Reflective Seeds by Counsellor Seyram

Substance use disorders, depression, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and suicidal behaviour have been reported in the broader literature as the typical and most prevalent mental health problems among the youth population in Ghana and within the Sub-Saharan Africa region (Nyundo et al., 2020; Ohene & Ofori-Atta, 2014). This is a source of grave concern to many stakeholders especially in the educational sector. It worthy to note that educational pursuits are essential for the individual for many reasons; to gain knowledge and information, build capacity, develop goals, and influence employment opportunities. It also enables the individual to learn social skills and soft skills, address social inequality and be responsible contributors to society.  Despite its numerous benefits, the pursuit of education may also be daunting for students irrespective of their age. However, for students who are recovering from any form of mental health conditions (MHC), educational pursuit c...

I recently watched a video online of toddlers between age 3 and 5 years who were in a school dress-up competition. Their task was to dress up by themselves with their underwear, singlet, pair of shoes and socks as well as a P. E. kit. I suppose there were prices to be won along the sentimental feedback from the crowd that was present to cheer them on. As the competition was ongoing, some made steady progress while others were struggling. Of particular interest was one of the girls. She had worn her underwear, shoes and socks in good time. Her pace was fast and it seemed as though she was going to be part of the first batch of winners. However, she faced a setback when she missed wearing her singlet properly. She wore her P. E. shirt over the singlet before realising that her left arm had not fit in properly so she quickly put her arm into the singlet and wore it over the P.E. shirt. She almost immediately realized that she was missing something. She looked around her and saw some of he...

This post is a continuation and concluding part of the two-part series on health check-up. If you haven’t read the first part yet, please access it via https://reflectiveseedsbycounsellorseyram.blogspot.com/2024/04/in-ring-of-life-need-for-health-check.html The first part discusses six reasons why one needs to undergo regular health check-ups. These include the fact that it  is cost effective;  exposes health conditions which are then managed to help alleviate negative effects;  helps to detect most life threatening conditions which happen progressively;  helps to safeguard oneself against risk factors;  helps one to put one’s mind at rest about one’s state of health; and  helps one to appreciate the fact that health is one’s wealth. The present text will present some important tests one can request for at the hospital as part of health screening. 1. Mental Health Screening: This comprises the use of assessment tests or tools, questionnaire, interview and/o...

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 ...