Psyched to chat to Dr Akpabio

Today we will be getting to know Dr Akpabio better; she goes by Idorenyin. She's a South African raised Nigerian. She loves traveling and is very adventurous. Her love for piecing together information is the reason why she went into the field of psychiatry; our very own Sherlock of the mind connecting the dots that make us who we are.

One of my favourite quotes from J.K. Rowling is: "the mind is a complex and many-layered thing, Potter...or at least most minds are..." I am sure Dr Akpabio shares the same sentiments.

I must admit that calling her Dr Akpabio sounds foreign to me and thus would like to apologize my dear friend and drop the formalities and herein refer to you as I've come to refer to you all these years, as Idorenyin.

As mentioned in an earlier post I am surrounded by brilliance and would like to share some of it with the community. So, over the past week we had a Q & A session with Idorenyin, getting to know 'The Girl' in scrubs - she hardly wears them anymore. She is passionate about raising awareness on Mental Health issues and provides practical ways of dealing with some of the issues many of us have.

Q: When one talks about mental health many often get the role of a psychologist and psychiatrist confused. What is the difference?

A: The simplest difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors who have chosen to specialize in mental health while psychologists are trained from the very beginning in assessing and managing mental health conditions through therapy. Another differentiation is that psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication where needed.

Note: for an in depth discussion on this very topic please check out her page 'A Healthy Life - Dr Akpabio https://www.instagram.com/drakpabio; you can also check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGesHKegPF6RZ5jeg9-nHng

Q: What's your typical day like?

A: Well, I'm currently still specializing so my days are somewhat different from a fully qualified psychiatrist. At present I am based at a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, my days involve seeing children who are in need of mental health services, primarily as outpatients, and when needed, as inpatients. I juggle this with academic requirements, reading and preparing for exams and a healthy amount of self care when I get the time which includes but not limited to exercise, dancing and just goofing around (I presume this is when she is with me).

Q: There seems to be greater awareness regarding mental health issues. What do you think has attributed to this mind shift?

A: Can I say how happy I am that this is a conversation that many are more willing to have? I think what has helped shift things is that many who are considered influential in the world, the so called celebrities, started sharing their struggles and journey (side bar - I am reminded of Demi Levato and her struggles and that song Sober talks to my soul but I digress back to Idorenyin).

Also, the world gets more and more intense and hard to deal with, it becomes more difficult to ignore your mental health. Once upon a time concepts such as anxiety or depression for example could be abstract; but now so many are affected that it becomes difficult to ignore (think Kate Spade).

Yet, somehow the African communities are still lagging behind.

Q: Why is mental health still taboo in African culture?

A:It is quite frustrating! And yet I do see gradual improvement and acknowledgment of this as real issues, so I am happy for the slight movement.

If I were to posit an opinion as to what may be contributing to it, it would simply be that African culture is quite different from the Western culture. We draw our strengths, sense of self, explanations of reality from different sources.

Africans also believe strongly that if you work hard enough, along with a healthy measure of faith and cultural beliefs , you are able to overcome anything. And yet, mental health does not discriminate. Whether you are lazy or hardworking , have faith or not, uphold tribal customs or not; you could fall prey to the same issues.

Q: How do we raise awareness and provide the necessary support in these marginalized communities?

A: I think we need to ensure that conversations are constantly had. Understand each others perspective and find common ground on matters such as these. Many do not realize that for the most part acknowledging you have mental health issued does not require giving up your treasured beliefs and customs.

Q: How can family and friends support a loved one with a mental illness?

A: Oh, there is so many things. Some of them include:

• encourage them to seek help;

• ensure they adhere to treatment plans;

• do not blame them for their illness;

• remember they are still the same person;

• see them as more than just the diagnosis;

• don't invalidate their complaints or symptoms;

• importantly listen, be kind and compassionate;

Q: On a lighter note, tell us if you were an animal what would you be and why?

A: I have never EVER thought of this question but on the spot I'd have to say a bird of some sort as I would never have to buy a plane ticket ever again, and yet would still get to see the world. The world would be my oyster, as they say.

Q: Would you choose the forest or the beach?

A: Beach definitely. There is something so moving about hearing the waves crash into one another. Something awe-inspiring and peaceful. The beach is my go to place for happiness (a happy place). A place where I can reflect and feel closer to my creator.

Q:Lastly, tell us something we don't know about you.

A: My favourite colours are purple, red and green (why am I not surprised).

I would like to thank you my dear friend for taking time out from your busy schedule to do this interview for me.

For the community members please check out her YouTube channel (link provided above) and she also has an Instagram page worth following: htts://www.instagram.com/drakpabio

Thank you Community Members.

Until next time,

Ciao

#drakpabio #mentalhealthawareness #bestfriendchats