Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I have a problem that's been going on for a year now. I have difficulty falling asleep at night and I am unable to sleep throughout the night. Whenever I am awake at nights I think of all my problems and everything seems catastrophic in the dead of the night. I would like to get some sleep at nights.

- Sonia

Dear Sonia:

Sleep is essential to adequate functioning of an individual. We need seven to ten hours of sleep each night. Babies sleep for longer while the elderly sleep for a shorter time. There are many reasons for inability to sleep.

Sometimes the individual is overstressed, depressed or anxious. If an individual is having pain then they will not be able to sleep well. Stress, depression and anxiety are common reasons why people can't sleep well at night. You need to examine your routine to identify stressors and issues that are causing you anxiety. The violence in society is causing great fear in people and this can cause you to lose your night's rest. Death of loved ones can interfere with our sleep as we grieve the loss.

Depression is a very common condition and is easily treated. There are therapies and medications which are effective in the treatment of depression. Many people have negative thoughts and ideas which can interfere with them getting a peaceful rest at night. Some medical illnesses can present with depression and cause loss of sleep. Whenever an individual has a sleep problem they should see a doctor for a physical examination and investigation. An annual physical is always a good idea.

Some individuals develop intense anxiety that interfere with their sleep. They need to be deconditioned about their anxieties so that they are able to sleep at night. There are some simple things to do to facilitate sleep. Keep the bedroom sleep-friendly by using pillows, linen and soft music that are sleep-inducing. Sometimes you need to make a list of the issues that need to be dealt with in the day. Having emptied your mind you will be able to sleep.

Miracle cure

Dear Counsellor:

I am concerned about my brother. My brother is mentally ill and doesn't take his medication regularly. He sometimes wanders the streets and cannot be found for weeks. I would like some help in taking care of him.

- Joan

Dear Joan:

Your problem is a common one as one sees the mentally ill wandering the streets of Jamaica. The treatment of people diagnosed with Schizophrenia requires the help of family members, the community and the health team. There are mental health professionals across the island who will help family members take care of their sick love ones.

The mental health team will visit patients on a monthly basis and administer an injection which will keep the individual well. The injection makes it easy for everyone as it guarantees treatment for a month. Individuals who take this injection are able to attend to their personal hygiene, do not wander the streets and are able to keep a job. Family members and the community in which sick individuals live should avail themselves of this life-saving activity. Many individuals are in responsible jobs because they are on the monthly injection.

It is sad to see individuals wandering the street, engaging in strange behaviour when an injection monthly can reverse this situation. I will use this opportunity to appeal to the public and families to be proactive and ensure that individuals are properly treated of their mental illness. I can tell you that a lot of mentally ill individuals are taking their injections monthly, working at a job and having a family. The injectables are the miracle cure in the arena of mental health. The people on the street do not need to be there and should not be there.

Remember now, help is available and you should seek the help of the health team. The health team works very well with family members, individuals and community members. For good health, a team approach is needed and the family needs to play a central role.

Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; 9274824,7911778; yvonniebd@hotmail.com