Sure @alphastyles.

Wondering if there is really anything vital to give back.
Anyway, I sent a letter of Change of Intent exactly 3 weeks ago and never recieved any reply from the embassy till date.
I was determined to travel with or without it.
Was booked to travel with Delta Airline on the 28th of June but on getting to the airport, discovered it was cancelled to 29th ie 12 hours delay difference.
Later arrived JFK despite the delay about 4pm , everyone was asked to use the DIY machine to input their data b4 going to the CBP.
Did as instructed and thereafter was assigned to a white female officer (serious looking) who asked me the following...

Officer: Hello, why are you here?

Me: childbirth and vacation

Officer: What did you say?

Me: Repeated same ..child birth and vacation ( looking straight into her eyes)

Officer: How long gone are you?

Me: Approximately 32 weeks

Officer: How much do you have on you?

Me: 9800 dollars as cash (silent on card details )

Officer: Stamped me 6 months and said enjoy your stay. Took me less than 2 mins there, no agric check.
Cos it was late had to lodge in a hotel and proceeded to my connecting flight to Houston the next morning.

ozycy:

LagosNIV@state.gov. Should take few days,about 2days

Thanks alot @ozycy

Good evening house,

What email address do I send a "change of intent" letter please and how long doesn't it take to get a reply from the embassy?
It's urgent pls. Thanks

Fyorgyn:


Dear expectingmum,

Please you only need to ask your question once. You don't need to quote so many people just to ask the same question. It's called spamming!

To answer your question, the interview you quoted was from five years ago (2013) and many women, including Me, have successfully obtained visas and birthed with far less than $60,000.

@ Fyorgyn, thanks for clarity on this. I find this thread of immense importance but sometimes it's difficult dealing with conflicting informations.

Month of May every year is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental health is not just the absence of a disorder or illness, entails alot more....
I wonder how much people know about it?
From my opinion the awareness in Nigeria is still very low and major reasons include Stigma, cultural beliefs and lack of priority to health in our country.

Springdance:
In the spirit of giving back:

Firstly I got a cheap flight ticket back in Dec, had no issues adding my baby to the ticket. So if you see a nice promo, take advantage of it.

POE- The CBP officer asked us how long we were here for, DH said he will be around for 2 weeks and I will be around for 2months plus.

CBP asked when we will be going back, my DH told him his date and mine. The officer asked how come our dates were different, it’s like he didn’t hear when DH said he would be around for 2weeks and I would be around for 2 months plus. DH said he is vacationing with us for 2 weeks, while I am here for childbirth.

CBP asked if we had made any payments and doctor’s correspondence and we said yes. I gave the envelope to DH and told him the first few papers are doctor’s correspondence and hospital payment. When the CBP officer heard me telling DH that, he said he wanted to see all the content in the envelope, na so we carry envelope give am. Good enough the envelope had our Airbnb payment and reservation, correspondence with doctor, correspondence with hospital and I had pre-paid my hospital fee in full. He carefully scrutinized everything and told us to place our fingers and stamped us in.

On our way out, we were stopped by another CBP officer with a dog. I think the dog perceived our dry fish. He asked us how much we had on us and if we had foodstuffs. We told him we had about $9700, he directed us to where we should count it and also to Agric.

The lady that was supposed to count just asked how much we had, we told her and she said we should go to agric.

The bLack American CBP officer in Agric was not friendly at all, I say thank God, no be him we meet on entry, he collected our passports, he asked if we had indomie, we said no, he checked our bags, saw the dried fish, said it was ok, we carried Ola Ola poundo, Golden morn, and milk. He checked our passport and gave us back. Told us to confirm that our passport was complete, we checked that it was ok, apparently he forgot to give someone back their Nigerian passport and thrashed it in front of us. In my mind I was hoping it was an expired passport, imagine having to deal with a lost passport.

If you are going to Houston and have your driver’s license, hiring a small car from www.turo.com (it’s like Airbnb, people put their cars for hire on the website and it’s very very affordable) is cheaper than Lyft or Uber. Just go on the website, type city and choose your date.

My Airbnb experience was very good, I got a good discount from the owner, always ask if you can get a discount from the owner when trying to book.

