RCs could reach out to the mentally challenged- Raymond A Fernando's letter to the press

My letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY Newspaper on the above matter was published on Tuesday 23^rd April 2013.

The major revamp of Residents’ Committees (RCs) is timely, as more citizens are facing many challenges (“Major revamp of RCs; residents will have a say”; April 22).

The RCs help to maintain a strong, cohesive society. Their grassroots leaders can also be a useful link to the respective Members of Parliament (MPs) in helping to shape and fine-tune government policies to improve the lives of all residents, both locals and foreigners.
            
I note that while the RCs have identified seven themes, including arts and culture, family, sports and the elderly, there is no supporting scheme for those grappling with mental health issues.

There have been several cases where people with mental health issues have caused disruptions in the heartlands, the most recent being an elderly woman who canes women in shorts and the rag-and-bone man who used a blade to cut three women in Bukit Batok.

There is a danger that, some day, infuriated victims or their family members may retaliate. The police would then have more work on their hands.

We already have a lot of prejudice against the mentally ill, and many of the comments I read online are far from kind. Incidents such as the ones above do not help in any way to de-stigmatise mental illness.

Many of our elderly citizens who are isolated and feel unloved may fall into depression and some may lose the will to live. There is a need to reach out to this group.

In developed countries such as the United Kingdom and Finland, the authorities are empowered to send people with mental illness for mandatory treatment when they are unable to take care of themselves.

In Singapore, the present laws do not allow the authorities and mental healthcare providers to act in such a way.

RCs can play an important role by working with mental healthcare professionals to help identify those in dire need of support and care. There could be a confidential database between the RCs and these healthcare providers or the Health Ministry.
Grassroots leaders who are trained in basic mental health issues can work closely with MPs to lend a hand to the mentally challenged. This would make for an inclusive society
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

Raymond A Fernando's letter to the press: Step forward to help the troubled minds before it is too late

I am troubled by the reports of two people who caused disturbances in Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Batok “Heartland terrors” (The New Paper,  April 18).

Firstly, I am surprised that the elderly lady who was arrested in December 2009 for caning women in shorts has re-appeared, and is going about caning innocent women in shorts in the Ang Mo Kio wet market once again.

From the report that I read, it is clear that the senior citizen is living all by herself and that the death of her husband could have been a trigger factor for her to behave abnormally. Isolation and being cut off from the outside world can do a lot of damage and many of our seniors have fallen into this trap. Every effort must be made to help these citizens, including getting them to be assessed for psychiatric treatment when they are unable to take care of themselves.

The man who cut 3 women with the blade cannot be in a correct frame of mind to have have carried out those crimes. A lady, Madam Yeo, believes that this rag-and-bone man could be mentally challenged. Like the eldery woman who whacks women in shorts, this man also needs help.

As it is, there is so much discrimination against people with psychiatric conditions and if such crimes continue in our heartlands, the stigmatization against the mentally ill will deepen even further, and there will be enclaves within our society. Added to this, the police and the courts will be overwhelmed with new cases to handle. We must nip the problem in the bud.

During my employment with public relations department of the then- Singapore Broadcasting Corporation, we had to scan all the newspapers everyday and highlight broadcasting related issues from within Singapore and outside Singapore to all the industry players. Where necessary, action would be taken from the reports. The same procedure should be carried by Government agencies and the mental health providers who are in the mental healthcare business.

The two troubled-minded citizens are not only posing a danger to others, but could harm themselves as well. While the efforts by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in training nursing home staff to look out for mental health issues in the elderly is commendable, IMH and the authorities, including the Members of Parliament and their grassroots leaders must also reach out to those who are facing mental health challenges in the heartlands.

 Raymond Anthony Fernando

This letter appears on the Online forum of TNP.

Raymond's letter to The New Paper (TNP): Ex- FAS chief in poor health : Support and don’t forget our football legends

My letter to TNP on the above matter was published on Monday 15^th April 2012.

I am saddened to read of the plight of former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) chief, N Ganesan who lies in a nursing home, bedridden.  He has a speech impediment and memory lapses and is unable to pay his nursing-home bills. 

But I am encouraged that there are kind-hearted people like Singapore Cricket Club President Gurchran Singh and a group of people who call themselves “Friends of Ganesan” who are rallying around the legendary ex-FAS chief to raise money for him.

Mr Ganesan sacrificed a lot of time and effort, at times forking out his own money, to bring glory to football in Singapore for one simple reason: He was passionate about the game.   

I never failed to catch all the Malaysia cup matches on TV when he led greats like Quah Kim Song, Dollah Kassim, Samad, Mohamed Noor and many more to bring glory to Singapore.  

