Exploring the Game of Doctor: A Journey Through Adolescence
It's common for children and teenagers to engage in imaginative play, often centered around role-playing games and scenarios that capture their interest. One such game that has likely resonated with many of you is the Doctor Play.
Personal Experiences with the Game of Doctor
As I reflect on my own experiences of playing Doctor with friends and siblings, I can vividly remember the immense pleasure and excitement derived from these games. Playing doctor was not just a game; it was a journey into the imaginative world of playing doctor and nurse, exploring roles and scenarios that often mirrored real-life situations but added an element of fun and fantasy.
Early Experiences with Cousins
My journey with the game of doctor began around age 12 or 13 when I played with two of my cousins, who were sisters. Together, we used our surroundings to create diverse characters, ranging from professors and teachers to our relatives and friends. This imaginative play not only added a layer of fantasy but also allowed us to explore a variety of scenarios, from treating fevers and colds to more comic situations.
Playing Doctor with Friends
As I grew older, around age 14 to 16, I started playing doctor with my best friend. We named ourselves Sai and Mani. This game became a regular feature during our sleepovers. Mani, who took the role of the doctor, would imagine different characters, such as our high school teacher Mahalakshmi, who was fair, soft-spoken, and had a kind demeanor. The game involved elaborate scenarios, from checking temperatures to performing real injections and treatments, all done through our imagination and role-playing.
Deepening the Experience
One particular session that stands out was when I introduced the game to my friend Mani. She was intrigued and excited, and we both took on our respective roles with great enthusiasm. The game involved using imaginary medications and treatments, all performed with a sense of seriousness and imagination. For instance, we used a writing pen as a pretend syringe, skin jelly for fake injections, and real cotton for bandaging.
During one session, Mani took the role of Mahalakshmi, our high school economics teacher, and welcomed me with a smile. When she checked my temperature and pulse, she asked me to lie down for a stomach check-up. The dormitory sheets we used to simulate hospital beds added to the realism of the scenario. She then proceeded to check my 'anus' (in a symbolic manner) with a writing pen, which gave me a sense of pleasure that I still remember vividly.
The game then took an unexpected turn when Mahalakshmi used skin jelly and imaginary injections on my buttocks. I remember the intense sensation and the pain that lasted for half an hour after the game. The game continued with further injections and treatments, with each of us taking turns to fulfill different roles, ensuring that we immersed ourselves fully in the environment created by our imaginations.
Reflections and Considerations
It's important to reflect on the significance of these experiences. Many of us may have played similar games during our formative years, and it's not unusual for these experiences to shape our perceptions and behaviors later in life. If you, as a psychiatrist, feel that these games have had a lasting impact on you, it would be valuable to explore the reasons behind this and find ways to overcome such experiences. I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below, as well as any suggestions for how to move past these experiences.
Final Thoughts
If you, as a reader, enjoyed playing the game of doctor or have similar experiences, I encourage you to share your stories in the comments section. Together, we can explore the significance of these experiences and find ways to navigate through them.
Note: This article discusses a sensitive topic and it's important to approach such subjects with care. If you are in need of support or counseling, please seek professional guidance.