I had my baby at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.
My bill was:

Doctor c-section - $2400 ( Includes ante-natal, all lab test and ultrasound)

Anesthesia - $560 ( You need to pre-pay to get the discount)

Hospital- $4500 ( You need to pre-pay)

Lab done at the hospital for me and baby, we got 50% discount because we are self pay, I paid $58 for mine and $21.50 for my baby. Total was $79.50

Neonatal pediatrician at the hospital, got a 50% discount cos I am self pay- paid 379 (attended to baby only at time of delivery)

Pediatrician - $200 ( 3 days hospital visit and one visit at his clinic)

Paid $140 to my pediatrician for 2weeks newborn screening (Not mandatory)

Circumcision -$350 was a bit skeptical cos of some stories I read here about having to do it again in Nigeria

Total was $8609

I did not do new born hearing test. The lady said it was mandatory, I told her to give me sometime and she should come back cos I didn’t do it for my previous baby and it wasn’t a big deal. I went online and saw it was not mandatory for self pay patients and gladly declined. By God’s grace my child can hear, thank you very much and I don’t need the service.

Did visa on arrival and they refused to collect my money when I got to Lagos, I had $190 but it was in $20’s, they said they don’t collect small denominations, they also refused my Naija domicilliary bank card, that they only accept foreign card. It was a big wawu, I had to go to the bureau de change in the airport and pleaded with the lady to change my money to $100, $50 and two $20’s. They collected it. It is faster if you pay on their website and come with proof of payment cos it was a long wait for us that were just making payments.

Every bill payed. Thanks to all who contribute to this site, I learnt everything here.

Thank God for his infinite mercies, mother and baby are doing well and are back home. It is all by the grace of God.

Thanks for sharing. Can I have your private email so I can ask more questions please. I got referral to same same hospital you used. My email is nayandupu@gmail.com. Thanks

Hello House,
Am new on this forum, renewed my B1 B2 visitors visa last week via drop box. I intend going to Florida (Miramar) to have my baby. This is my first experience on birth tourism. Am in my second trimester. I need advise and hospital/ dr contacts , bill ranges, etc on what I need to know n do. Thanks

Awaiting for help please.

Hello House,
Am new on this forum, renewed my B1 B2 visitors visa last week via drop box. I intend going to Florida (Miramar) to have my baby. This is my first experience on birth tourism. Am in my second trimester. I need advise and hospital/ dr contacts , bill ranges, etc on what I need to know n do. Thanks

Hello Everyone,
I need medical cost of V and CS delivery at Mirmar in Florida. Any hospital recommendations and experienced obstetrician?
I need all the advise I can get asap. Thanks in advance.

In need of a psychological or psychiatric assessment /consultation services in Lagos? Click www.lifecrestmedicalservices.com

World drug Day ..... THEME - Listen First! https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=fasV64YwirU

General Ojukwu,
Whatever may have induced a psychiatric problem in any individual, once it's happened, there is a strong possibility of a relapse of symptoms in most people.
The symptoms seen may determine how long he may require treatment.
Can you tell me the symptoms and how long he has been receiving this current treatment.

