WOMAN DEFECATING IN PUBLIC: Raymond Anthony Fernando writes to the press

My letter on the above matter gets published in The New Paper today – Monday 25^th August 2014.

The report, “Woman seen defecating at MRT identified” (The New Paper, Aug 23) said that it was a 34-year-old Singaporean.

Now that the police have referred the case to the National Environment Agency, I hope that a psychiatric assessment can be done on the woman because nobody in the right frame of mind would relieve themselves in public this way.

It is a a shame that some people seem to take a pleasure in humiliating those who expose themselves, clearly not understanding that a troubled mind can cause bizarre behaviour.

The woman is apparently troubled and obviously in need of support.   

Public nudity by the mentally ill may occur as part of the hallucinations and distortions of reality.

In sufferers of a bipolar condition, it may be a manic episode during which they lose their inhibitions, resulting in flashing or streaking or other inappropriate behaviour.

 

With proper treatment, those with such mental health issues can go on to lead normal lives.

It is good to remember that while people with mental illness face discrimination, the illness itself does not discriminate.  No one is immune and mental illness can strike anyone – young, old, rich, poor.

It is going to take a whole village to stop prejudices, be it against those of a particular race or nationality (many assumed that the woman was from China) or those with brain disorders.  

To be a gracious and caring society, we must show understanding, love and care to those who are struggling in life and do not have coping mechanisms.

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO



Footnote. News on CNA on Monday night, 8th Sept 2014:

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has identified the woman who defecated outside Holland Village MRT station last month as a 34-year old Singaporean with a long history of schizophrenia and intellectual disability.
“In view of the circumstances, a stern warning has been issued,” said NEA. It also asked members of the public to report details if they witness such offences.

   

Raymond Anthony Fernando's letter to The Straits Times: Why the need for so many cards?

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is published today, Wednesday 20^th August 2014.

The Ministry of Health’s lapse in paying $64,000 in financial aid to 99 people even after they had died was blamed on data errors by the agent hired to administer the scheme (“Safeguards for aid payouts”; Aug 6).

One way to prevent such errors is for government agencies to work closely with one another and to use technology to enhance their systems.

For example, when a person dies, the Births and Deaths Unit, which comes under the ambit of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), will have to be notified.  The ICA then alerts government agencies, including the Central Provident Fund Board, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and other related agencies through an interfacing IT program.

To raise productivity, we need to use technology to enhance systems, prevent wastage and slip-ups, and not cause too much inconvenience to the public.

Take, for instance, the numerous cards that are being given out.

Why do we need one card for the Community Health Assist Scheme and another for the Pioneer Generation Package? And for government pensioners, there is the Civil Service Card.

In the end, people go around carrying so many cards.

One should only have to fill in the required forms, send to the relevant agencies, and have the data stored in just one card – the identity card.

Cost savings can then be channelled for social projects to support needy Singaporeans.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/why-the-need-so-many-cards-20140820

 

Raymond A Fernando's letter to the press/grieving caregiving who lacks support

To: The Singapore Government

I have kept these painful feelings inside of me for a long time, and it is high time I release my pent-up emotions.  It’s coming up to 5 months since I lost my beloved wife Doris Lau. She died on 17^th April 2014 in hospital and I still grief over the sudden loss as she was MY whole world. More so when the circumstance that led to her death has been extremely painful.  I may not be able to move any of you, but still I have to say what is tearing me up inside.  

And I want the Ministry of Health to explain why she died in the manner that she did.

3 weeks or so, before Doris died, she had to undergo a colon test. The next day, big ugly rashes erupted on her shins, stomach, chest and feet. (Take a look at the pictures I reproduced).  I was very upset with the doctors at TTSH who kept apologizing.

Doris died three weeks or so later in hospital.  When she was admitted to TTSH for pneumonia, the doctors took away her away her psychiatric medications as they claimed that it was lowering her blood pressure.  I told them that my wife was sure to suffer a relapse of her schizophrenia if they take that route, because those medications help to keep Doris in a stable frame of mind.  

Shortly afterwards, my wife as I had expected, suffered a serious relapse of her schizophrenia leading to the loss of her speech.   Later she died.

Do any of you know what it is like to see a spouse die when she cannot even speak to her husband in her dying moments?  A woman whom I have loved so dearly and worked tirelessly to bring her to a full recovery of her mental illness?  How would any one of you feel if it happens to your own loved ones?

During the period when the doctors knew that she was dying, there was so palliative care given to both my wife and I. Why?

