"What will become of him, when I die?"
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- Joel's mother worries about what will become of her son. © CBM
When it comes to the rehabilitation of persons with mental disabilities, the support of the family is crucial. The mother of Joel Balahar (36), a grand cousin of Ronaldo, worries about her son’s future and would do anything for him. "What will become of him, when I die?", the sturdy old woman asks, as she covers her face with her hands to hide her tears. Joel sits next to her on a bench made of bamboo and just looks down at his hands and caresses his strong arms. Joel used to help his family to work in the fields.
But, recently, he could not concentrate on his work and just played with the soil instead of tilling it. Joel started talking to himself and, at night, he could not sleep. But things have changed—since February 2006, when Joel received antipsychotic medication, he can already focus, is sober and more receptive. “He is a possible candidate for income-generating measures we plan for persons like him”, says Brother Roldan. The idea of the Brothers is to engage clients in one of their livelihood training programs, like the processing of coconut fibres into marketable products. Then, Joel’s mother has the chance of possibly leaving at least one of her worries behind when Joel becomes economically gainful.
But, recently, he could not concentrate on his work and just played with the soil instead of tilling it. Joel started talking to himself and, at night, he could not sleep. But things have changed—since February 2006, when Joel received antipsychotic medication, he can already focus, is sober and more receptive. “He is a possible candidate for income-generating measures we plan for persons like him”, says Brother Roldan. The idea of the Brothers is to engage clients in one of their livelihood training programs, like the processing of coconut fibres into marketable products. Then, Joel’s mother has the chance of possibly leaving at least one of her worries behind when Joel becomes economically gainful.
Mental Health Care in the Community
Key distinctions in the implementation of community based mental health work, as contrasted with a centre-based approach, include the empowering of family members of mental health patients, the enabling of community resources where the patients reside, and the utilization of cost-effective interventions in providing alternative treatment regimens for mental health patients. Where applicable and suitable, centre-based care is discouraged, but with some exceptions, and custodial lock up is definitely not recommended.
The ultimate aim of a community based programme is the reintegration of a mental health patient into his community, expecting him to take part in day-to-day normal life, including the taking on of livelihood opportunities appropriate to his capabilities, while still receiving support from a mental health service provider when needed. In Salvacion, the Parish of Santo Domingo and the community officials contribute to the joint effort of rehabilitating persons with mental disorders.
The ultimate aim of a community based programme is the reintegration of a mental health patient into his community, expecting him to take part in day-to-day normal life, including the taking on of livelihood opportunities appropriate to his capabilities, while still receiving support from a mental health service provider when needed. In Salvacion, the Parish of Santo Domingo and the community officials contribute to the joint effort of rehabilitating persons with mental disorders.
Albay province belongs to the poorest on the Philippines
It is not easy to find jobs for persons with mental disorders, especially in Salvacion, Albay which belongs to one of the poorest areas in the Philippines. Albay is in Category 3, which means that the province is not a contributor to the national budget, but a recipient of subsidies. The support group, the Parish of Santo Domingo, and community staff have nevertheless started efforts to find income-generating opportunities for persons with mental disorders.
A social worker, and Arleen (26) Buenas, a field coordinator, train some selected people of Salvacion in weaving of coconut leaves, that can be used for roofing. Later, they will train others like their neighbours and hopefully to turn it into an income generating industry for the people of Salvacion.
A social worker, and Arleen (26) Buenas, a field coordinator, train some selected people of Salvacion in weaving of coconut leaves, that can be used for roofing. Later, they will train others like their neighbours and hopefully to turn it into an income generating industry for the people of Salvacion.
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- Tony's and Joel's mothers take part in a parent support group. Here, they learn that they are not alone with their problems and support each others. © CBM
Poverty contributes to mental health problems
Poverty is one source of mental health problems. Poverty can also mean lack of knowledge. The people in Salvacion, which means salvation, have no knowledge about mental health problems. Thus, they label people who are acting differently as being "strange" and believe that they are cursed or bewitched.
"Psychiatry is something new for us in the Philippines. If you do not have food, and you are sick, and do not know about medicines and mental disorders people tend to think that a person with strange behaviour is possessed by evil spirits.", says Brother Roldan. Thus, one aim of the support groups is to promote a better understanding for persons with mental disorders among the families and the communities.
Part of their strategies include inviting family members and community folk to Holy Face centre on special occasions like when they celebrate the patients’ birthday. They also conduct awareness raising sessions during visits to homes of clients who live with their families.
Read more The Holy Face centre has become a refuge for 15 people
"Psychiatry is something new for us in the Philippines. If you do not have food, and you are sick, and do not know about medicines and mental disorders people tend to think that a person with strange behaviour is possessed by evil spirits.", says Brother Roldan. Thus, one aim of the support groups is to promote a better understanding for persons with mental disorders among the families and the communities.
Part of their strategies include inviting family members and community folk to Holy Face centre on special occasions like when they celebrate the patients’ birthday. They also conduct awareness raising sessions during visits to homes of clients who live with their families.
Read more The Holy Face centre has become a refuge for 15 people
