2021AD World Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care Week Celebration at

Igbotako, Osoro Kingdom, Ikale Land, Ondo State

On 30^th October 2021AD

Topic: The Call of a Chaplain: The Biblical Perspective

Welcome: In today’s broadcast, we are going to consider a different thing from what we have been doing on this radio, which focus on people and ministers with specialized ministry called “Chaplaincy.”

World over, October annually, people and ministers who are into this specialized ministry known as “Chaplains” are given a whole week for celebration and this year own started since Sunday 24^th through 30^th of October 2021AD.

People and ministers in this ministry, Chaplaincy has been celebrating this week all over the world and we thank God, we in Nigeria are not left out, most especially we in this part of the nation, Ikale land, it is a thing of joy and requiring praising God. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

We thank God for the instrument God used to bring this noble profession, Chaplaincy to us in Ikale land in the person of Archbishop Prof. Mike-Jacobs JP, AP, CPC, giving us the opportunity to join in the world weeklong celebration.

People of Ikale, all the ministers of the gospel and the youth in Ikale count yourselves worthy and we welcome you to join this wonderful unique people called in this specialized ministry; the benefits cannot be told with mouth, it is numerous.

Text: Luke 3:10-11

Introduction: This bible passage is the basis of chaplaincy profession and practice. It focuses on fulfilling this mandate and commandment. Chaplaincy is all about sharing, loving, caring, showing compassion and meeting needs of every one we come in contact with. Chaplaincy is a noble profession!

 

What is a Call? A call is a special disposition (as if from a Divine source) to pursue a particular course or work in life. A request from someone or from God to carry out a particular and specific duty, activity, work or role.

What is Chaplaincy? Chaplaincy is a specialize ministry a minister who is called into chaplaincy profession have as an added unique call of God in caring and helping people who are suffering, people who are sick, people who are homeless etc., reaching out to them wherever they are with humanizing ministry and the greatest gifts of human existence – presence and listening.

Chaplaincy has become a profession a minister can engage in outside the Church setting to the secular world, thereby giving trained ordained ministers the advantage of having a job in various organizations or institutions such as hospitals, schools, prisons, motor packs, government agencies, traditional rulers’ palaces etc.

Who is a Chaplain? A chaplain is an ordained minister of a faith group called unto specialized ministry of caring and helping people who are traumatized, victimized, those who are facing crisis and difficulties in life and those who are in pains to assist them to pass through their problems without committing suicide or committing crime.

A chaplain is trained to journey with people in their darkest moments of life to help them to live better with meaning and be fulfilled no matter what they are passing through.

What is the Call of a Chaplain?

The call of a chaplain is a call to go beyond the Church and the altar services to the outside world to reach out to people with compassion, love, care and sharing of God’s love and goodness to all and sundry not minding their religions, beliefs, social status, gender or age.

The call of a chaplain is a call beyond the church setting to serve people with the purpose of putting smiles on their faces and giving them reasons to live with meaning and be fulfilled in life.

The call of a chaplain is call to be with others in their pains and joys, mourning and celebration with the greatest gift of human existence that is the ministry of presence and listening.

The call of a chaplain is a call to mend broken hearts and heal hurting through various chaplaincy care and services.

The call of a chaplain is a call to help someone in dilemmas solve a problem (life puzzles) that does not allow him or her to enjoy his/her God-given life, peace, joy and comfort.

The call of a chaplain is a call to services, caring and helping people in need.

The call of a chaplain is a call to bring wholeness to people’s life.

Examples of Chaplaincy Practice in the Bible:

God, the Father: God, the Father is the Author of chaplaincy practice, He before He brought man into existence made the needed provisions for man’s need so that man would not lack and when man failed by the reason of disobedience, He did not reject them (Gen. 1), still provided a cover for their nakedness against shame, undue exposure and harsh weather (Gen. 3:21).

