CC... Coping with January melancholies- an ObGyn point of view It is probable that your ever increasing workload as an ObGyn during the month of November and December must have made you appear to be hitting a tipping point (remember the cold season, March/April..when babies are advertently/inadvertently planted??). The reality of being an ObGyn in Kenya today especially in public health facilities is honestly undermining, too much work, very narrow pay slip. Everyone is on the rush, everyones problem is urgent, everyones symptoms are serious. Everyone wants to be seen at the same time, very few ObGyns, too much work. The public and the government refuse to address this elephant in the room and instead look the other way!! So come Christmas time, you were probably looking forward to having a break from your busy schedules at the hospital. In the process of buying friends and family one or two, and sometimes having ten much for the road, your years’ savings are swallowed unabridged. So after relaxing with your family and friends over Christmas and the New year, the reality checks in. Two children in school at Braeburn or Braeside school the other at the International school of Kenya or St. Andrews Ruturi. Three nephews and four nieces back in the village at private academies, 35 acre of land in Kitale to be prepared for the next planting season, wife asking for an off peak holiday in Abu-Dhabi. Meanwhile, there are not enough appointments from your patients may be because they are facing similar challenges as you and have therefore postponed their gynecological challenges. You are in essence facing January blues!! But because you are a very well trained ObGyn, you won’t give in without a fight. So how do you cope with January challenges? Of course, there is no simple or direct answer for this question apparently so big and complex, but here I can offer some simple tips. None of this is rocket science, but when under pressure they can help. Develop realistic goals and resolutions for the New Year and always have a plan B. Avoid unachievable aspirations. You are probably better off if you make a written commitment of these expectations on paper. You need to be pragmatic and accept the reality of what you can achieve given the system that you have been given to work with. Saying I have no time is not an excuse, its a recipe for depression. Always create some time for regular exercise, watch a movie, take your spouse or girl (boy) friend out, eat health and write a paper. Have several bank accounts. You probably wiped out two or three accounts over the holidays. There should always be a hidden forth account somewhere, accessible only in January. This will save you the blues Draw on your strengths from your past experiences as you cope with present challenges and frustrations knowing that you are not the only one in such a circumstance or fix. Get in touch with your spiritual world. When you are feeling tense and helpless, it is not time to dramatically drink silly. Youll be better off drawing strength from your creator. There is always a chance of getting some finances from your bank. You can consolidate several debts into one personal loan from a single bank. But be careful to read between the lines before you take the bank loan. No doubt that someone will come along the way and blame you for poor planning. Don’t worry; be happy, another December is coming in twelve months!!
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 18:47:36 +0000
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