderate/major depression, while 5.7% had suicidal ideation.

NOMADIC

|

24

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 28

These days, the word depression is greatly misused. Depression according to the MerriamWebster dictionary of contemporary English ‘is a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way’.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); could be a result of loss of patients' lives, fatal accidents, or an expensive error that was committed. Also the switch in their work; one moment you are cutting through the internal organs, another you are being compassionate over your patient.

There are various categories of depression which range from; mild to moderate to severe. Some of the warning signs are; a sudden change in personality, frequent sadness, eating too much or too little, general loss of interest in daily activities, etc.

Another factor could be the nature of their job. The fact that their work is time-consuming, leaving no room for social lives, some do not even keep track of their families. This makes it even more difficult to seek help when needed, this could even aggravate their condition.

What exactly is the cause of this menace?

Depression has no particular cause. From my point of view, stress could be the leading cause of depression in the medical field; this could be in the form of mental, physical, emotional trauma. Looking at the physicians, they have a very tight schedule, from the theatre to the wards, to lectures. They barely even have time for any other thing in their entire life asides from this profession. This could be the major reason the rate of depression is particularly higher amongst them compared to workers in other fields.

Another cause would be errors committed, doctors have a very strong will of being perfect, excellent in what they do. The fear of losing what they cherish the most can lead to depression. In situations when these errors are committed and are at the expense of their medical license, the thought of this could ruin them.

Pressure is another factor as most often the competition is coupled with the stress and desire to outshine the others when one does not meet up with all these depression can set in. The high sense of responsibility, fear of losing it all. We cannot underestimate the effect of pressure, as this is very high right from medical school to practice.

Panic or fear of losing one’s life as we saw during the pandemic; medical professionals are often highly exposed to various hazards ranging from first-hand exposure to deadly viruses, working environment, or even loss of one's patients.

Since most times they are fully occupied with their works and disconnected from reality, I’ll take this as the bottom line of it all, this is the very reason they fail to seek help and might be the reason for the high rise in suicide rate amongst physicians. They barely have interest in any other thing and the fear of losing their profession is enormous.

However, most of these cases go unnoticed, the majority of those affected do not speak up or seek help which might eventually lead them to have suicidal thoughts. I have concluded with these solutions.

All healthcare workers should attend a therapy session at least once in the timeframe of one to three months. Therapy should be made normal to overcome losses.

There should be some sort of physically-engaging activity to relieve stress, there should be a maximum time duration that one must not exceed be it a 32-hour shift.

People should be encouraged to speak up as this will help other people too. It is very normal to feel down and the best solution is to seek help. There are a lot of consequences which may include a drawback to loss of professionals as the figures keep rising from day-to-day.

Individuals who are intending to go into the profession are likely to be discouraged, due to the fear of eventually becoming suicidal. It will be a gigantic step if physicians can start looking out for themselves while looking out for others. Imagine if all our doctors become suicidal, who will eventually take care of us? So, the need to tackle this problem comes in.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 29

By Oluwaseyi Egbewande

Depression,

and

Medical professionals can suffer from mental diseases

eating disorders are common examples among the list

anxiety

as a result of seemingly overwhelming situations, such

of mental illnesses that thrive among people in society.

as severe workloads, lack of support, lengthy shifts,

Concepts

and

like

interpersonal

disorders,

thoughts,

schizophrenia,

feelings,

protective

equipment,

to

delivery, efficiency, and general quality of life can all

classified

as

be harmed by work-related stress [7]. Therefore, these

home

more

population,

with

than more

middle-income 85

per

than

cent

80

per

define

personal

name a few [6]. Competence, the accuracy of care

and

help

insufficient

an

low-

can

and

individual’s mental health status [1]. The 153 countries

to

relationships,

actions,

countries

of

the

cent

of

are

world's

issues

must

be

addressed

to

restore

order

to

the

these

process of delivering health care services. The outburst

people suffering from mental illnesses or substance

of COVID-19 posed huge threats to global wellbeing,

abuse [2].

but one threat, though not as publicized as the others, is the mental health issues health workers developed

The term "mental health" relates to the state of one's mind,

behaviour,

and

emotions

[3].

