T

his is in reference to the article “Fighting the stigma of Schizophrenia” (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 26).

Mental illnesses still evokes mixed reactions in society, from pity to sympathy, to mimicking the person or making fun of him. People react differently, but very few are sensitive and understanding.

There are still many stigmas. Relatives of a mental patient refuse to come out in the open for fear of being ostracized by society.

People like Bagus Utomo deserve praise for working toward this cause. It requires not just money or effort, but loads of patience to deal with such situations. His sensitivity and dedication to this is highly appreciated.

Schizophrenia patients are like ordinary people who need love and attention, and want normal behavior from others and acceptance from society.

Timely diagnosis of mental illness can help a person have a normal life. Different cases require different approaches. In most cases, the families are either not aware of the condition or resort to superstitious methods.

Nowadays, due to increasing competition, work load, stress and peer pressure, even young people suffer from depression. Sometimes this leads to suicide when the patient finally succumbs to pressure.

Counseling plays the most important role along with medicine. Workshops for relatives of patients can help them understand and deal with such situations.

Mental illness, like any other disease, requires treatment. With help of medicine and loving care these people can live normal lives.

Niharika
Purwakarta, West Java