Post by deepthi on Jun 8, 2016 12:26:36 GMT
Reflection
I must admit that I feel like time just flew and I can’t believe that our graduate program is coming to an end soon. It has been a real joy to be part of this wonderful group and to be taught by some lovely educators. Our time spent together has been fun and nourishing . The graduate program has been a big learning phase where I learnt a lot about Mental health, the various illnesses, the treatments, medication ,therapeutic engagement, the various services available and also about myself. It has definitely changed my perception of life and helped me expand my boundaries. I have gained a lot of knowledge over the past one year and I am sure that the learning process does not end with our grad year. This was just the beginning. Every day is going to be educative and no two days will be alike. There are actually a couple of things that I would like to count as my greatest learning during this period. Some of them are as follows:
1. Do not take things personally. I learnt to remember that the clients we deal with can get unwell and when they do so, they may call you names, say rude things to your face, refuse to engage with you and even incorporate you as a part of their delusions. We should not take their attitude towards us personally. If they get paranoid about you or reject your assistance or even become a threat , remind yourself that it is because they are not well and be patient with them. It is hard at first to handle the rejection but it will get better with experience. Be understanding and remain professional in your dealings. Ask for support from colleagues or superiors if needed.
2. Stigma in Mental health exists and is a serious thing. We read and learn about it but seeing it in reality is really very sad. It exists in our community and almost all our clients have had first-hand experience of it which has scarred them for life. Managing employment, obtaining accommodation, engaging in activities in the community are all basic things in life that we do, but stigma prevents our clients from enjoying them and giving their best. I have seen clients quit jobs due to bullying and workplace stigma towards mental illness. More public education and awareness is necessary on this topic.
3. Our problems in life are not the worst. Every individual has problems in life and we all think that our problems are the worst. My introduction to Mental health showed me that there are bigger things and worse problems that our clients face and deal with on a regular basis. Example; The presence of a prominent derogatory friend is enough for most people to get depressed, then think about what the constant presence of invisible negative voices can do to you... Be happy with your life and circumstances and be happy that you get to help people when they need it the most.
I must admit that I feel like time just flew and I can’t believe that our graduate program is coming to an end soon. It has been a real joy to be part of this wonderful group and to be taught by some lovely educators. Our time spent together has been fun and nourishing . The graduate program has been a big learning phase where I learnt a lot about Mental health, the various illnesses, the treatments, medication ,therapeutic engagement, the various services available and also about myself. It has definitely changed my perception of life and helped me expand my boundaries. I have gained a lot of knowledge over the past one year and I am sure that the learning process does not end with our grad year. This was just the beginning. Every day is going to be educative and no two days will be alike. There are actually a couple of things that I would like to count as my greatest learning during this period. Some of them are as follows:
1. Do not take things personally. I learnt to remember that the clients we deal with can get unwell and when they do so, they may call you names, say rude things to your face, refuse to engage with you and even incorporate you as a part of their delusions. We should not take their attitude towards us personally. If they get paranoid about you or reject your assistance or even become a threat , remind yourself that it is because they are not well and be patient with them. It is hard at first to handle the rejection but it will get better with experience. Be understanding and remain professional in your dealings. Ask for support from colleagues or superiors if needed.
2. Stigma in Mental health exists and is a serious thing. We read and learn about it but seeing it in reality is really very sad. It exists in our community and almost all our clients have had first-hand experience of it which has scarred them for life. Managing employment, obtaining accommodation, engaging in activities in the community are all basic things in life that we do, but stigma prevents our clients from enjoying them and giving their best. I have seen clients quit jobs due to bullying and workplace stigma towards mental illness. More public education and awareness is necessary on this topic.
3. Our problems in life are not the worst. Every individual has problems in life and we all think that our problems are the worst. My introduction to Mental health showed me that there are bigger things and worse problems that our clients face and deal with on a regular basis. Example; The presence of a prominent derogatory friend is enough for most people to get depressed, then think about what the constant presence of invisible negative voices can do to you... Be happy with your life and circumstances and be happy that you get to help people when they need it the most.