Mental healthDignity was the theme for the Day of Mental Health held in 2015. Just one year after this important commemoration, we approached Rolando *, a man of Ariguanabo, who tells that he needed professional help to take certain challenges imposed by life. Today he states that mental health care was his best decision.
"All human beings are born free and equal on dignity and rights", so reads the article one of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Do you think that mental health patients considere their dignity shattered?
I prefer not to be absolute, I do not know how other countries’ work but I would like to emphasize the role of the family and doctors. The mental patient has the same right to go to a doctor that people with any other condition. Sometimes certain indignities are suffered, it is painful to see how some workmates and even family assume wrong positions to mental illness.
I think the support of friends and family helps a lot. In my case, I felt protected at a time when I needed not to be alone. Thanks to the effort of those who wanted me, I have felt a force that pushed me to visit specialists. I was never discriminated but I know it happens and it is lamentable.
It is said that people with mental health problems suffer such discrimination. What do you think about that?
In Cuba and in my case I speak of the Mental Health Center of San Antonio de los Baños. Work teams are highly professional so they know how to do their job and that's very positive. The life of those who attend the center is not limited to that space. Therefore there may be cases that are discriminated. It's sad but true, especially patients with mental illness at an advanced stage; they would feel better if they were protected from discrimination, violence and abuse, which are other very important elements.
What do you think of social exclusion?
Having support is essential to overcome any mental crisis. People who have relatives, friends or colleagues with mental illness should listen to me. Support them and not separate them from reality is a good way to help them recover, I know that very well.
I think the most important elements are respect and recognition. Not damage their self-esteem, or wrest the ability to make their own decisions. They must have self-determination and inclusion in social life.
Rolando, beyond his courage and confidence, showed an intelligent man who overcame a difficult test. Today this man is a symbol of motivation for patients and their relatives. Serve this interview to pay attention to these aspects and many others.
World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that currently investment in mental health services are far below what is needed. This condition is perhaps the third leading cause of death among teenagers around the world, as it is a cause of suicide in young people with a mental health problem. Reflect and act accordingly. Remember also that for men and women, dignity is what counts.
Rolando *: It was necessary to change the actual name of the interviewee when publishing this work, Rolando is only referential.