My letter on the
above subject is published in The New Paper today, Thursday 11 December 2014.
Two
lives could have been saved if only treatment of Ms Andrea Tay’s mental illness
was sought, and I fully concur with the views of psychiatrists Dr Thomas Lee
and Dr Lim Boon Leng as reported in “5 minutes of fury & frenzy” (The New
Paper, Dec 4).
One
of the biggest obstacles to mental illness recovery is when the patient or even
the caregivers are in denial of a loved one’s mental illness.
In
addition, myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness often prevents
caregivers from seeking professional help for their stricken ones.
But
the good news is that with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both, most
people with mental disorders can lead normal lives.
It
is imperative that the family finds sources of support. With the Ministry of
Social and Family Development now rolling out more programmes for caregivers,
the journey in caring for loved ones with mental illness is going to be much
smoother.
COMPETENT
The
Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has a competent team that can help to
stabilise patients. It also has a community psychiatry department to monitor
their outpatient treatment.
Indeed,
it would be most helpful if friends, grassroots leaders and religious groups
play a supporting role so that the mentally ill and their caregivers will not
feel alone.
RAYMOND
ANTHONY FERNANDO
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