Our Lord Jesus Christ: Jesus as the Master Chaplain, and the caller of all chaplains practiced chaplaincy many times from the Bible, examples are:

·        Feeding of the 5,000 people – Mark 6:34-37: Jesus seeing their felt needs was moved with compassion, this is a heart of a chaplain, that discovers people’s problems and seek on how to solve it.

·        The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:23-36: Jesus in His time on earth, preaches and encourages good neighbourhliness were people are expected to care for one another. A chaplain’s heart encourages good community living for everyone which brings about caring, compassion, supporting and sharing with one another in the community which results in genuine love that brings about peaceful coexistence, harmony, unity, protection of lives and properties.

·        The Two Disciples on their Way to Emmaus – Luke 24:13-26: These disciples were in dilemmas, fears, confusion, frustration and disappointment. When Jesus accustomed them on what they were discussing, they show their frustration and anger on the injustice done to Jesus Christ and their disappointment whether Jesus’ words will come true or not. Jesus as the Master Chaplain came in and gave them understanding of what they are passing through, He gave them a good insight in their fears, disappointment and frustration and gave them hope and encouragement to strengthen them in their faith to enable them to remain steadfast and rooted. This is a heart and call of a chaplain.

·        The Church at Philippian – Phil. 4:15-16: This congregation in Philippian has more of people with chaplaincy hearts than just mere church congregation that made them to care for the Missionaries (Apostle Paul and his crew) even when they were not with them but in another state – Thessalonian, they still ministered to them to make sure they do not lack. This is to tell us that chaplaincy is for all, regarding you love to care for others. Chaplaincy door is open for you.

In Conclusion: You are all welcome into this humanizing ministry, if you have interest in caring and helping others in life, you are good to go in chaplaincy. Chaplaincy is not limited to ministers alone but to all who have interest to render services to God through humanity.

If you are interested in becoming a chaplain call these numbers: 08027724516; 07055287861; 08035092416 or WhatsApp on 09091981944.

The Open Christian Theological Seminary at Ilebe in Igbotako, Osoro Kingdom is prepared to give you all you require to become a full fledge chaplain, a professional minister, effective missionary and church worker.

Avail yourself of this opportunity to study world standard theological education, mission, practical ministry and chaplaincy.

God bless you all. Thank you

By

Chap. Dr. Joy David-Mike SCC, CPC

 

 

2021AD Conference in Celebration of

World Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care Week Celebration @

Ibadan, Oyo State

On 29^th October 2021AD

Conference Topic: The Need For Research in Chaplaincy Practice

Introduction:

Research work and engagement by chaplains in chaplaincy profession and practice is indispensable and is what cannot be overlooked, downplayed or toil with. The daily life we live is filled with research, without it, we cannot be where we are today.

For instance, through research you know the food that is sweet, you know the food you love, you know what is best suited for you, where to live, whom to marry, associations to keep, where to go or not go. Research is irreplaceable and absolutely necessary in life and existence.

If research is this important in our day-to-day living, is it in a profession which is part of our lives it will not be important? If No, is the answer, let’s consider these questions:

1.     Why are we not keen about research in chaplaincy practice in this part of the world – Africa and especially, in Nigeria?

2.     Why do we not like to engage in chaplaincy research to help develop this noble profession?

No marketer will come out to the public without carrying out necessary research, if not, his/her next name will be capital “FAILURE.”

3.     Why do we prefer to copy the research of people from other continents different from our cultures, ethnicity, beliefs, orientations etc. to impose them on our people?

4.     How effective do you think this will be in proving the effectiveness and efficacy of chaplaincy care and services which are emotional care, spiritual care, mental health care, psychospiritual care and otherwise?

5.     What will you offer us as counsel or suggestion that will help change chaplains in Nigeria focus and understanding of chaplaincy as a profession to enable them engage in chaplaincy research activities?

Definition: Research is the systematic investigation into the study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusion. It is also systematic investigation into stories, events, situations, happenings etc, in order to establish facts, have a better understanding and how to bring about the needed change or added value and meaning.