Suicide
Mrs Kuranga walked in for her routine ante natal clinic unaccompanied and was observed to be withdrawal and unhappy. She has become extremely moody and has strong emotions of guilt and anger. She is complaining about more aches and pains, is becoming extremely anxious, and seems to have a complete lack of energy. Further interaction with her revealed she was experiencing martial difficulties, financial challenges and felt neglected by husband and relatives. She lacked any motivation to stay alive, admitted to making plans on ending her life and that of her unborn baby. She admitted to have ingested overdose of drugs some weeks ago and it only made her sleep additional hours and regretted been alive. Still contemplating other methods of ending her life.
Statistics shows that suicide occurs every 40 seconds. Globally, 800,000 people die from suicide yearly. Seventy five percent (75%) of cases occurs in low income countries. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 18 – 29 years. A major cause of suicide is mental illness, depression accounts for 90% of suicide cases. 
People feeling suicidal are overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out, losing sight of the fact that suicide is a permanent "solution" to a temporary state—most people who try to kill themselves but live later say they are glad they didn't die. Most people who die by suicide could have been helped. An individual considering suicide frequently confides in a friend, who may be able to convince them to seek treatment. When the risk is high, concerned friends and relatives should seek professional guidance.
Suicidal thoughts may be fleeting or more frequent, passive (e.g., "What if I were dead?" or active (e.g., thinking of ways to kill oneself, making a plan). Preparations for death, such as giving away possessions or acquiring a gun or a weapon, are cause for great concern. A sudden lift in spirits in a depressed person can be a warning sign that they are planning to kill themselves. Any level of suicidal thinking should be taken seriously.
How Can You Tell if Suicide Is a Possibility?
While suicide is often hard to predict, there are some warning signs:
Being depressed or having other mental disorders
Talking directly or indirectly about wanting to die or “not be around”
Increased social isolation
Significant changes in appearance and hygiene
Giving away valued possessions; making other preparations for death
A sudden change in mood
While anyone can become suicidal, there are certain risk factors that make suicide more likely:
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Having a family member or friend who recently killed themselves;
Multiple suicides in the community
Other recent, significant losses, such as the loss of a relationship or job
Cultural and religious beliefs supporting suicide (e.g., belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
Alcohol and drug abuse (as this can lower inhibitions and increase impulsiveness)
Feelings of hopelessness
Access to means of suicide (e.g., a gun or other weapons, a quantity of pills, )
Unwillingness to seek help and/or barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Causes for increased suicide risk
Many factors increase the risk for suicide. These factors are separated into three categories: biopsychosocial, environmental, and sociocultural.
Biopsychosocial
Biopsychosocial causes account for most suicides and attempted suicides. These causes include mental health disorders such as:
Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, substance abuse
Childhood abuse or trauma
Family history of suicide
Previous suicide attempts
Having a chronic disease
Environmental factors that increase the risk for suicide often occur due to a stressful life event. This may include the loss of a person or job. Other causes include:
social loss, such as the loss of a significant relationship
access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs
being exposed to suicide
being a victim of harassment, bullying, or physical abuse
Financial issues
Sociocultural
One of the main sociocultural causes of suicide is the feeling of being isolated or of not being accepted by others. Feelings of isolation can be caused by sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and gender identity.
Other possible suicide catalysts in this category include:
difficulty seeking help or support
lack of access to mental health or substance abuse treatment
following belief systems that accept suicide as a solution to personal problems
exposure to suicidal behavior eg media publicity

HOW YOU CAN HELP
1.Get professional help. Do everything in your power to get a suicidal person the help he or she needs. Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor's appointment.
This treatment may include:
Psychotherapy. In psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, we explore the issues that make you feel suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively. You and your therapist can work together to develop a treatment plan and goals.
Medications. Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications and other medications for mental illness can help reduce symptoms, which can help you feel less suicidal.
2.Follow-up on treatment. If the doctor prescribes medication, make sure your friend or loved one takes it as directed. Be aware of possible side effects and be sure to notify the physician if the person seems to be getting worse. It often takes time and persistence to find the medication or therapy that’s right for a particular person.
3.Be proactive. Those contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to be more proactive at offering assistance. Saying, “Call me if you need anything” is too vague. Don’t wait for the person to call you or even to return your calls. Drop by, call again, and invite the person out if need be.
4.Encourage positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and getting out in the sun or into nature for at least 30 minutes each day. Exercise is also extremely important as it releases endorphins, relieves stress, and promotes emotional well-being. If this is difficult to achieve then they are best seeing a mental health professional.
5.Make a safety plan. Help the person develop a set of steps he or she promises to follow during a suicidal crisis. It should identify any triggers that may lead to a suicidal crisis, such as an anniversary of a loss, alcohol, or stress from relationships. Also include contact numbers for the person's doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency.
6.Remove potential means of suicide, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If the person is likely to take an overdose, keep medications locked away or give out only as the person needs them.
7.Continue your support over the long haul. Even after the immediate suicidal crisis has passed, stay in touch with the person, periodically checking in or dropping by. Your support is vital to ensure your friend or loved one remains on the recovery track. Spiritual support system have also been found to be very beneficial.

Suicide
Mrs Kuranga walked in for her routine ante natal clinic unaccompanied and was observed to be withdrawal and unhappy. She has become extremely moody and has strong emotions of guilt and anger. She is complaining about more aches and pains, is becoming extremely anxious, and seems to have a complete lack of energy. Further interaction with her revealed she was experiencing martial difficulties, financial challenges and felt neglected by husband and relatives. She lacked any motivation to stay alive, admitted to making plans on ending her life and that of her unborn baby. She admitted to have ingested overdose of drugs some weeks ago and it only made her sleep additional hours and regretted been alive. Still contemplating other methods of ending her life.
Statistics shows that suicide occurs every 40 seconds. Globally, 800,000 people die from suicide yearly. Seventy five percent (75%) of cases occurs in low income countries. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 18 – 29 years. A major cause of suicide is mental illness, depression accounts for 90% of suicide cases. 
People feeling suicidal are overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out, losing sight of the fact that suicide is a permanent "solution" to a temporary state—most people who try to kill themselves but live later say they are glad they didn't die. Most people who die by suicide could have been helped. An individual considering suicide frequently confides in a friend, who may be able to convince them to seek treatment. When the risk is high, concerned friends and relatives should seek professional guidance.
Suicidal thoughts may be fleeting or more frequent, passive (e.g., "What if I were dead?" or active (e.g., thinking of ways to kill oneself, making a plan). Preparations for death, such as giving away possessions or acquiring a gun or a weapon, are cause for great concern. A sudden lift in spirits in a depressed person can be a warning sign that they are planning to kill themselves. Any level of suicidal thinking should be taken seriously.
How Can You Tell if Suicide Is a Possibility?
While suicide is often hard to predict, there are some warning signs:
Being depressed or having other mental disorders
Talking directly or indirectly about wanting to die or “not be around”
Increased social isolation
Significant changes in appearance and hygiene
Giving away valued possessions; making other preparations for death
A sudden change in mood
While anyone can become suicidal, there are certain risk factors that make suicide more likely:
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Having a family member or friend who recently killed themselves;
Multiple suicides in the community
Other recent, significant losses, such as the loss of a relationship or job
Cultural and religious beliefs supporting suicide (e.g., belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
Alcohol and drug abuse (as this can lower inhibitions and increase impulsiveness)
Feelings of hopelessness
Access to means of suicide (e.g., a gun or other weapons, a quantity of pills, )
Unwillingness to seek help and/or barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Causes for increased suicide risk
Many factors increase the risk for suicide. These factors are separated into three categories: biopsychosocial, environmental, and sociocultural.
Biopsychosocial
Biopsychosocial causes account for most suicides and attempted suicides. These causes include mental health disorders such as:
Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, substance abuse
Childhood abuse or trauma
Family history of suicide
Previous suicide attempts
Having a chronic disease
Environmental factors that increase the risk for suicide often occur due to a stressful life event. This may include the loss of a person or job. Other causes include:
social loss, such as the loss of a significant relationship
access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs
being exposed to suicide
being a victim of harassment, bullying, or physical abuse
Financial issues
Sociocultural
One of the main sociocultural causes of suicide is the feeling of being isolated or of not being accepted by others. Feelings of isolation can be caused by sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and gender identity.
Other possible suicide catalysts in this category include:
difficulty seeking help or support
lack of access to mental health or substance abuse treatment
following belief systems that accept suicide as a solution to personal problems
exposure to suicidal behavior eg media publicity

HOW YOU CAN HELP
1.Get professional help. Do everything in your power to get a suicidal person the help he or she needs. Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor's appointment.
This treatment may include:
Psychotherapy. In psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, we explore the issues that make you feel suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively. You and your therapist can work together to develop a treatment plan and goals.
Medications. Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications and other medications for mental illness can help reduce symptoms, which can help you feel less suicidal.
2.Follow-up on treatment. If the doctor prescribes medication, make sure your friend or loved one takes it as directed. Be aware of possible side effects and be sure to notify the physician if the person seems to be getting worse. It often takes time and persistence to find the medication or therapy that’s right for a particular person.
3.Be proactive. Those contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to be more proactive at offering assistance. Saying, “Call me if you need anything” is too vague. Don’t wait for the person to call you or even to return your calls. Drop by, call again, and invite the person out if need be.
4.Encourage positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and getting out in the sun or into nature for at least 30 minutes each day. Exercise is also extremely important as it releases endorphins, relieves stress, and promotes emotional well-being. If this is difficult to achieve then they are best seeing a mental health professional.
5.Make a safety plan. Help the person develop a set of steps he or she promises to follow during a suicidal crisis. It should identify any triggers that may lead to a suicidal crisis, such as an anniversary of a loss, alcohol, or stress from relationships. Also include contact numbers for the person's doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency.
6.Remove potential means of suicide, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If the person is likely to take an overdose, keep medications locked away or give out only as the person needs them.
7.Continue your support over the long haul. Even after the immediate suicidal crisis has passed, stay in touch with the person, periodically checking in or dropping by. Your support is vital to ensure your friend or loved one remains on the recovery track. Spiritual support system have also been found to be very beneficial.

