Psychiatry Day 4

Once again, my practice started in the morning with a seminar in the library of the Psychiatry Clinic. It was the same mixed group of Hungarian and English program students. We quickly discussed the patient from yesterday, and the Professor asked that we find a new patient to interview for tomorrow's discussion and rushed off to do ward rounds. 

We went to the ward, put down our belongings, and searched for a patient to interview. Today was a bit different because this time, we found an English-speaking patient. I introduced us and asked the patient if it would be okay to interview them. They agreed, and we walked out to the hallway to a table. Another English program student and I ran the interview. I started by asking the patient when they came to the hospital and why they were in the hospital now. We could tell the patient was a little agitated and on edge, so we let them control the direction of our interview. Our conversation developed based on the patient's answers. 

Before ending the interview, I asked the other students if they had any additional questions for our patient. Everyone shook their head to say no. I asked the patient if there was anything else they wanted to share with us or ask. The patient said no. I thanked the patient for allowing us to interview them, and they replied by thanking us. They were delighted that we took the time to listen to them and told us we would make great doctors. Music to our ears, right?

I have to admit the patient's situation was quite a sad one, and I want to take some time today to talk about mental health. I've said before how near and dear to my heart this topic is, and it was the topic of my thesis. Taking care of ourselves is so important. Recognising the signs, accepting a problem, and seeking the necessary help is much easier said than done. Life is hard. There are good times, and there are bad times. We all get overwhelmed at some point or another. People can be evil, even the people we love. Sometimes our mind plays tricks on us, and we feel like a prisoner in our own bodies. 

Today our patient reminded us of that. They said to us, "my mind is my own worse enemy." Unfortunately, that is the sad reality that Psychiatric patients and many people worldwide live in. They live in fear of themselves and what they may do to themselves or others daily. They are not crazy, and one should never use that word to describe someone seeking psychiatric or psychological help. Seeking help is courageous. 

Many people are reluctant to ask for help because of the stigma associated with mental health and its treatment. We have to move away from this mentality that seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist is taboo. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help from these healthcare professionals. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with the tasks of everyday life, reach out for help today. You are special. The world needs you. There are people who love you, and even though they might not know the right way to tell you or show you, they would hate life without you. Take a moment today to check on the people in your life. Sometimes our strongest friends are in the darkest of places.

To end, know that "where you are now is not where you will always be. There are brighter days up ahead." - Joel Osteen