THIS year, the World Federation for Mental Health has chosen ”Dignity in Mental Health” as the theme for World Mental Health Day which falls today.
With this year’s theme, the Perak Society For The Promotion Of
Mental Health aims to educate
the families of those who suffer from mental illness on the aspect of concern for the dignity of sufferers.
Very often, the families of mental illness residents of PSPMH are absent in any dealings with mental care providers.
Hence, those with mental disorders frequently do not get ample care from their respective families, which affects their overall health.
The society caters to recovering patients who need medical care. However, after staying at the centre for a few months, these patients would like to reunite with their respective families.
But the sad truth is, their families shun them. This separation from their families traumatises recovering patients.
In certain cultures, mental illness is perceived as a sign of weakness or a curse. This negative
connotation results in family members distancing themselves from or maltreating those who are mentally ill.
Furthermore, those with mental illness are deemed unproductive and perceived as not contributing to the upkeep of the family,
which inevitably exposes many to abuse.
Even outside the mental healthcare context, they are excluded from community life and denied basic rights, such as shelter, food and clothing, and are discriminated against in the areas of
employment, education and housing.
Many are denied their rights to vote, marry and have children. Many people with mental disabilities are assumed to have no
capacity to make decisions for themselves and are thus treated in mental care centres unjustly.
“Dignity in Mental Health” emphasises the concern for dignity, and counters the discrimination and bias that are too often encountered by people with mental illness.
Thus, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day, let us all join hands to advocate for the mentally ill, and create an awareness for their next of kin to bring hope and dignity to them.
n S. SUNDRALINGAM, Vice-President, Perak Society for the Promotion of Mental Health