New Life for Ex-mentally ill People

Mental illness is still a taboo among many people in the community. Mentally ill people are sometimes portrayed as violence and destructive, either to themselves or others. For these reasons, many people are feared of or will discriminate on people with mental illnesses and even do not want to live as a neighbourhood with them. This kind of stigmatization against mentally ill people leads to a strong argument on the location of "Halfway House". People living in the vicinity will become restlessness and worry all year round. As a matter of fact, people with mental health problems, after proper treatment, can lead a normal life in the community.

"Halfway House" plays an important part in the process of rehabilitation of people with mental illness. It provides a short to medium term accommodation to ex-mentally ill who will make a transitional stay in the house after discharge from hospital. It provides an opportunity for them to learn more on social skills and self-care technique so as to build up their self-confidence. Gradually they can adjust to the life in the community and can return home or live independently.

Family of mentally ill people should give adequate support and care to the patient. In order to ensure that the illness is under control and to decrease the relapse rate, they should encourage the patient to take the medication as prescribed by the doctor and to follow the doctor's advice. Otherwise, they might be emotional and unstable especially under stress. If mentally ill people are found to have emotional disturbance, the family should try their best to calm them down and to understand the reasons behind it. If possible, they should take the mentally ill people to see a psychiatrist for proper treatment as soon as possible.

In conclusion, the acceptance and support from the family, friends and the community are vital to the rehabilitation of people with ex-mental illness.