9. Mental Health Services # 2
There are three MSF sites in Farchana: (1) the Health Center, located at the edge of the camp, is where maternity and basic medical care are provided; (2) the Nutritional Center in the center of the camp houses the Community Health Service and a Therapeutic Feeding Center for malnourished children; and (3) the MSF compound, a fifteen minute walk from camp, that has an emergency night-clinic attached. Mental Health Services has “offices” in the two centers at the camp, which are wooden supports lined with plastic sheeting. It may seem like a flimsy structure but it’s like a home away from home; a quiet corner of the busy compound where we sit, talk, work, and, if need be, see patients in the room next door. Four years ago, when this MSF-H project was set up, flowers were planted outside and are now blossoming lilac and pink. It’s a nice thing. The flip-chart in the corner—some large pieces of paper stapled to a cobbled-together easel—shows residues of past lectures on personality traits, stigma, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (need to unpack this one in a place with no soap…), traumatic stress and it’s presenting symptoms, and so on.
Every morning at about 7:30am, the team meets at one of the two sites. We say our good-mornings and everybody asks everybody else how they slept. This is the custom, but there is a twist: you answer honestly. I’m not sure when it came to pass in Canada that the expected answer to the ritualistic “how’re you doing?” was a near-guaranteed “good, you?” You’d pretty much have to be bleeding out of your eyes before you ventured a “you know, not so hot today.” But in the camp, people routinely say what’s bugging them, and the morning “how’re you doing?” custom can take fifteen minutes. I know who’s got diarrhoea, who’s feeling a chill from the cool night past, and who’s child has a mild fever that is worrying them. It’s unexpectedly personal.
After this morning harrah, four of the counsellors go off to the « Thé Rencontre » or “Chat with Tea.” This is where everyone is welcome to sit around with friends, to drink insanely sugary tea, and to banter. All the while, the counsellors circulate, listen, and give their spiel on what mental health services are on offer. It’s a lovely idea, and even though it’s just a large open space with some plastic sheeting over their heads and a few rude wooden benches against the walls, everything changes when you’re sharing drinks. It becomes friendly rather than clinical. (below is a pic of the tea room, but not during the « Thé Rencontre ».)
4 Responses to “9. Mental Health Services # 2”
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February 12th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I’m curious about previous mental health intervention efforts at the camp. Did MSF have a psy-staff there in the past? Where did Youssef access the antipsychotic intramuscular injections? Who gave the team lectures on personality traits, stigma, trauma, ect…? Why do you think they know so little about schizophrenia, bipolar, OCD? … and Maslow?!? … left by a previous WWHUMMP? Could it be at all relevant or helpful there? I’m trying to get a sense of your ‘starting point’ in terms of educating staff/ treating patients.
ps. your pictures are GREAT… especially the 1st picture of the little girl… her eyes are stunning!
February 19th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Steven, Thanks for the newest posting. I’m glad to hear things are going well and you are back to work. I look forward to reading more. Later gator, Andrew
February 19th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Oy !!!!!
Long time no news.
Getting worried.
Phantasies of apocalyptic doom prevail (genetic tendency).
Are you and your mind still in one piece?
hug
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Hi Steve,
Haven’t seen anything for a few days. How are you?
At McGill we did a career day for the FMSQ. 2 psychiatry residents came up and we very excitedly told them about your mission. One of the residents knew you. We refered everyone to your blog.
All the best and be safe out there.
Warm wishes from cold Montreal.
Rags