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in his speech at a South West CDC ceremony last month called on the CDCs to find ways to unite Singaporeans (“CDC’s challenge is to help unite Singaporeans”; June 26).

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his speech during the Mayors’ swearing-in ceremony on 20 June called on the Community Development Councils (CDCs) to help build the Social Service Offices to assist the needy as the Government is focused on improving people’s lives.

I know for a fact that there has been a surge in the number of mentally ill people struggling with the illness, and it is likely that more such cases will be coming on-stream.

But the sad reality is that people with mental illness and their caregivers do not receive the same level of support as those with physical disabilities – a key point which I made at Social Service Partners Conference (SSPC) organised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on 21 May where its Minister Chan Chun Seng was the guest of honour.  800 people, including several VWOs were present as I also spoke of my pain in losing my wife. The MSF minister’s speech highlighted the government’s effort to build a caring society. Two Mayors, one of whom belongs to my district were present.  They were Teo Hon Pin and Denise Phua who is the Mayor of my district as I live in Ang Mo Kio.  None of those present offered practical support.

For those who are grieving – as with my case, the lack of empathy and support can spiral into dire consequences if immediate assistance is not rendered.  During the first week weeks of my wife’s passing, I first experienced shock; then as the weeks and months go by, the emotional pain is becoming unbearable.  Yet, I find it so difficult to get the much-needed support even though I went public on my wife’s passing at the SSPC and in the press.

More than a month ago, my younger brother called up the Family Service Centre FSC) and told them that I needed support to cope with the untimely death of my wife.  Shortly afterwards, a lady officer called me up took down my particulars – and that was the end of the story. In what way is this support?  Mayors are elected to serve the residents, but are they doing that? Then what is the point of electing Mayors who do not know how to empathize with residents who are going painful periods –as I am.

Mayors and MPs who are elected to serve the people must show compassion by making home visits to offer support to grieving families.

My wife’s passing was raised in media reports–English and Chinese newspapers, but how many politicians understood my pain? But I am grateful to Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob, SMS Heng Chee How and the kind-hearrted Dr Vivian Balakrishnan who felt for me, by sending condolence messages to me.  Dr Vivian is an exceptional human being and the kind of politician Singapore needs.  

I was also touched by IMH management staff like CEO Dr Chua Hong Choon and Dr Daniel Fung, Chairman of IMH’s medical board who felt for me knowing well that Doris was also a staunch advocate for persons with mental illness as she was very opened about her mental illness.

But to the rest who cannot understand what I am going through I would like to ask:  Have we become such a cold society where we do not know how to show compassion to the vulnerable in our society?  So ESM Goh Chok Tong: When you speak of compassion as you did in your National Day dinner, do you translate this virtue into action?

Despite all these upheavals, I still continue to support and care for persons with mental illness and the elderly. My mission, my passion, my humanitarian work. The ministry which God has tasked me to do.  

When my wife dies, everything including that much-needed support should not die along with her.  For if that happens, we will lose the Singapore Soul and go downhill.  Moreover, this should not happen in a first world country that wants to promote inclusiveness and a caring society.

Now read the press letter that came out yesterday:  

Raymond Anthony Fernando’s letter to the press: A hope that new NMPs support the mentally ill

My letter on the above matter is published in MediaCorp’s TODAY newspaper, today Monday 18^th August 2014.

I am encouraged that Ms Chia Yong Yong, president of the SPD (formerly known as the Society for the Physically Disabled), will advocate for people with disabilities. (“New NMP to advocate for greater inclusion of people with disabilities”; Aug 13)

This group falls into two categories: Those who are physically challenged, which is a visible disability, and those with mental illness, an invisible illness.

Despite the challenges, people with disabilities can go on to have many capabilities, with strong support from the Government and the community. Ms Chia, having excelled in life, is proof of this.

Just as there is much support for people with physical disabilities, it is important to provide the same support for people with psychiatric conditions. It would probably take a whole village to change mindsets, but we must take that step.

Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob, who chaired the Special Select Committee, has given the assurance that those selected as Nominated Members of Parliament are expected to address issues beyond the sectors and interests they represent.

I hope this can be fulfilled for the growing psychiatric community here.

Though there is prejudice against people with mental illness, the illness itself does not discriminate. No one, whether rich or poor, famous or not, is immune to developing mental illness.

The apparent suicide of award-winning Hollywood actor Robin Williams, who was reported to have had a bipolar condition, is a startling reminder of this.

Crucially, with many Singaporeans grappling with bipolar and other mental disorders, these issues must not be swept under the rug.

