Hey everybody, just wanted to give a huge thank-you to everyone who has support my outreaches! It is an amazing blessing to have people support my school and I when we are on our outreaches that happen through-out our 18 month course.
I have two more four week outreaches coming up this year! I am so excited that I get the oppurtnity in September to travel to Romania and Italy and then in November to Ireland and England.
While on these outreaches I will be continuing to work with people who are in some sort of injustice, i.e. human traffic victims, orphans, abuse victims, homeless people etc. Our goal is to expose the injustice through media, and bring life to those who are trapped in the situation.
I do need help to be able to complete these outreaches. If you feel like God is calling you to partner with me and support me finically, please email me @CRdalessandro@hotmail.ca.
Also, check out my profile for an international photo contest that I'm entered in, and make sure to hit the "support" button, so I can win some rad prizes!
Check it out! https://CassPhotography.see.me/
Thanks everyone, lots and lots of love,
-Cass
Monday, 8 July 2013
Media Project on Mental Illness in Jakarta!
Mental Illness in Jakarta!
By: Cassandra D’Alessandro and Kassandra Williams
Mental illness is one of the worst diseases to plague humanity. Only in the past few years have doctors started to understand and create helpful treatments for those who suffer from various mental illnesses. Before knowledge of mental illnesses was widely available, those suffering were treated in inhumane ways. They were abused and stripped of their rights by the those who were supposed to love and care for them.
In most developing countries, patients are now being given the attention they need. Doctors and other professionals are learning more about the different types of illnesses and how they can help in the most effective ways.
But, not all of the world is on the same level. Many countries still lack the technology and resources to fully understand the taboo subject of mental illness. Those suffering are still treated like animals. They are locked up, chained up, starved, and subjected cruel and ineffective therapy.
Indonesia is one of these countries. Only been in the last few years have doctors here begun to take the time to understand and learn more about mental illness. It has not been a major priority of the Indonesian government.
Most residents of Indonesia have no real understanding of mental illness. People believe that the issue is a spiritual one and turn to “spiritual healers” instead of doctors. They believe that those suffering from mental diseases are cursed or under the influence of black magic. This is one of the most prevalent reasons people with mental illnesses are treated inappropriately.
The government’s lack of investment in healthcare also contributes significantly to the issue. According to Sara Schonhardt of the Global Post, “Only 2.3 percent of the total national budget goes toward health care; less than 1 percent of that amount is put toward mental health.” The government does not give enough funds to the health care system, which results in a lack of doctors, technology, medication, and other necessities.
However, with more influence from the western world, many topics that were once avoided are now receiving attention. More and more doctors, nurses, and considerate citizens are getting involved, looking for better answers and ways to help their country grow. Dr. Irmansyah, the director of health in Indonesia said, “Awareness is rising that restraints are against human rights.”
WHO (World Health Organization) has also stepped into the situation. At the start of 2013, they announced their seven year plan to improve the state of healthcare for the mental ill worldwide. Their goal is to provide everyone with a mental illness the proper care they need.
Even though it comes as a surprise that these ways of treating the mentally disabled still exist in the world, in places like Indonesia, hope is rising. As people continue to learn, talk and help, the situation will change, and one problem that humanity faces will face its end.
Sources
Indonesia: Mentally ill still live in chains by Sara Schondart
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/110907/indonesia-mental-health-schizophrenia
Clinics need to learn more about mental disorder problem
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/23/clinics-need-learn-more-about-mental-disorder-problem.html
Shackled to ignorance by Tom Allard
http://www.theage.com.au/world/shackled-to-ignorance-20100618-ymx3.html
Robert Lemelson: Filming mental illness by Mary Baines
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/02/18/robert-lemelson-filming-mental-illness.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)