Many foreigners who donned Singapore colours have been rewarded with attractive monetary incentives that enable them to live a pretty comfortable life.  But how much appreciation, support and recognition do we give to our very own citizens who were not motivated by money but rather by their love of the sport?

We should be able to work, play, live and die with dignity and so should Mr Ganesan.  This is the mark of a gracious and compassionate society.

No one should ever feel that when they are old and sickly, they become a “forgotten” lot, especially when Singapore faces a rapidly ageing population.

I urge the FAS and even the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to join the Friends of Ganesan and help raise funds for this man who truly deserves our recognition and support.

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO  

This issue was also raised by me in MediaCorp’s TODAY Newspaper

FAS, MSF should support efforts to help ex-FAS chief

Click on this link to read:

http://www.todayonline.com/voices/fas-msf-should-support-efforts-help-ex-fas-chief

 This is the reply given by TODAY Newspaper:

18 April 2013

From:

Ridzal Saat, Deputy Director, Development & Planning Division, Football Association of Singapore

FAS will continue to assist in fund-raising campaign

We refer to Mr Raymond Fernando’s letter, “FAS, MSF should support efforts to help ex-FAS chief” (April 15).

We agree with the sentiments of many fans who consider Mr N Ganesan’s chairmanship from 1974 to 1981 as one of Singapore football’s best eras. He is among those who have contributed immensely to the progress of Singapore football.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS), including FAS President Zainudin Nordin, assisted in fund-raising efforts last year when we learnt about his medical condition.

The funds went to the N Ganesan Trust Fund, which was set up by his family and friends to ensure that he receives the nursing care required.

As part of our efforts to support this year’s fund-raising campaign, we sought contributions from our stakeholders and pledged our support to an upcoming fund-raising dinner.

We have also finalised an arrangement with the LionsXII and S-League clubs, wherein they will contribute to the campaign.

All funds raised will again go to the trust fund.

The FAS always values the contributions of those, including Mr Ganesan, who have made a difference to the sport in Singapore as well as in Asia.

We have always assisted those in need to the best of our abilities, although we do so privately out of respect for their families’ privacy.

We take this opportunity to seek support from more well-wishers, which would greatly assist Mr Ganesan and his family as he continues his recovery.

 

Letter to VOICES: Health hazards from food consumption

My letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY Newspaper on the above matter is published on Sunday 24^th March 2013

Many people are unaware that hot food packed in Styrofoam boxes can cause health problems. Styrofoam contains the neurotoxins styrene and benzene, which are widely accepted to be carcinogens.

These toxins can leach into food that is acidic, warm, alcoholic or oily and into the environment after exposure to rain and other weather. It is critical that people do not microwave food in Styrofoam or put hot food into Styrofoam containers.

The health authorities should remind all food suppliers, including food vendors in markets and coffee shops, to gradually replace Styrofoam boxes with other packaging, such as brown paper wrapped with a thin plastic sheet.

Some health-conscious organisations use plastic boxes of a similar material to milk bottles for babies. People could be advised to buy these less hazardous boxes to use for takeaway food.

Another health hazard is dented tinned goods. Charitable organisations and supermarkets often give tinned goods to the needy, but if these are dented, they can be detrimental to a person’s health.

A polyclinic doctor once advised me to stop taking dented tinned goods after she discovered that it led to my food poisoning.

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

 

An open letter to Mr Heng Swee Keat Education Minister/Minister in charge of the National Conversation

An open letter to Mr Heng Swee Keat Education Minister/Minister in charge of the National Conversation on support for the mentally ill

 

"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others."
                                           -Mohandas Gandhi-

Sunday 24^th March 2013

Dear Mr Heng,

When I spoke to you at the very first Singapore conversation, you told me that you fully understood how hard it is for caregivers of the mentally ill and you promised to look into the welfare of this marginalized community.  I would like to believe you, Mr Heng because you do look like someone who cares.

I would like you to read my report to the Transport & Health Ministers and copied to the PM.  

Click here to read:

http://rayhope8.blogspot.sg/2013/03/an-open-letter-to-thetransport-minister.html

Reports of the mentally ill in today’s Sunday Times

Interesting reports in today’s Sunday Times, one of which touches on volunteers who are needed for those who feel unloved and uncared for –like the mentally ill. How true, the mentally ill are in dire need of love and support.

When animals are killed as was in the recent case of the lady who was very unhappy when a dog was put to sleep by the AVA, there was big uproar on social media. The lady was right in speaking out because God wants us to love all living things.

Yet when a 28-year-old woman was killed so tragically by a lorry driver in Buangkok Green just outside IMH, how many people felt her pain and that of her family? How many people battled an eye lid?  Human beings must be loved just like animals. I wonder what kind of society we are breeding when people do not know how to feel for this marginalized community?

People have asked me this question:  “Do you know if the woman who was killed in the accident at Buangkok Green was an IMH patient?”