Internationally, our colleagues have done many research findings to validate the effectiveness and efficacy of chaplaincy care and service to people with various health challenges.

We should not just copy them and impose them on our people, we need to conduct our own researches to validate or refute what their findings are and as well improve our standards of professional chaplaincy practice in this part of the world in order to be proud to be called “practicing professional chaplains” before them.

Why We Need Research in Chaplaincy Practice and Service Delivery?

1.     To prove the effectiveness and efficacy of chaplaincy practice, care and service delivery.

2.     Research will help us to know the most felt needs of our CRs and how to deliver quality care and services to CRs – how to deliver spiritual care effectively with positive outcomes.

3.       Research can find answers to things that are unknown, filling gaps in the knowledge and changing the way that professional chaplains works.

4.     Research bring about discovery that brings improvement which brings needed change that aid growth and development in chaplaincy profession.

5.     Research helps us to prove our worth and chaplaincy benefits to collaborative professional teams (IPT) for respect and acceptance, even to the CRs, their families, the public and the government.

6.     Research builds us and equip us the more for better chaplaincy knowledge, practice and effectiveness.

7.     Research makes us to be engendered to the public, organizations and the government thereby giving the opportunity of recognition we have been clamoring for decades.

8.     Research helps us on how to use existing methods of care, assessment tools, interventions and treatment models in the best possible ways and also helps us in discovering new assessment tools, interventions and treatment models available and effective for quality care and service delivery.

9.     Research will bring overall development to chaplaincy profession and sustain its existence beyond us and for many generations.

10.                        Research will assist us to leave behind us a legacy for emerging and generation yet unborn to enable them practice chaplaincy with ease.

11.                        Research helps us to identify what is needed in chaplaincy profession, practice and service delivery for improvement and advancement.

12.                        Research legitimize our efforts in the care of CRs and staff.

13.                        Research makes management of the organization where chaplains serves to approve their proposals.

14.                        Research certifies our purpose such as what we are trying to accomplish, how we will know it can help, and how we can improve.

15.                        Research helps us to measure successes and quality care outcomes.

Questions for Discussion:

1.     What type of chaplain would you suggest to be involved in chaplaincy research and why?

2.     What would you suggest would be chaplains’ qualification for engaging in chaplaincy research and why?

3.     How would we have a good research team for chaplaincy practice in Nigeria and continent of Africa?

Word from the Bible: Luke 3:11 – Without research, you won’t know what you need to have or you have in other to share or impart to others, without research, you won’t know who is actually in need of that which you have and the right time to share to meet the need of the moment.

With all these today, I believe you agree with me that research is indispensable in professional chaplaincy practice and service delivery. God will help us!

Finally, which way forward chaplains in Nigeria, which way forward chaplains in Africa? Shall we continue in wearing uniform and ranks, matching and parading for fame and vain glory to continue while many people around us are dying in silence under their burdens posed to them by difficulties and challenges of life and various crisis because there is no one to help strengthen their emotional, mental and spiritual coping capacity and resolve their emotional and spiritual crisis. God have mercy on us!

Let any chaplain that have ears, hear this clarion call, “Come over to the road of Dark Sea Journey of Life and help us,” cries the suffering world and population.

Who will the Lord send? Who is trained, equipped and prepared to go? Who is ready and available?

May the good Lord open your eyes to see this wounded population and your ears to hear their emotional and spiritual cries?

It is an urgent call that require urgent answer and attention, God bless you as you answer this clarion call today! Thank you all.

Chap. Dr. Joy David-Mike SCC, CPC.

+23480 3509 2416; WhatsApp: 0909198144

Email: uchejoyjp@gmail.com

 

 

Webinar Discussion to Mark 2021AD Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care Week Celebration

On 27^th Oct., 2021 AD

Time: 8.00pm

Topic: The Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Chaplain in Providing Spiritual Care to Care-recipients

Welcome: Thank you every one is nice been here, I thank God for this wonderful opportunity this year in doing something unique during this weeklong celebration which is in line with what our colleagues are doing in the developed nations.

