Perhaps a break would suffice

Understandably, we are in a season and era, especially in Nigeria, where if you snooze, you lose. The past few days have been a Holocaust of ups and downs and stress overload. A rundown of the past week has been from morning to night, with hardly any moment in between to rest or observe siesta.


My daily routine revolves around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work, which is physically and mentally demanding. Beyond my work routine, I often have my parents to check on. The past few days particularly took a different and hectic toll on me having to daily stand in and check on a sick family friend. I practically spent my Saturday at the hospital taking care of the patient. I have always known that patients's relatives undergo a lot of stress when in the hospital. I had first-hand experience, and I believe mine was less hectic because I am a medical doctor and had worked in the same facility. Nonetheless, it was a difficult task to have to take care of the patient and equally deal with the managing team (the laboratory staff included).


My head soon began to bang like a hammer was used on it. Recently, I've come to realize that my body reacts poorly to stress. This makes me wonder if I was sincere with my curriculum vitae, which stated that I'm able to work under pressure. Financially, I have had to go out of my way to provide funds for the treatment of the patient. The financial burden of other logistics like fueling remained a mountain to overcome, which I absorbed as a sacrifice. My nature is such that I find it difficult to say no, especially when health needs arise. Looking away has been difficult, and this is similar to the way we operate in my family. I have had to undergo so much stress from off-work hours that I look for opportunities to sleep at work. This is ethically wrong, as I should not be found sleeping at work, and using pills is something I do not prescribe unless there is an absolute indication.


source

I have lacked adequate sleep despite having to let go of some leisure activities such as movies and evening strolls. The irony is that, even if the hours of the day were increased beyond 24, I would probably still not have ample time to rest. I seemed to be drawn at different angles, and sometimes I wish I could just disappear—of course, not into oblivion.
I have been stretching myself beyond the elastic limit, and hopefully I do not breakdown. Many things seem to be running at the same time, and even when I try to take life a step at a time, some things pop up that require urgent attention.


The only consolation I have is that I am doing humanity some good, and hopefully, someday soon, the stress will be minimized and I can sleep as much as I desire, and of course, not with the aid of sleeping pills.


Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.



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15 comments
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I understand you, because I have worked 7 a.m.–6 p.m., but I think, as much as you can, you should make time to rest; don't wait to break down before you rest. You, as a doctor, should know better than anyone how important rest and sleep are.

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I would try. I hope people let me rest too. Thank you

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(Edited)

Please try biko😀.

Do have a blessed day

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Well, the problem came after serving for a good cause. It might go away after sometime if you work on it, yes you will sleep as much you want without pills.

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You're in the medical field so you already know how important sleep is. You should probably set aside some hours on one of the days of the week to get a proper rest and recharge

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It's very good to help but please, try to rest. It is only the people alive that help humanity.
Don't break down!

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I understand what you are going through vividly. It's not your fault not to sleep but for your love for humanity going by your profession. I will advise that you find a way to balance things up. Continue to help the possible way you can and also take your mental health into cognizance. May God reward you for all you do.

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You need that break sincerely. Having some leisure time in between often makes it easy to relive stress and you no that quality rest help us to live longer.

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