Reflecting on My Mental Health Practice Class II

“Honest self-reflection opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success, and freedom.” — unknown

This is a follow up to an article written earlier. These articles are reflections of my mental health practice class. The first semester is over. Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM) program now feels familiar. I am no longer lost with the schedules. I am also adept at meeting deadlines. Generally, class content is still engaging. Listening and interacting in class is priceless. These make it easier to review the material in the PowerPoints.

There are certain classes that stood out to me. One of these was the class on suicide. Highlights are engaging the clients, de-escalation, and referral when necessary. These make suicide feel conquerable. Another was the class on domestic violence. This was both touching and enlightening. I have friends, families, and clients who have suffered from this. I have those who have living experiences of this on varying levels. But, there is a therapeutic side. One is highlighting the risk factors. The other is outlining practical measures to mitigate these risks.

I was particularly touched by the subject of emotional abuse. This can be subtle. The self-esteem of the individual is eroding and yet there is no realization that what is going on is abuse. It is depressing when one considers how embedded this culture is. Change seems futile.

Another traumatic class was that of the indigenous people and their history. It was relatable. It emphasizes the dehumanization of humans by other humans in Canada. Dehumanization is not peculiar to Canada. There are other parts of the world where similar acts are perpetrated. The class gave me a lot to process.

I can see areas of semblance of Ontario mental health practice to practice in Nigeria. For instance, practitioners back home recognize the importance of cultural adaptation. Though demanding, it makes practice and service delivery, effective.

Despite my emphasis on the importance of cultural adaptation, I am not there yet. I still swing between various emotions. Sometimes, I am in the honeymoon phase, and other times, I am shell shocked, other times, adjusted.

Maintaining professional boundaries is essential though not always achieved. Forgoing it undermines the efficacy of practice. Empathy and effective listening skills are non-negotiable. For the latter, this is a case of where you ‘hear out’ the client. You are not in a hurry to proffer solutions. Sometimes, they have the answers to what they seek. Other times, they are close and need guidance. And other times, you proffer solutions and provide resources.

I am aware of the demands of mental health practice. Hence, I appreciate the culture of being self-reflective. I also appreciate the need to be assertive and practice self-care. Going forward, I hope most health agencies have measures in place to care for their staff. The pandemic has left us with a mental health crisis. We should be ready for it.

Footnote:

Here is the link to part 1 of this piece:

A piece with a different touch: