What’s on Their Mind

The number of mentally-ill people wandering in the streets is becoming alarming. Every time I could see them unable to take care of themselves and are doing unusual and tiring things, I feel so sad and I ask myself why they have become such. While there are some cases brought about by hereditary factors, most conditions have been brought about by starvation, drug addiction,frustrations, abuses, violence and failure to cope with crisis such as loss of loved ones.

The article "What’s on Their Mind" by Sr Anne Carbon SSC has introduced me to a newer perspective. I agree that the family members must help and support the patient. As it was written: "Eighty percent of recovery depends on the family, ten percent on the rehabilitation and ten percent on medication." So there it goes...That's why I really admire and I pray for those families who never leave their suffering family member despite their difficult situation. Not denying that there is a problem is already a good START. I emphasized the word start because I know that the treatment and medication is a PROCESS and the development may even come slow.I also admire all the people behind every mental health and psychiatric clinic. May GOD will continue to inspire them and will help them to become more patient. One line that strikes me is this: "Every small step forward by a patient is a cause for celebration." We know that what they are doing is not easy...

May all of us become more open and responsive when it comes to mental health. May we all realize our own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and be able to make a good contribution to our family and community. May talking about mental health is not a taboo anymore because we know that without mental health, there is no health.Remember, Health is Wealth!