I thank God for the life of our able President-General (Chap. Prof. David Mike-Jacobs) for his effort to put this gathering in place, also for every one of us who made this a reality God bless you all, and to our able anchor and presenter Chap. Olugbenga Olukosi, kudos to you and more grace to continue in greater height.

As the topic of the discussion says, “The primary duties and responsibilities of chaplains in providing spiritual care to Care-recipients,” permit me to start with the word “Primary” which kept me thinking since the topic was given, so we can have a good grip of the word which will enable us to understand our duties and responsibilities better and makes us eager to offer them better and effectively.

Primary, for the purpose of this topic of discussion is what I consider as:

1.     Something of first rank, importance or value.

2.     What is direct or immediate rather than secondhand.

3.     Something that is not derived from another thing or reducible to something else.

4.     Something which is the basic, the very first and indispensable.

5.     Something that is first in order of time or development or in intention, primitive (crude, raw, organic), fundamental and original.

6.     First in order, as being preparatory to something higher (primary education).

7.     First in dignity or importance, chief, principal and a matter of primary importance.

Looking at the definitions of primary, you will understand that they have answered the question or solve the issue of chaplains’ primary duties and responsibilities.

The primary duties and responsibilities of chaplains in providing spiritual care to CRs means the very first care and services a chaplain can offer to CRs at the first contact and even after, in providing spiritual care to them. Though, these care and services may vary depending on the situation or case of each CR.

Because of time, let me merge these words together, “Duty and Responsibility” as chaplains’ mandates in providing spiritual care to CRs, though responsibility goes a little deeper with an obligation attached to one’s deed: that is being responsible, accountable or answerable for whatever one does in line of carrying our his/her legitimate duty or responsibility.

This is because of the trust reposed in us (chaplains) by people we care for and serve by giving themselves, life issues and releasing their live secretes on trust, which must be respected and protected at all times. Also it is the chaplains’ responsibility to research to discover what is the most felt needs of the CRs and search for a way of meeting such needs with the knowledge of being accountable for the outcome whether positive or negative.

If this is the case, then chaplains who must offer spiritual care to CRs must be well trained, tutored, and certified to be eligible to carry out such duties and also must be bold to make deliberate choices knowing fully well they have made deliberate preparations as professionals whatever may be the outcome.

With this you can believe with me that professional chaplaincy practice is not for all comers, quacks and paras. Professionals’ accountability of their actions is what differentiate them from the paras and quacks who can easily be thrown off-balance when problem arises.

Coming to the topic of this discussion, here is my humble submission of chaplains’ primary duties and responsibilities in providing spiritual care to CRs:

1.     Making Intentional Friendship: To identify with CRs to arouse the desire to see a chaplain and to establish cordial relationship of trust with the CRs which will aid meaningful spiritual care provision.

2.     Making Intentional Presence: This may be short at first contact but longer in subsequent visits when journeying with the CRs in their darkest moment of life or “Dark Night of the Soul” or a “Night Sea Journey.” This is known as chaplain’s ministry of “BE” and “BEING,” and it also may involve chaplains’ ministry of words and silence.

3.     Intentional Listening Presence: This is listening with the presence of “Being” which encourages CRs to be free to share their stories, pains, griefs, thoughts etc, without reserve, this help CRs relieve their burdens and pains, knowing fully well that there is someone who is available for them, not in a haste to listen to them without judging them in whatever way.

4.     Active Attentive Listening: This goes beyond just listening but being engaged with the CRs actively in what they are saying, listening attentively to hear and understand their intents, fears, feelings, pains and even joys, body languages, etc. this will enable chaplains to have a good grip of what CRs are passing through, discover their most felt needs and what is the suitable intervention or care in meeting those needs.

