Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear, Counsellor:

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia for the past five years. It is difficult to cope with mental illness. I am embarrassed and ashamed to let people know that I am sick. Sometimes, I don't take my medication and I become ill.

It is problematic for me to go to the doctor monthly for my injections and to take the pills. I often wonder how other people with schizophrenia are coping. I worry about my illness and get sad often.

- Bernadette

Dear, Bernadette:

Schizophrenia is a chronic relapsing disorder that affects one per cent of the population. It is characterised by hallucinations and delusions. The individual may be fatigued, demotivated and antisocial. It is distressing for those struggling with the illness and the people.

Medical illnesses are the private affairs of individuals. You don't need to tell strangers about your illness. You need the support of family, friends and co-workers. You have to be selective with whom you discuss your personal business with.

It is unfortunate that there is bias, prejudice and stigma attached to the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Individuals face discrimination at some workplaces and in some communities. We are trying to educate the public, employees and communities that schizophrenia is a medical illness and they should show compassion and care to these individuals.

It is understandable that you would feel embarrassed and ashamed. Many times, individuals are non-compliant with treatment because it is tedious to take pills daily. In life, you have to assess the risks and the benefits of issues and make wise decisions about your health.

The treatment of schizophrenia is straightforward and many persons do well on the various regimes. Individuals need to take their medication as this will improve their functioning at home and at work. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is not a death sentence and many individuals are leading productive lives because they are compliant with their treatment regimes. It is important to take the medication, as individuals are not aware of the illness in the early stages and they may deteriorate badly before recognition of a relapse is noted.

There is a support group called Mensana where you can meet fellow patients and hear how they are coping.

Benefits of abstinence

Dear, Counsellor:

I am concerned that many adolescents are sexually active and there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy. I think that adolescents should be encouraged to abstain from sexual activities and focus on their education and career goals.

I have a daughter and I told her that she should not engage in sex until she is married. I think if individuals have one partner in their lifetime, the risk of contracting a sexually-transmitted infection will be diminished and teenage pregnancy would be reduced, even eliminated. We need to preach abstinence because that is the best solution.

- Mary

Dear, Mary:

Sexually active adolescents are a cause for concern as there are problems associated with sex. Adolescents who focus on sex don't pay enough attention to their studies. Adolescence is a time for the development of academic skills and focusing on career goals.

Sex is an unnecessary distraction. When individuals start to have sex early, they end up having several partners in their lifetime and the risk of transmitting a disease is increased tremendously. Therefore, it is life-saving if adolescents practise abstinence.

Sexually-transmitted infections such as HIV, and cancer of the cervix are common diseases that affect individuals who have had multiple partners.

Parents, teachers and adolescents need to be aware of the dangers of early sexual activity and the issue of multiple partners. Adolescents are inexperienced and need to be guided by well-meaning adults. Information is important and caregivers need help in parenting these adolescents.

Phone Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or 791-1778; or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.