< Home to Choma... again | Main | It's gettin' hot in here. . . >
August 17, 2005
Mental Health Attitudes
Well, to answer the mental health question is difficult. There are many different beliefs from tribe to tribe within Zambia. Some tribes blieve that those afflicted with mental illness are really juju witches and such. They supposedly have an "inner eye" into the "other side" and so, they are taken care of in the villages, but are also shied away from most of the time. Many times those that have mental problems will marry each other. They have houses, kids, etc, and are often cared for by their extended families. That's the case with Africans in general... they take care of each other. I am starting to find that the practices we have as Americans in taking care of those that need it... well, just think of the nastiest nursing home you've ever been in and you get an idea. That being said, a lot of mentally ill people here don't want to be taken care of; those end up on the streets. There are about 3 Choma regulars that I see every day on my way around town. They are most often harmless, but will shout and curse at me sometimes. One of them is a very nice lady most of the time, but then she will come into my friend Mukesh's store and shout at him, "The kids are at home starving, you haven't given me money for relish in weeks." I don't know if she actually thinks that she is married to him or not. People here usually take a better approach than in the States and will often give her food. Overall, I would say that Zambians are much more compasionate. Now, there is one national institution in Lusaka. I have heard horror stories of the place; think 1800's mental hospitals in the States. I would like to visit it before I leave, but I'm not sure what you need to gain access. So there you go. I hope all is well with all of you...
Posted by ringo at August 17, 2005 9:32 AM
Comments
Posted by: Alex at August 17, 2005 1:00 PM
Posted by: Kim at August 18, 2005 7:16 PM