5.     Wholeness: To help CRs in attaining wholeness in whatever situations they may be for healing and recovery to take place.

6.     Nurturing Connectivity: Helping CRs to connect rightly with self, others, nature and God in order to attain the needed wholeness.

These care and services are unique, special and exclusive reserve for trained professional chaplains which other care providers in any given profession cannot offer. These are what make us unique, special, spontaneous and cherished among CRs, IDTs, IPTs and the public at large.

Let’s endeavor to rise up to this unique task with its attendant challenges, for the sky is our stepping stone. Let’s go up there, let’s fly, soar through professional chaplaincy practice and announce to the suffering world “Behold, Comfort, Hope, and Healing is Possible Attainable.”

Thank you and God bless you all.

Chap. Dr. Joy David-Mike SCC, CPC.

+23480 3509 2416; Email: uchejoyjp@gmail.com

 

The Speech of the Founding President-General of the

Association of Professional Chaplains in Nigeria and the Continent of Africa by Extension

On the Occasion of

World Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care Week Celebration

From 24^th to 30^th Oct, AD 2021

On behalf of myself, my family and the good standing professional members of the Association of Professional Chaplains globally, continentally and in particular in Nigeria welcomes you all to the commencement and weeklong activities in which we celebrate practicing professional chaplains for providing the needed chaplaincy/spiritual care to humanity in their professional chaplaincy practice and service delivery.

Sunday the 24^th of October year AD2021, marks the commencement of this year’s celebration.

This year’s theme is “Advancing Spiritual Care through Research.” This is a sure proof that chaplaincy has gone beyond uniform, matching and parading to clinical and scientific status that require research for development, advancement, evidence-based practice and effectiveness.

For the information of the general public, this year’s celebration happens to be 36^th of its kind world over since inception in the year AD1985. This year’s celebration is actually a double celebration for APC in Nigeria as this year also marks her 5^th year of existence and functioning of the association.

The celebration is carried out in various ways by chaplaincy organizations and associations both in private and public setting across the world.

Association of Professional Chaplains Inc. globally, continentally and in nations where the association is established or have influence have various activities put in place this year throughout the weeklong of the celebration.

You are all specially invited to participate in this year’s celebration as you extend the invitation to all chaplaincy organizations, chaplains and intending chaplains and also keep up with the updates of various activities in your state as well as online seminars.

This year’s celebration and activities is characterized with broadcasts, postings on the social media, seminars or conferences by states, webinar discussion on topical chaplaincy issues and national WhatsApp seminars to mark the grand finale on Saturday 30^th October AD 2021 by 10.00 am Nigeria time.

Chaplaincy profession is for all chaplains and standout clearly to be a caring profession of repute, providing wholistic care services to all people regardless of their religious affiliation, beliefs, culture, age, social status in life, political leanings, gender and sexual orientation.

I encourage all chaplains to join forces with Association of Professional Chaplains Inc. in Nigeria in this celebration, promoting and projecting chaplaincy profession rightly in the public and in government circles.

Contact APCIN Representatives at regional and states levels or state nearest to you for activities for the weeklong celebration, don’t be left out, join the crew and you never regret you did.

While wishing you a memorable celebration to this year, I wish you all many more years of the weeklong celebration in sound health and prosperity. I say,

Long live Chaplaincy Profession and Practice!

Long live APC global!

Long live APCIN!

Long live the great nation, Nigeria!

Archbishop Chap. Prof. David Mike-Jacobs JP, AP, CPC.

Certified Chaplaincy Educator/Founding President-General APC in Nigeria and Continent of Africa.

 

 

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day Celebration in Focus

Introduction: Mental health has become a global concern because of its deterioration and the adverse effects of people in various societies of the world.

The concern for mental health and its effects globally among various age groups made world federation of mental health put in place an action plan spanning from year AD 2013 to AD 2030 for every nation and government of the world to implement the plan of providing adequate care and services to mental health victims or people suffering mental health problems or issues.

