Raymond's next letter to the Straits Times, this time to ST
LIFE: Film on recovery can help
psychiatric patients
My letter to The
Straits Times Life – Section on Saturday 3rd January 2015 carries my
letter on the above subject.
I
have the utmost admiration for people who, despite their disabilities, have
managed to turn their lives around and film-maker Bertrand Lee (left) is one of
them (Back To Shooting After Loss Of Leg, Life! Dec 31).
There
are several local poignant stories of persons with mental disorders who have, through
the support of their caregivers, excelled in the arts. Sadly, many view them as people who have no economic
value. As a result, many psychiatric
patients are ostracised.
The
media has an important role to play in destigmatising mental disorders. It does not help when some dramas depict people
with mental illness as trouble makers.
Perceptions
of those with mental disorders can be improved if there are shows on success stories.
Given that Lee has overcome depression, I urge him to produce stories on the
recovery of patients. Once society is able to see that recovery is possible
through support, stereotyping of those with mental disorders fade away.
Raymond
Anthony Fernando
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