It

dictates

during the pandemic [5].

the

outlook of individuals as it determines how they cope

There are, however, effective therapies and techniques

with normal stresses, how they appreciate themselves

to

and their society and yield productive outputs. It is

conditions [1]. One of these treatments is self-care.

vital to emphasize that mental health extends much

Health professionals and workers do not always focus

beyond the lack of mental illnesses and diseases [4].

on self-care. They are often considered to input their

As

humans,

the

our

mental

by

mental

health

and proper body functioning of the patients. Self-care,

feelings

on the other hand, may be necessary to cope with the

conscious

is

caused

entire medical prowess to help resuscitate the normal

Therefore,

health

suffering

very

survive.

of

the

important as it enables us to think, interact, express and

state

alleviate

efforts

should be applied to synchronize a healthy mind with

stress

every human.

protect their health, well-being, and general

and

demands

of

their

career,

as

well

as

to

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 30

contentment with their work and life [7]. Taking breaks

REFERENCES

when possible, getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, exercising and so much more are helpful ways by which

health

workers

can

practice

self-care

which

1.

World

Health

Retrieved

from:

Organization.

(2019).

Mental

Health.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-

sheets/detail/mental-disorders. Accessed on 08/12/2021

would, in turn, boost the quality of their outputs.

2. Jacob, K. S., Sharan, P., Mirza, I., Garrido-Cumbrera, M.,

In

view

world,

of

curbing

mental

need to take care of their mental health. Sometimes,

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61241-0

strong

that

it

often

have

clouds

for

their

their

minds

can

Seedat, S., Mari, J. J., Sreenivas, V., & Saxena, S. (2007).

Lancet

workers

webinars

medical

Mental

these

or

the

organized among health workers to remind them of the

passion

seminars

in

be

the

informative

illnesses

job

is

making

in

some

cases,

or

even

take

breaks.

systems

(London,

in

countries:

England),

where

are

we

370(9592),

now?

1061–1077.

so it

impossible for them to see the need to slow things down

health

These

seminars would come in handy to help them realize

3.

Adam

Felman

(2020).

Mental

Health.

Retrieved

from:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543#defin ition. Accessed on 08/12/2021

4.

World

Health

Organization.

(2019).

that only at a good mental health state can they give

strengthening

their best to the service.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-

our

response.

Mental

Health:

Retrieved

from:

sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response.

Furthermore,

we

need

to

note

that

there

is

an

Accessed on 08/12/2021

important relation between mental health and basic human rights [1]. An individual in a society where rights and freedoms are not hampered will enjoy a good state of mental health. Sometimes, health workers are not given the right accolades, even to their normal earnings

and

this

can

greatly

contribute

to

5. Spoorthy,

M.

S.,

Pratapa,

S.

K.,

&

Mahant,

S.

(2020).

Mental health problems faced by healthcare workers due to the

COVID-19

pandemic-A

review.

psychiatry,

Asian

journal

51,

of

102119.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102119

mental

related issues. The government and the society on their

6. Cai, H., Tu, B., Ma, J., Chen, L., Fu, L., Jiang, Y., & Zhuang,

part can help reduce the illnesses that generate from

Q. (2020). Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies of

this

Frontline Medical Staff in Hunan Between January and March

end

by

providing

the

right

support

to

health

2020

workers.

During

‑

(COVID 19)

Finally,

as

personnel

a all

considerable

result

of

around stress,

their the

profession,

world

problems,

are

and

healthcare

International

the

in

Outbreak

Hubei,

medical

of

China. journal

Coronavirus Medical

of

Disease

science

experimental

2019

monitor:

and

clinical

research, 26, e924171. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.924171

experiencing

mental

health

7. Søvold, L. E., Naslund, J. A., Kousoulis, A. A., Saxena, S.,

issues. They work a lot to ensure our safety and it is,

Qoronfleh, M. W., Grobler, C., & Münter, L. (2021). Prioritizing

therefore, our responsibility to meet the mental needs

the Mental Health and Well-Being of Healthcare Workers: An

of health workers around us [7]. Mental health teams

Urgent

can also be set up to deal with mental health issues

health,

that arise in the medical world [5].

Global

Public

Health

Priority.

Frontiers

9,

in

public 679397.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.679397

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 31

PAGE 32

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16

BY CHRISTOPHER MALUNDU

CHARACTERS: JOSHUA AND MR. PHIRI(HIS FATHER)

PAGE 33

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16

Scene 1 Cont.