The pandemic surge all over the world and its devastating effects on global economy coupled with the consumption of hard drugs, especially by the youths brought an untold hardship upon people aggravating the conditions of those who had mental health challenges before and cause more people to develop mental health problems, thus worsening the mental health condition of the people world over.

Because of the seriousness attached to mental health globally, world federation for mental health met again in May, year AD 2021 to ratify their former action plan for implementation by government of all nations to provide needed and adequate care and services to people with one mental health issue or problem; and also provide a legal framework for such.

About Mental health Illness:

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your feelings, thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

Mental health sicknesses are classified as psychological or mental health disorders. These mental disorders actually affect people’s thought, behavior, attitude and perception negatively. Mental health disorders occur in a variety of forms, and symptoms can overlap, making disorders hard to diagnoses.

Mental Health Disorders: Some of the mental health disorders as follows:

1.     Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by an inability to remain focused on task, impulsive behavior, and excessive activity or an inability to sit still. Although this disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children, it can occur in adults as well.

2.     Anxiety/Panic Disorder: Anxiety disorder is defined by intermittent and repeated attacks of intense fear of something bad happening or a sense of impending doom.

3.     Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder causes a periodic cycling of emotional states between manic and depressive phases. Manic phases contain periods of extreme activity and heightened emotions, whereas depressive phases are characterized by lethargy and sadness. The cycles do not tend to occur instantly.

4.     Depression: Depression covers a wide range of conditions, typically defined by a persistent bad mood and lack of interest in pursuing daily life, as well as bouts of lethargy and fatigue. Dysthymia is a milder but longer-lasting form of depression.

5.     Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is not, as commonly thought, solely about hearing voices or having multiple personalities. Instead, it is defined by a lack of ability to distinguish reality. Schizophrenia can cause paranoia and belief in elaborate conspiracies.

There is a great need for everyone to take care of his/her mental health and as well help others struggling with any or combination of the disorders to be cared for.

QUESTION 1: Suggest any other mental health disorders you know.

Signs of a Mental Health Disorder: Some of the signs of mental health disorder are:

1.     Erratic thought patterns.

2.     Unexplained changes in mood.

3.     Lack of interest in socializing.

4.     Lack of empathy.

5.     Inability to tell the difference between reality and fantasy.

6.     Seeming lack of control.

This is, by no means, a complete list of symptoms.

QUESTION 2: What other signs can you suggest?

Symptoms of Mental Health Problems: Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, mood and behaviors, the symptoms include the followings:

1.     Emotional symptoms such as excessive anger, hostility, violence, chronic anxiety, excessive fears or worries, extreme feeling of guilt, extreme mood changes etc.

2.     Psychological symptoms such as erratic thinking, inability or reduced ability to concentrate, suicidal thinking, abuse drugs/chemicals/medications, changes in sexual urge/drive, hallucination etc.

3.     Physical symptoms such as fatigue, isolation, inability to cope with daily stress and problems, insomnia, weight loss or gain, eating disorder etc.

What is your comment?

Some Causes of Mental Health Problem: Stress, distress, anxiety, anger, trauma of all forms, unmet expectations, frustration, depression, loneliness, loss of any kind etc. Any more suggestions?

Effects of Mental Health Problem: Mental illness is a leading cause of disability of any form. Untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems with other complications such as sadness, decreased enjoyment of life, conflicts, panic attack, narcissistic tendencies, relationship difficulties, addiction, financial and legal problem, academic problem, public unrest, youth restiveness etc. What other suggestion can you make?

Prevent Mental Health Problem: Preventing mental health problem will assist in reducing the incidence, prevalence, and recurrence of mental health disorders and their associated disabilities. Preventive interventions are based on modifying risk exposure, keeping the mind sane and strengthening the coping mechanisms of the individual. Mental health problem can be prevented in some of the following ways:

1.     Learn to control stress.

2.     Boost low self-esteem.

3.     Face problem squarely.

4.     Increase resilience.

5.     Pay attention to warning signs.

6.     Self-care, don’t self-medicate.

7.     Get medical care when needed.

8.     Get help when needed from friends or family.

9.     Seek professional help when crucial.

10.                        Be self-aware and reflect mindfully.

Any other suggestion from you?

