Reflections for my Mental Health Placement

My first and last attachment in mental health setting @ Pelangi Village, just next to Institute of Mental Health.

This place is a residential mental health setting for people with Schizophrenia, most of their symptoms are under control using medication. This place is manage by few Voluntary Welfare Organizations and there are 6 homes under their care. Each home house about 100 over to 200 plus residents. Like what SJ had mentioned in her blog, it is really hard to believe that in such a fast-paced society, such places actually existed in Singapore.

To be frank, I was taken aback when I went to see the homes for the 1st time. Perhaps this was the first time I see people living in an institution. Their everyday is so routinized, with morning exercise, breakfast, TV, Lunch, TV, dinner and sleep. With exception of those who have the ability to work. But often than not, these residents may have the ability to work and want to work but there are just no job opportunities for them.

Talking about meritocracy, shouldn't people with mental illness given the same opportunity if they possess the same capabilities?

But on the other hand, these residents allow me to see another side of them, that may not be able to be seen in people like you and me... ...

Walking along level 2 Activity Hub, it is not surprisingly to see some residents holding on to another resident who had some mental retardation to ensure that they don't move away from the group.

When we went out to Little India, there was this resident who held on to another resident (who was from different home as him) when he wanted to leave the train when we haven't even reached the station.

Sometimes, some residents will offer their help to help us carry things when our hands are full...

From them, I see the genuinelity in them ... ...

The 6 weeks placement here has gave me a better idea of mental health placement. They are sometimes very different from what we see on TV. Really.

Sometimes their wishes can be as simple as going outside for a walk or buy things but then again, there is lack of resources and manpower. Perhaps, volunteering can be done with people with mental illness too.... these are the group of people that are often forgotten, as they are away from the general public.

Perhaps, volunteering should go into mental health too, an area that is often forgotten or neglected due to the stigmatization.