Joshua: It's my dad

Joshua: Dad, today is the last day for paying school fees, you

Ze Mwa: I know Mr Phiri is a problem, but anyway I have a fast

promised to give me money today.

binee (business)

Mr Phiri: young man, get out of my sight. I used the last money

Joshua: What business Ze Mwa

I had to buy food for you and beer for myself. Do you want to kill me with stress the way you did to your Mum?

Ze Mwa: Fast binee young man

Joshua: But Dad,

Joshua: Just tell me what it is

Mr Phiri: shut up! We are not debating, I said I don't have

(Ze Mwa removes a pack of marijuana from his handbag)

money.

Ze Mwa: Mwaiche (young boy) you have to know that the (Joshua starts crying sorrowfully while breathing forcefully and

world is corrupt these days and it's only the violent that will

stammers)

take it by force I'm sure you read the Bible.

Joshua: But why diiiidddd you take me to school, if you cannot

Joshua: Is this not marijuana?

pay for my school fees.

Ze Mwa: Young man grow up, this is fast money be sharp.

Mr Phiri: I said get ooouuut, (he throws a bottle of beer at Joshua, who misses it and runs out of the house)

Joshua: How? Ze Mwa: All you need to do is deliver to Juntae your classmate and boom K100 is yours.

Joshua: Just like that?

Ze Mwa: Yes my boy, I like you; just like that. You will have

CHARACTERS: JOSHUA AND MR. PHIRI(HIS FATHER)

money to buy anything you need.

(Joshua walking to school slowly and depressed, out of nowhere

(Joshua gets the marijuana and hides it in his sock)

Jack a local street drunkard shouts at him) Jack: Iwee Joshua!!

Joshua: Ehhhhehhh(frightened) Ze Mwa: Don't be scared young boy, it's me Ze Mwamwae, what are you thinking about? What's wrong my boy?

PAGE 34

CHARACTERS: JOSHUA, MR. MAGABA, AND 30 CLASSMATES

(In class, the teacher, Mr Magaba is giving out maths test results, then Joshua knocks at the door) Mr Magaba: Joshua, you're late again?

Joshua: Sorry sir, I'm late.

Mr Magaba: Great timing though. As I always say (the whole class speaks in unison with him), "latecomers always eat bones".

Mr Magaba: this paper I'm having is yours, you're last in class again.

(The whole class burst into laughter) (Joshua forces himself through the closely packed class desks and sits at his middle desk while everyone is laughing at him) Mr Magaba: silence, please! Let's go to our next topic.

(No sound. Mr Magaba continues speaking while Joshua is just staring at him with a lost face till the class ends.)

Mr Magaba: All right, class, see you next week.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16

CHARACTERS: JOSHUA, MR. MAGABA, JUNTAE, MATEO, AND THREE OTHER CREW MEMBERS

(As soon as Mr Magaba leaves class, Joshua gives Juntae and his crew; four other boys the backbenchers to follow him to the toilet.)

Juntae: Kiddo, what's up?

Joshua: Relax, I have a delivery for you (The whole crew starts laughing) Mateo: Oh, you have chocolates for us Hahaha Joshua: Wait and see. (he looks around and removes the marijuana from his socks) Juntae: Who gave you this?

Joshua: It's Ze Mwa from our place. He said you should give me K100.

Juntae: That nigga has finally decided to pay my credit.

Joshua: I don't care, are you getting it or not?

Juntae: No problem, but first before I give you the money, you have to smoke it and prove to me that it's OG. (Joshua tries to excuse himself)

PAGE 35

Scene 4 Cont.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16

(We see Joshua coming out smiling and confident from the counselling room)

Mateo: Yes, do it. Otherwise, I'll beat you.

Joshua: All I needed was someone responsible whom I can talk (In awe Joshua wraps the marijuana in a paper and gets matches

to and now I have managed to escape from depression. Talk to

from Juntae)

someone responsible before you make that wrong decision.

Joshua: I don't have to do this guys.

Juntae: Do you want the money or not?

(Joshua puts the cigarette, in between his lips and lits a match while looking at all the guys, Juntae smiles) Mateo: Go on!

