Reflective Seeds by Counsellor Seyram

The concept of health can be generally conceived as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organisation, 1948). This implies that health is not only restricted to not being sick but being in a good state of mental, social, physical and perhaps spiritual wellness. With regard to Medical Screening or Health Check-up, it involves physical examination of the body to assess one’s general state of health, functionality or condition of wellness. Health check-up may include a thorough screening, education and counselling as well as preventive care. Even though there are no strict guidelines for medical screening periods, it is advisable to subscribe to a regular schedule as much as practicable. This may be quarterly, bi-annually or annually. This two-part series will highlight the importance of undergoing a routine medical check-up in the first part while the second part deals with some common but important ...

Medicine according to the Online Cambridge Advanced English Dictionary refers to something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of diseases while Drug refers to a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic. Dose is also defined as a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time. Medicines come in several forms including liquid, tablet, capsule, suppository, injection, inhalers, drop, implants or patches and topicals.  There are three main categories of medicines namely over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription and complementary medicines. OTCs include aspirin and other pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, allergy, and cough and cold medicines. They can be purchased at pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores without a prescription.  Prescription medicines include medicines which can help clear an ear or sinus infection, lower elevated blood pressure, or treat or manage a wide range of chronic and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as d...

“How are you?” is a simple question used mainly to inquire about someone's state of health. Overtime, in the Ghanaian context and perhaps in many other countries, it seems to have lost its meaning and value of honest enquiry to become a routine question or ritual with fixated responses. Usually people may respond with the statement, “I am fine”, “I am well”, “I am blessed by God's grace”, I am doing well” or “I’m good”. Interestingly, the above responses may not be a true reflection of the person's state of health. However, any contrary response may be considered as inappropriate or rude. For example, I listened to an interview where a man narrated his experience at the hospital. He had reported sick and as the nurse was checking his vitals, she asked him the usual, “How are you”? to which he responded, “I am not fine”. According to him, the nurse was upset and insisted that he should claim that he is fine instead of saying he is unwell. How ironic and troubling can this be...

Singlehood is a common phenomenon worldwide which is synonymous to words such as unmarried, unwedded, separated, divorced or unattached. To be single means the individual does not have a partner with whom he or she shares a relationship either officially or otherwise. Singlehood happens in many forms and someone in that state may not necessarily be by choice. It could be as a result of existential circumstances which they have no control over. Conversely, it may also be by personal choice to simply be alone until such a time where one deems it right to be bonded to another person. Whichever scenario may be the case, individuals who are single need to be mindful of certain issues as they navigate through life. Also, the preying public needs to be conscious of certain reasons why they ought to be less critical of individuals who are single. Singlehood can be a period of self-empowerment and positive influence if singles can consider the following: 1. Build your life. This is a holistic ...

Sympathisers may genuinely desire to offer condolences and other form of support to lighten the burden on the immediate bereaved persons as they go through the period of grief but unfortunately, not all sympathisers are able to achieve this purpose. In some scenarios, they end up worsening the pain thereby causing more harm than the intended good.  This post concludes the list of some ways through which meaningful support can be offered to anyone experiencing grief.  You may refer to the earlier list of support options for the bereaved via https://reflectiveseedsbycounsellorseyram.blogspot.com/2024/03/in-ring-of-life-support-in-grief-i.html 7. Refrain from sharing your personal loss experience. A statement like I know exactly how you feel is one highly abused in comforting a bereaved person but this should not be the case. Losses are exclusive to every individual and should not be compared in moments of offering grief support. It may be emotionally draining for the giver of t...

At certain points in our lives, we may all experience some sort of loss; a child, a spouse, a parent, relative, friend, or acquaintances. Often, the particular relationship we had with the deceased determines the intensity of grief we experience. For some people, the period of grief is limited to the time of death and ends during the burial service. For others however, the period of grief may be much longer – perhaps as long as a lifetime. The pain may not get better with the passage of time. This post offers some ways in which support can be extended to individuals who are grieving. You may refer to the first part of this series to understand what grief entails via this link: https://reflectiveseedsbycounsellorseyram.blogspot.com/2024/03/in-ring-of-life-understanding-grief-i.html 1. Be understanding and patient. There is no restriction on how long the individual is to grief during the loss of a loved one. Grief is a personal expression of pain; thus there should be no fixed expected t...

Grief may be considered as intense sorrow and emotional pain usually associated with the death of a loved one. It is characterised by a whirlwind of emotions such as yearning or longing for the deceased, preoccupation with the deceased and circumstances of the death, anguish or guilt. Grief is part of the experience associated with death, an existential phase of life which can affect anyone; however, every individual’s response to grief may differ. The first part of this two-part series on ‘ Grief’ discusses grief and how to identify and understand prolonged grief as a disorder which may require professional intervention. The second part (in a subsequent post) will explore what to do when offering support to individuals who are grieving. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), prolonged and complicated grief reaction is termed persistent complex bereavement disorder. The symptoms include difficulty accepting the death, disbelief or numbness, difficulty in reminiscing...