*~*~*Mental Health*~*~*

Last Monday, our duty was in National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong. Well, at first I was not yet okay with the idea of handling mentally-ill patients. Not that I don't like them but more on how should I deal with them. I was excited and troubled that I don't know how to react. Last Tuesday, I finally met my patient. I was aloof but I did my best to communicate with her. It turned out well I guess and I realized that they really do need lots of attention and patience. Personally, I had a hard time but after all the singing and laughing, I guess it was okay. :) I also had to experience viewing an ECT. I felt bad when I saw how the patients reacted. I almost cried. But the staff told us that it was for their own good. Sad but they do know more than us. Life is harder for them. My patient was really lonely and wanted to go home. But she's not yet fully recovered. She was admitted last 2001 but still I believe that in due time, she will be back to our society again. After all, like the philosophy of the institution, "there is always hope for the meantally-ill clients..."