My answer to them   “I am not sure if the lady who was killed was a patient or a staff member. But does that matter? In any event no one is telling. We are talking about human lives here being lost – and so tragically at that.  Must another tragic accident take place before someone acts?”

Government agencies need to respond to letters in the press. If I write a letter to the press, it is only proper that a reply is given back to the press.

The MOH & others, including PM Lee are repeatedly saying that everyone must be responsible in taking care of their own health. Let me assure all of you, that NO ONE chose to have mental illnesses. Some, like my wife, who has battled schizophrenia for 40 years, was born with it.  Mental illness is sometimes genetic. In the case of her advanced arthritis condition that leaves her mobility severely impaired, the Senior Consultant TTSH told me that some of the psychiatric drugs are causing bone degeneration. So I checked with my wife’s psychiatrist, a Senior Consultant at IMH, who told me, “There must be a trade-of”.

Does she, Mr Heng, choose to have these chronic illnesses? So let’s be sensitive to the feelings of these patients as well as their caregivers.

I’m not too sure if I want to participate in the next Singapore Conversation because in an honestly, Mr Heng, I find that the Govt. is just not listening. And it lacks understanding.

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Cc: Health Ministers, PM Lee & President Tony Tan .

Rachel Chang -ST

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE TRANSPORT MINISTER & HEALTH MINISTERS ON SAFETY MEASURES IN THE IMH GROUNDS

cc: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

21^st March 2013

Dear Mr Lui Tuck Yew,

You would recall that I wrote to you on the 9^th of March highlighting the tragic accident at Buangkok Green in which a 28-year-old- lady was killed by a lorry outside IMH. I also wrote to the press making a useful suggestion to help prevent further tragedies  (see the details on my blog).

http://rayhope8.blogspot.sg/2013/03/fatal-accident-at-buangkok-green.html

The welfare of psychiatric patients and their families; as well as the IMH staff needs to well taken care of.  Until today, more than 12 days later, I have not heard from anyone on this matter. Any reason for this, ministers?

You would also recollect that on the 5^th March 2013, I wrote to you & the press highlighting the excellent service provided by an SBS driver who could well have saved the life of an elderly Chinese man.

http://rayhope8.blogspot.sg/2013/03/community-spirit-alive-when-elderly.html

I was pleased that you took pains to personally reply to me, Mr Lui.  Besides your  prompt reply, I’ve received 2 other letters via email from the SBS .

 

I would like to know why  is  it that when contributing citizens make the effort to propose some suggestions as I did in my press latter dated 9^th March 2013 to save lives, I don’t get a proper reply. It seems that when praises are made, replies come fast and furious , but when things go dreadfully wrong - as in the case of the untimely  death  outside IMH, nobody bothers to act on it, or at least that’s the impression I get.

Do we only want to hear the good stuff?   Under the PS21 Programme, replies from Govt. agencies need to come in between 3-5 days. If it takes time to study the situation, surely an interim reply could have been given.  It’s gracious to do so. So let’s create conditions where citizens are prepared to take time  off from their busy schedules to work with the Govt. of the day to improve the lives of all our citizens. And being the sole caregiver to my wife who has schizophrenia , advanced arthritis & 4 other chronic illnesses, I  assure all of you, it’s care 24/7.  Yet, I contribute as an active citizen.

Together , let us strive to make Singapore the BEST HOME to live in. An inclusive society where EVERY citizen matters. That must surely include those who are undergoing psychiatric  care.  

I also would  like to know what IMH & the MOH is doing to improve the  situation at the IMH grounds.

 

Thank you and I look forward  to an earnest reply from all concerned.

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Footnote: (1) Excerpt from my book- "Understanding and managing mental illnesess in an effective way"

"Schizophrenia is a very complex mental illness and everyone, including doctors and family members need to understand what the sufferer goes through during relapses. For instance, when Doris’ mental stability becomes unstable following a relapse, she does not even know if she needs to clear her bowels or pass urine as the brain cells are not firing properly. When this happens, the tears in my eyes won’t stop flowing because it’s so pitiful to see my wife in that state. So I urge those who are not “walking the journey” to show compassion and understanding.  It is not until we go through these hardships that we truly realize what even an ounce of suffering is like." Copyrightraymondfernando2013

(2)  Porche Poh, Executive Director of Silver Ribbon Singapore who won the MediaCorp's Woman of the Year Award 2013 a few days ago wrote to me:
" Raymond I pray that you will be in good health always because Doris(my wife) & the consumers (meaning psychiatric patients) need you."

 

Talks organized by SAMH on mental illness

9^th March 2013

Dr Daniel Fung

President , SAMH

CC: Health Minister

CEO, HPB

Dear Dr Daniel Fung,

Talks organized by SAMH on mental illness

Reference the above matter.

