As a nursing student, I had the opportunity to participate in a psychiatric nursing rotation at Eket, a town in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This experience is a turning point in my nursing education, as it not only deepened my understanding of mental health but also broadened my perspective on a woman's mental health and its impact on individuals and communities at large.
Upon arrival at the psychiatric hospital, I was completely blank and had contrast between the tranquil surroundings and the volience that lay within the minds of the patients. The hospital's serene environment, complete with lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, seemed to whisper promises of healing and recovery. However, as I began to interact with the patients, I realized that their struggles were far more complex and deeply ingrained.yh I heard they are derailed but yes, most of them on discussion told us that they were influenced and others due to hard drugs, while some said because they were into music and wanted to feel high and bold.
My first encounter was with a young man named Umoh,who is about age of 24. Who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. His eyes, once bright and full of life, had dimmed, and his smile had faded. As I listened to his story, I was struck by the complexity of his condition and the challenges he faced in his daily life. Despite the medication and therapy, Umoh's symptoms persisted, and he struggled to cope with the voices that haunted him. On hearing this I was reminded of what I was taught I remembered our lecturer talking about hallucination and delusion , these are the main symptoms of mental disorder.
As I worked with Umoh and other patients, I began to appreciate the concept of psychiatric nursing. I further understood that mental health is not just about treating symptoms but also about understanding the individual's experiences, emotions, and struggles. I witnessed the fear, shame, and isolation that often accompany mental health conditions, and I realized that these factors can be just as feebling as the illness itself.
The significant lessons I learnt during my rotation was the importance of empathy and compassion in psychiatric nursing. I saw that simple mannered gesture, a listening ear, or a reassuring touch can make a profound difference in a patient's life. Also I learned how to approach each patient with kindness, understanding, and patience, recognizing that their struggles are unique and deserving of respect just like every other person. I realized that it is not just about treating individuals but also about addressing the broader social and economic factors that contribute to mental health disparities.
My experience at Eket also outlined the need for community-based mental health services. Many patients had traveled long distances to seek treatment, often at great personal cost.And at this point I request that the government help provide infrastructures within communities for easy accessibility. cos the lack of accessible mental health services leads to delayed treatment and most time to a more chronic conditions.
As I reflect on my experience I am reminded of the power of nursing to transform lives. Psychiatric nursing, in particular, requires a unique blend of compassion, empathy, and expertise. It demands that we see beyond the symptoms and diagnoses, to the individuals and families who are struggling to cope. This has inspired me to become a more compassionate, loving, sympathetic,prayerful and effective nurse, one who is committed to providing holistic care that addresses all the needs of my patients.
Finally ,my experiences in psychiatric nursing at Eket was a journey of growth and understanding. It taught me a whole lot about community-based care in addressing mental health disparities. A****s I continue on my nursing journey, I will ensure to carry the lessons of Eket with me, using them as a means to inform,practice,educate and advocate for the needs of individuals and families affected by mental illness.Cos like… . Damn it's not easy.
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( all the images are personal).