Dr Maymunah Kadiri (popularly referred to as the ‘Celebrity Shrink’) is a medical doctor with specialty in psychiatry, a mental health advocate, movie producer and writer, and the MD/CEO Pinnacle Medical Services Limited. In this interview by Kingsley Alumona, she speaks about how her polygamous family shaped her formative life, her medical school experiences; about mental health and COVID-19, among other things.
As someone who grew up in a polygamous family, how did such a family affect your formative life and education?
Apparently, it’s not just growing up in a polygamous family, but growing up with the mentality that girls are meant for the kitchen. It was a battle, and I presume it’s still a battle in some of our communities. I was faced with these two challenges—polygamy and being a female child in a community where educating the girl-child is not really important. Coming from a polygamous family, for me, is a blessing. It helped me discover the true me, find my voice and build resilience. For me, it was a win-win.
Why did you decide to study medicine? And, why did you choose Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto for it?
I knew I wanted to study medicine at age five because I wanted to save lives. But, I didn’t know which area of specialty until I was in medical school.
I grew up in Port Harcourt, but my dad wanted me to school in a Muslim community, being his first daughter and a Muslim. I wanted UNIPORT or UNIBEN. The truth is, that has been one of my life-changing experiences. Some of my dependable friends are from that part of the country.
Which medical school experience would you not forget for a long time?
In medical school, there were lots of experiences, but the one I’ll never forget is an assignment that was given to us in our 400 level. Majority didn’t do it; I did it grudgingly. At the next major examination, we’re asked some questions by this same lecturer which were same questions given in the assignment. I got the answers and escaped repeating that class. If you know medical school, you will know how much students dread to repeat classes.
What inspired your specialty in psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the medicine for the past, present and future. It’s such a grey area that we’re all still discovering certain reasons why people behave the way they do. I loved anything affiliated to the brain.
And do you believe that everybody has some level of mental deficit?
We don’t all have some form of mental deficit, but risk factors such as environmental, genetic, and social factors can predispose or trigger any type of mental illness. In fact, all these factors most likely combine to influence whether someone becomes mentally ill, and we’re all liable to being exposed to one or more factors. No one has absolute immunity against mental illness—hence, the reason advocacy is highly needed in this area of medicine so that discrimination and stigma can be reduced among people living with mental illnesses.
Most Nigerians are currently facing some level of trauma—EndSARS, banditry, terrorism, recession, COVID-19, etc. How do you think they can manage these traumas?
Everyone is going through one thing or the other, especially with the outbreak of COVID-19 and the civil unrest in recent times which has caused panic attacks, anxiety, depression, suicidal attempt, amongst others. First, you must acknowledge that you’ve one of these illnesses before it can be tackled. The solution to a problem can only suffice if the problem is admitted. These can be managed if proper and thoughtful steps are taken, like having workable eating and sleeping routines, frequent exercises, and spending time with family and friends. Meanwhile, when the going gets tough, then it is advisable that a professional or therapist is sought for.
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is here. If you were the minister of health, what would you do to ensure that it does not have severe toll on the mental and psychological health of Nigerians?
If I were the Minister of Health, with all honesty, it is to make mental health as part of the new normal so this can be embraced individually and organisation-wide. There would be an aggressive directory for the public on the preventive measures against COVID-19 and this would be strictly adhered to. I know this has been enacted, not once, but the follow-up process would definitely differ from what we’ve currently. Having a think tank of experts that’ll help build more robust strategies on psychosocial support is very essential. This’ll come in form of toll free lines to deliver the positivity tests to all patients, as a safe space for Nigerians to vent and get emotional support.
Briefly tell us about your ‘360 Balance with Dr May’, and the medium/platform you explore for the initiative?
‘360 Balance with Dr May’ is a daily mentoring podcast on an app called Prime Nuggets. These ‘5-minute videos’ will help anyone build and nurture a balanced mental health that impacts all areas of his/her life to make him/her happier, healthier and wealthier. It’s absolutely accessible with just $5 per month, and can be bought for a loved one who you think might be in need of it or a corporate organisation to help eliminate mental stress while teaching simple hacks to living a fulfilled and happy life. It’s on primenuggets.com/drmay
You have a penchant for entrepreneurship. Do you have any formal training for it? And, which area of entrepreneurship interests you most?
I’m a Doctor and not a business person. But knowing I would be going into practice, I knew I would need formal training in entrepreneurship. So, yes, I had formal trainings. I had formal trainings—Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management from Pan Atlantic University under the Enterprise Development Center under the 10,000 Goldman Sachs Fellowship for Women Globally. I applied and got on board. Also, I went to China European International Business School (CEIBS) for entrepreneurship management.
I’m currently venturing into investment in health care for start-ups as a venture capitalist. I’m still undergoing lots of training, as I belong to different fellowships globally.
In one of your ‘The Spark’ articles, you cited connections among entrepreneurship, mental illness and emotional distress. How can entrepreneurs and start-up founders properly manage their mental health and businesses?
Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. And this can come with its psychological price, whether as a start-up or growth-level entrepreneur. This can generally have a huge toll on one’s health, physically and mentally. One major advice I give to entrepreneurs is: finance is important, but health should come first. Health is wealth. Your emotional wellbeing is also key for you to thrive and not only to survive.
Information is out there that you have produced some movies. Could you briefly tell us about these movies?
Yes (smiles). It’s not a rumour. It’s absolutely true. I’m the executive producer of the award-winning movies, ‘Pepper Soup’, which focuses on drug abuse, and ‘Little Drops of Happy’ which focuses on depression, postpartum depression and suicide. Watch out—there are many more to come.
Why are you popularly referred to as ‘The Celebrity Shrink’?
(Laughs) Venturing into this area of practice in 2012 gave me an edge. I was the first on Lagos Island. Whenever there is a call for a psychological help, there is always the mention of one Dr. Maymunah Kadiri. I can’t really place how that name eventually came to be. But I do know people started referring to me as “our celebrity shrink!’ and the name got stuck. So, you can say it’s my brand name.
And why do you pride yourself as the only Nigerian with the 10Ps?
Yes, I’m the only Nigerian with the 11Ps, not even 10Ps, because I’m proudly a Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Practitioner (NLP, BFB, NFB), Public Speaker, Publisher, Producer (movies), Parent, People-oriented and Passionate about God and life. I think the Ps is quite obvious (laughs). There are many more Ps coming—like Professor, in the making, which is a goal from 2021 and beyond.
What are the major challenges you face in your line of work? If you were to have a resolution this New Year, what would it be?
Major challenges in my line of work; it can be time-consuming and emotionally draining.
I don’t have New Year resolution, but New Year practices—practices that are smart, measurable achievable and realistically time-bound. Some of these practices include, but not limited to, investing in one’s emotional bank—adequate hours of sleep, exercise, eating clean and right, having a healthy support system, and other things that make me happy. There must be work-life harmony to thrive amidst the chaos in the world.
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