(Joshua inhales no sooner as he exhales the smoke out and then Mr Magaba sees them) Mr Magaba: Joshua!!!

(Everyone runs except Joshua who is holding a long roll of marijuana and is shivering) Joshua: I can explain, sir.

Mr Mugabe: Explain what?

(Joshua starts crying as Mr Magaba is talking to him) Mr Magaba: Joshua I know you're going through a hard time after the death of your mum, but I know you're a good child.

(They both walk together into a guidance and counselling office)

Mental health encompasses our emotional,

In pharmacy school especially, students are

psychological

faced

and

social

well-being.

It

with

many

with

mental health can be compromised. While

prepare

for

a

lot

university

of

that

their

no one was prepared for what the COVID

expectations, and enthusiasm. They believe

19 pandemic will bring, an already existing

student

life

problem seemed to have escalated: what I

personal

and

an

with

surprise

great

offers

life

students

no

and

pressures,

Often,

it's

demands

affects how we think, feels, acts and cope stress.

so

so

opportunities

all-round

for

development,

call

the

silent

which sadly is not always the case. Life in

poor

tertiary

students [2].

institutions

including from

change

family

obligations students

of

and

and

often

is

so

full

challenges,

residence, friends, on.

struggle

mental health [1].

of

to

mental

suffering, health

the

pandemic

among

of

pharmacy

isolation academic

Amidst

these,

maintain

their

In addition to the usual stresses of training to

become

pharmacy

medical

students

professionals,

experience

additional

social problems due to poverty, income

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 36

inequality, insecurity, social and economic

these

instability.

sabotaging the efforts put in place.

on to

their one

All

these

mental

a

well-being

descriptive

among

have

medical

study

direct [3].

of

impact

505

health

medical

Many

pharmacy

because

completed

employers

questionnaire.

socio-demographic

are

believe

that

of

fear

in

the

of

stigmatization

future.

Mental

from

health

is

received mental health diagnoses prior to

is not an anomaly for pharmacy students to

medical

experience

29

were

(5.7%) of

but

when

anxiety

The

prevalence

was

54.5%

received study

the in

and of

and

number

school.

conducted

increased

Most

depressive

less

assistance

distress than

[4].

seven

5%

Another

not

it.

his/her UN

work

with

on

Disabilities

disabilities

students,

disabilities).

depression,

against

anyone

efficiently.

Convention

schools in Nigeria showed that out of 408 of

employers

should

with

any

mental condition so far he/she carries out

framework

prevalence

Legally,

discriminate

pharmacy

the

among

cases

disorders.

psychological

shockingly,

medical

(1.8%)

students

common among the general populace so it

school

students

health

had

to

Nine

mental

mental health can hinder career prospects

students from 25 Nigerian medical schools a

about

According

mental

students:

myths

the

Rights

(CRPD)

to

Article

support

Persons a

global

people

with

psychosocial

recognizes

that

work, should be treated equally, and to be

promotes

discriminated

falls

behind

in

against,

with

support

has

the

“Every

35% respectively [9]. Ironically, a field that all,

disability

the

person

for

a

of

anxiety and stress was 44.6%, 63.5%, and

health

with

of

provides

(including It

27

and in

right

should

the

to

be

addressing the issue of poor mental health

provided

workplace”.

among its own students [1].

[10]. The mental challenge is not a barrier to working if one seeks medical help early.

DEMYSTIFYING

SOME

COMMON

MYTHS

ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AMONG PHARMACY

Many

students

about

STUDENTS

their

weakness Factors from

that

prevent

accessing

include;

fear

of

pharmacy

mental having

students

health mental

services health

whereas

also

feel

mental

[6]. they

health

They

feel

that

try

broken

is to

opening a

sign

act

inside.

up of

tough Seeking

help is the strong and right thing to do. The pharmacy

schools

of

course,

also

want

record and their impact on a future career,

their students to perform well. Their efforts

fear of the stigma associated with mental

can

health

willingly open up about their mental health

and

other

misconceptions.

In

battle against mental health conditions,

the

be

made

impactful

when

students

conditions.