Now, a promising NMP and lawyer has made her way to Parliament, and I urge Ms Chia to champion the plight of the mentally ill too. I hope that she and the other new NMPs take up the challenge.

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

 

Link:  http://www.todayonline.com/voices/hope-new-nmps-support-mentally-ill

 

 

"Robin Williams untimely passing" : Raymond Anthony Fernando's letter to the press

Singapore's leading advocate for the mentally ill Raymond Anthony Fernando’s letter to ST’s Life Section: "Robin Williams untimely passing"

 My letter on Robin Williams and mental illness appears in the Life Section of today’s Straits Times – Saturday 16th August 2014. Check it out. and here's what I say in that letter. Short letter, but sends a very clear message.

Robin Williams’ passing is a timely reminder for mental illness to be taken seriously. Mental illness is a re...al issue that affects real people and requires support, understanding and compassion for the patients, and their family and caregivers.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Model nursing home : Raymond Anthony Fernando's letter to The Straits Times:

My letter on the above subject is published in The Straits Times today, Friday 15^th August 2014.

On behalf of my family, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the staff of St Theresa’s Home, who have been providing excellent care and support for my 90-year-old mother.

Although my mother has to cope with age-related health issues like Parkinson’s disease, we have peace of mind knowing she is in good hands.

The nursing home has tie-ups with the Aged Psychiatry Community Assessment and Treatment Service at the Institute of Mental Health, which provides assessments and treatments to the frail elderly with mental health disorders.  This enables the home to better manage patients with dementia and Parkinson’s.

It is also encouraging that the home does not discriminate against people with mental health issues.

The administrator for the home, Mr Victor Seng, takes an interest in the welfare of the residents and makes it a point to visit them regularly despite his busy schedule.

My mother is benefiting from the love and understanding from Mr Seng and the staff at the home.

Future nursing homes should be modelled on St Theresa’s.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/model-nursing-home-20140815

WOMEN’S - ONLY PARTY: Let’s hope it can make a difference - Raymond's letter to the press

My letter on the above matter is published in The New Paper today, Monday 11^th August 2014.  

It is a healthy sign that Ms Ivy Singh-Lim, who is not afraid to speak her mind, is keen to set up a political group called the Gentlewarrior’s Party, as reported in, “Only women need apply ” (The New Paper, Aug 4) .  

I give this gungho woman my best wishes and hope she can make a difference in the lives of those who are marginalised and have no voice.  

Aspiring politicians must be prepared to speak out with courage and conviction on thorny issues such as mental illness and end-life issues. 

Such politicians will make good Members of Parliament (MP) because without them, these issues would get swept under the rug. 

We have citizens, many of them women, who are grappling with depression and other types of mental disorders, which in turn puts a heavy strain on family caregivers, many of who are also women.

Many women are also on the receiving end of abuse, physical and verbal, or their marriages may be falling apart, resulting in broken families and woories over their children suffering.  

Other women who may need more support include the wives of prisoners and caregivers who lose their spouses abruptly. 

So go for it, Ms Ivy Singh-Lim. Be a voice for the voiceless and bring advocacy to a much higher level.

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

 

Raymond’s letter to The Straits Times: Support, not sideline, those with mental illness

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is published today, Monday 11^th August 2014.

 

I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Ms Lim Lih Mei in her letter, “Some groups yet to benefit from CPF Life” (Aug 4).

The mentally ill and their caregivers face an uphill task in getting support – be it through employment, social support or financial assistance. Mental and physical disabilities can be easily turned into capabilities if the Government and employers are willing to create opportunities for people with such conditions to find employment.

Until today, the Government refuses to remove the mandatory requirement for job seekers to declare if they have a mental illness.

If they declare that, they will most certainly not get the job. But if they do not declare it, they will lose their job for making a false declaration.

Caught in this dilemma, people with problems often do not seek early psychiatric treatment.  It is wrong to assume that people seeking treatment cannot function or do not have abilities.

For example, people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can also be creative and brilliant, but they are ostracised as “hopeless cases”.

In fact, many who have sought psychiatric treatment can not only function pretty well, but also excel in life – with the help of enlightened employers and a supportive environment.

Given the highly stressful environment we live in, it is not uncommon for people to struggle with mental health issues.

Employers must understand that work therapy works for the mentally ill. With a change in mindset, more people will step forward for treatment because they know they will not be sidelined if they confide in their employers about their plight.

I hope we can become a more mature and inclusive society, one that is more supportive of those who have to manage mental health issues.

Raymond Anthony Fernando