Work for All: Every one of us has the responsibility of helping people prevent mental health disorders either as a professional or lay person to enable the general public or citizens enjoy healthy living and have mental wellness and wholeness in life for peaceful coexistence and harmony in the society.

I believe, that is why the World Foundation for Mental Health put their campaign slogan as, “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.” It is every one’s responsibility. What is your comment?

Keep Mental Hygiene: Mental hygiene entails that the mental faculty, the mind and the thought pattern of individual persons are kept healthy, unpolluted and undefiled. It also means purity of mind, therefore is an indication of good mental health.

Healthy condition that becomes polluted is an indication of unhealthy mental state that can result in attitudinal and behavioral change or mental health disorders requiring that mental health professionals work on such minds, seeking to restore such minds to healthy and sound state by the care and services provided. You’re your mind safe and sane. What is your comment?

Help Someone Today! If someone you know shows signs and symptoms of mental health illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force him/her to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help the person find a qualified mental health professional and make an appointment. You may even be able to go along to the appointment. If the person has done self-harm or is considering doing so, take the person to the hospital.

 

World Mental Health Day

World mental health day is the day approved for creating needed awareness in the general public and to encourage health professionals to increase support and care for people with mental health challenges in various societies where they are found and for government to double their efforts for the support of mental health victims.

AD 2021 World Mental Health Day Celebration:

World mental health day celebration is always on 10^th October every year and the theme for the year AD 2021 is “Mental Health in an Unequal World.”

Permit me to dissect this year’s theme for better understanding of every mental health professionals and service providers.

Although, we have only “one world” on the planet earth where we all sojourned and operate from. This same world offers us a lot of inequalities which makes it an “Unequal World.” What is you comment?

These inequalities come as follows:-

1.     Unequal opportunities.

2.     Unequal buoyancies.

3.     Unequal economic status.

4.     Unequal political status.

5.     Unequal health status.

6.     Unequal health care provisions.

7.     Unequal privileges etc.

What is your comment? And what other “unequals” do you know?

These inequalities and others not mentioned here colours the world, making life unequal and not the same for everybody. This notwithstanding, my concern as a mental health chaplain is to ensure adequate and quality mental health care is provided for all and sundry even in an unequal world of ours, as mental health problems have no respect for status, education or age etc.

The rich have or experience mental health problems or disorders as well as the poor in the society, the educated elites experience mental health problems as well as the uneducated folks.

The youths, adults, the elderly people do experience mental health problems or disorders. Mental health problems are also none discriminatory as far as gender is concerned.

With this understanding, what should be our paramount concern as mental health professionals and service providers should be:

QUESTION 3: What is our contributions towards stable mental health of others around us?  

QUESTION 4: What increase efforts are we prepared to make towards the mental health stability and wellness of the people around us?

QUESTION 5: What researches are we prepared to conduct to help in making people experience good and stable mental health conditions?

QUESTION 6: What advocacies are we planning to make to government of nations to be aware of their responsibilities to provide good and adequate mental health care to people they govern?

QUESTION 7: What legal frameworks would you suggest for the government to put in place for the care of people suffering from mental health challenges?

These and many more of the questions for consideration should be our concern, our professional activities covers all listed above.

QUESTION 8: What other questions for consideration can you suggest?

In conclusion, therefore, we have another year ahead of us and a good action plan must be put in place to enable us function optimally in ensuring that we provide good mental health services and care to all and sundry.

Wishing you a memorable celebration this year 2021 and a more fulfillment in the years ahead of us. May God richly bless you all.

Chap. Prof . Mike-Jacobs JP, AP, CPC, 

Certified Chaplaincy Education