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 37

Pharmacy students have busy schedules so

Nigeria

they

fellows, the possessed... Most of the time,

find

their

it

difficult

studies

for

to

rest.

take

time

However,

out

they

of

can

they

-

psychopaths,

are

treated

negatively

mind so pharmacy students can freely seek

beings.

help without fear of being stigmatized.

their

mental

a

positive

society.

they are truly concerned about their wellmake

have

in

mad

Society

should

to

beings,

and should take time out of their studies if

They

has

crazy

change

of

health a priority too.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Many

also

believe

mental

health

recover

fully.

mental

This

is

not

Not

result

in

is

have

can

true

all the

they

they

problem

[6].

conditions

once

problem

health

sentence"

that

never

because

not

a

mental

public

a

"life

health

depression,

display

of

conditions(stress,

anxiety

disorder,

etc.)

recover

from

and

disorder, many

them

panic

people

with

hands

fully

pandemic

Some believe that mental health problems do

not

concern

the

pharmacy schools [7]. However, a problem shared

is

a

problem

half

deck

mental

to

stem

health

the

among

Interactive sessions should be organized by pharmacy

and

medical

students

should

lectures

focusing

take

schools.

part

on

in

The

interactive

addressing

stress,

anxiety and depression.

should

where

and

of

on

healthcare students.

There

personal

be

adequate

treatment.

are

must

health

madness. More so, there are many types of mental

All

solved.

The

gone

be

students through

support

to

traumas

[7].

efficient and

the

doctors

support

that

experience

students Their

peer

can

experiencing

colleagues

have give

mental

should

also

avoid stigmatizing them.

pharmacy school needs to know about any conditions

that

performances. measures studies.

to If

can It

can

help

they

affect then

them

keep

its put

excel

on

students’ in

place

in

their

bottling

the

problems within themselves, they may end up losing their sanity.

Moreover,

students

recreational studies.

engage cooking

activities

The

recreational in

should

faculty centres

such

as

participate

outside

of

should

establish

for

students

recreational

competitions,

in

trivia

their

to

athletics,

and

games.

They shouldn't lose their humanity because

A lot of spiteful words are used to address people with mental health conditions in

they

want

to

be

pharmacists;

rather,

they

should maintain personal relationships and make mental health a priority [8].

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 38

Most importantly, the best thing to do is to seek

professional

help

[1].

They

should

share their burden with the right one and save themselves from silent suffering.

REFERENCES 1. Anita Vulic-Prtoric, the University of Depression in University students, 2012. Available online at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262313859.

2. Leah

Komar,

University

College

Cork,

Ireland,

2020.View

of

COVID-19

amongst

the

pandemic of medical students mental health. http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2020.501 International Journal of Medical Students| 3. Oluyomi Esan et al. Int Rev Psychiatry. Nov-Dec 2019.Mental health and wellbeing of medical

students

in

Nigeria:

a

systematic

review.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2019.1677220.Pubmed| 4. Olayinka Nigerian

Ayinde

et

medical

al.

A

descriptive

students

study

of

mental

health

and

burnout

https://doi.org/10.1177/00207640211057706.

among

International

Journal of Social Psychiatry| 5. Sani Salihu Suraja, et al Prevalence and Factors Associating with Depression among Medical

Students

in

Nigeria.

https://www.npmj.org/article.asp?issn=1117-

1936;year=2021;volume=28;issue=3;spage=198;epage=203;aulast=Suraj#Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal 6. Medical

News

Today.

¦

July-September 2 2021.

Medical

Myths:

Mental

Health

Misconceptions,

2020.

www.medicalnewstoday.com 7. General

Medical

Council,

UK.

Supporting

Medical

Students

with

Mental

Health

Conditions, 2013.

8. Cheri

Dijamco,

Addressing

MS4

the

at

UT

School

Growing

of

Medicine

Concern

of

at

San

Mental

Antonio.

Health

Staying In

Sane:

Medical

Students,2015.https://www.amsa.org/staying-sane-addressing-the-growing-concernof-mental-health-in-medical-students/ 9. Deborah Oyine Aluh, University of Nigeria Ndukka et al. Prevalence and correlates of depression,

anxiety

and

stress

among

undergraduate

pharmacy

students

in

Nigeria,

https://doi.org/10.4652/pe.2020.201.236248 10. WHO. Mental health and substance abuse use.Available online at www.who.int

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16 | 39

PAGE 40

IPSF AfRO Newsletter Issue 16

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”

GLENN CLOSE