As you are probably aware, I am a volunteer with Silver Ribbon Singapore (SRS),  SAMH & IMH. I have been giving talks at SRS and IMH to members of the public, including schools and polytechnics at IMH  and at SRS platforms.  My talks focus on caring for my wife Doris for more than 3 decades. I share valuable tips on caring for a loved one with mental illness- in my case 37 years of it.

With my wealth of experience I have motivated, encouraged and inspired many to lead more meaningful lives. My wife who has been coping with schizophrenia for 40 years is today, an author of 7 books. How many patients have achieved that here in Singapore?  Myself, I’m an author of 17 books and although I suffered from depression in 1995, I turned my whole life around.

I have saved lives by counselling people on my Facebook who were sure suicide cases, and I can prove it. I want to do more.

I have glowing testimonies that were routed to IMH. During one of my talks to 60 undergrads studying psychology in a university in the Philippines, the lecturers were so impressed that they have invited to me visit the Philippines next year during world Mental Health Day to speak to their citizens.

I have shared my talks at Hougang care Centre a few years ago when Dr Sally Thio was heading the centre.  Yet her newly set up organization – Caregiver Alliance Ltd (CAL) also does not see value in my talks.

The Health Promotion Board is inviting me to give talks on depression soon.  I have accepted.

Yet, despite my untiring efforts to save lives, SAMH refuses to rope me in for such talks. An ASEAN country recognizes my expertise, but NOT SAMH & CAL.

I want to know why all this is happening?  I hope that I’m not being discriminated against in anyway. Show me that you are fair in your dealings with volunteers.

I have repeatedly requested SAMH to invite me for talks, but they do not value my services.  I informed Ex. Director K. Rajeswari & Ms Helen Yong about this, but I get lots of excuses.

On 16^th March 2013, through an advertisement in The New Paper on Sat 9^th March 2013, SAMH has invited other caregivers to share their caregiving journey.

Can these mental healthcare providers stop cherry-picking?  We need to save & reclaims lives.

Why I am being conveniently left out by SAMH and  CAL?  If SAMH & CAL does not value my services, experience and expertise, so be it. I have ways to bring this matter up.  

Our mental healthcare system can be pleasantly enhanced if mental health care providers value the services of dedicated volunteers who are prepared to give their time in spite of the fact that they have heavy caregiving responsibilities – as my case.   

I appreciate a reply & I hope something positive will come out of this episode.   

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Model Caregiver 2010 & Mental Health Champion 2010

Website: http://arayofhope.sg/index.html

Footnote: Dr Fung, I want you to know that in 2003 during the SARS outbreak, when my wife was seriously ill in IMH, I wrote to K Rajeswari, Ex. Director at SAMH telling her about my wife.  SAMH is supposed to look into the welfare of caregivers.  And I was crying out for help! This is what the ED  told me: “Dear Raymond, sorry to hear about your wife. Please take care of yourself. “

End of story!!! Never heard from SAMH after that.   You call this support?

 

Eventually when I visited IMH and saw my wife’s slow recovery, I had to go through immense suffering. I couldn’t  cry in front of my dear Doris, because her recovery would be slow, so I bottled up the pain inside of me, and the moment I was at the bus stop outside IMH, I burst out crying. It did not matter to me who saw or made fun of me. I needed  to release the tremendous  pain inside my heart.

 

So I suffered all alone for  2 solid months and went again into depression.  My wife’s full recovery took 9 months. At IMH, a nurse manger told me if I needed medication. I told her Idon’t need medication. I just needed someone to walk with me during that difficult period, and that popping pills is certainly not the solution.

Caregivers need respite care. I have raised this matter several times.  I asked a staff nurse at IMH if they have respite care for caregivers. She replied , "Yes, we have. Put your wife to stay in IMH, and you can go for a holiday.”

 

So I go and enjoy myself , while my wife lies in a mental hospital. To me, that’s not respite care. That’s abandonment. Respite care  is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

 

It’s about time that everyone wakes up to  the realities of mental illness.

 

Thank you.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Good that management is receptive to feedback. Hope something positive comes out of this. Everyone must have equal opportunities and make contributions for the well being of our citizens, especially if they want to save & reclaim lives.

Reply from Dr Daniel Fung on sat 9th March 2013
 

Dear Raymond

Thank you for your helpful feedback and congratulations on your opportunities to help destigmatise mental illness and inspire caregivers. I am sure we can find opportunities for your contribution within the work of SAMH. After all, we are all concerned with improving the lives and mental health of the people in our community. I have copied this email to Ms Rajeswari and Mr James Wong to look into this matter. 

Warmest regards

Dr Daniel Fung

Chairman Medical Board

Institute of Mental Health