Hello Samyomz,
This is an everyday question I get to answer.
Psychiatrist are first medical doctors who go ahead to postgraduate n specialise in psychiatry like the gynaecologist, paediatric doctors etc.
So they are authorised to prescribe medications as doctors.they manage patients with medications and psychotherapy as they deem fit.
But psychologists aren't usually medical drs but have just studied psychology and those in clinical psychology have branched off to both normal and abnormal psychology which you see in clinical settings.
Hope this brief explanation helps?

xxxzotique:
Hi, 
My mom showed schizophrenic symptoms about two years ago, she has auditory hallucinations and was placed on certain drugs by a specialist, they seemed to work well for her, though she later complained that they didn't work anymore and she still hears voices till present. Is there something else she should be doing right now? Pls I need answers

Your mum needs to be reviewed by a psychiatrist and her medications changed or the dose adjusted.

Mildflame,
Where do you want Lagos state or where? I can speak more of Lagos.

Hello joyous mother 2016,

If I understand you clearly, your problem now is inability to sleep right?

If yes, what time do you go to bed and when do you wake?

Can you tell more about the sleep?

Boaseth24,
Sounds to me like a depressive episode.
Possible causes include environmental, psychological, biological, personality traits....
Possible solutions- adequate sleep, exercise, psychotherapy and maybe medications depending on the severity and if other approaches fail.

Olagold,
Some causes of your complaint include syncope, seizure, other medical conditions, pseudoseizure etc
May start assessment by preliminary laboratory investigations to rule out medical causes first before looking for psychological causes.


Amhappy,
Post partum depression can be caused by hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy.
Risk factors include previous history of depression, history of depression in family, psychological challenges in pregnancy, overwhelming stress, lack of social support, sleep deprivation etc
Prevention - identifying those at a risk and offering psychological support, good social support, adequate rest and sleep,exercise and healthy diet.

Brighteye,
Seems you had social phobia initially
But you went into self medication which have even further complicated your condition.
You need proper assessment and treatment for the social phobia first.
If your dependence or addiction persists while receiving treatment for the social phobia, then you may first be managed on outpatient basis and if unsuccessful then a residential rehab may help.

Hello Bright eye,
A few questions for you
How old are you?
How long have you been on this drug?
What Dose and frequency are you on now?
You talked about having social phobia before you started using the drug.
What do u refer to as social phobia?

Whao!
Obuksjr thanks alot.
Never know who is reading or following this thread .
Thanks and God bless you too.

Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Yaba or Lasuth or luth

Hello Lanre,
From the symptoms you listed it appears you may have what we call dysthmia.
This is a long standing type of depressive episode.
First you need to see a professional cos you may require some medications to resolve most of the symptoms.
In addition to that, psychotherapy sessions and life style modifications will go a long way too.

Missed my nairaland a whole lot.
Good to be back.
Anyone in search of a proper drug rehabilitation facility in Lagos?
Recently I have come in contact with people who keep asking me if we have proper rehab facilities in Nigeria beyond the government known psychiatric facilities.
My answer to that is YES!
These facilities are available though few and they manage and assist clients with drug and substance abuse break free from the cycle of addictions.
Drugs and substances of abuse include alcohol, marijuana, opiates,, nicotine, cocaine, painkillers such as tramadol, prescription medications, inhalants, solvents, glue etc.

Thanks Emmanuel for your kind words.

Do you or someone you know struggling with substance addictions?
What really is ADDICTION?
SHARE YOUR STORIES AND ASK YOUR QUESTIONS ON
http://drnayandupu.com/index.php/forums/forum/addictions/

Seylad,
You can get a referral letter from any private hospital close to you and take her to a teaching or specialist hospital.
There she will be seen by a psychiatrist or neurologist.

Joel3,
How can you recover and stop the use of those medication??
By doing more of the things you are already doing ie worry less about those symptoms.
CHECK it, CATCH it and CHANGE it.
These 3 Cs refers to those worrying thoughts.
Give less room for rumination about your health, check and ensure that you are not allowing negative thoughts control your mind, catch them when they occur and change them by thinking of more pleasurable thoughts rather than the challenges or thoughts of suicide.