Bring Mental Health Care to Cambodians

A big man, 32 years, with messy hair sleeping in a bed with dirty mosquito net in a hay cottage where has bad smell. One side of his leg is chained to the pillar of the hay cottage and his both arms are chained as well. His mother told that her oldest son has had severe mental illness for almost 20 years.

His grandmother said that he once fell in love with a girl when he was still a student. They communicate with each other through letters. But then, the girl abandoned him. He was heart-broken and very sad and then he became neurological disorders. At that time, he was lost in his mind, he didn't eat rice or drink water even though food was served for him.

His family seek help from traditional medicine and modern medicine, then he was better. After that he could be healthy enough to go back to work at the rice farm with his parents for a year, however, he was relapsed.    

He was referred to see doctor at referral hospital for medical treatment, but he was not better. His mother become poor because of expense money for his treatment, both traditional and medical approaches. Finally, the money was spent much for his treatment with less effectiveness, their hope has gone, they decided to drop out for treatment.

His signs and symptoms become more serious. He damaged banana trees, mango trees, all things including: plates, large pot, and all kitchen supplies.

After he committed violence on his mother and other family members, people feel frighten caused his aggressive behavior. After that, he throwed rocks and bricks at the houses of his grandma and his neighbors. He was chained with the support from commune police. Even though one side of his legs was chained to the pillar, he could throw rocks and bricks at others and neighbors’ house. His family decided to lock up him with his both arms. He was chained for over 10 years.

After receiving treatment from TPO treatment team, he was better slowly, however he was calmer and could fall a sleep at night, less aggressive. Then neighbors are brave to approach him. After receiving treatment for a year, He had better insight, his family decided to remove the handcuffs.

The treatment for him spent for longer time, for over 4 years. As result he was recovered and then was released and integrated into his family.

His family members have never expected anyone come to help him. They felt very excited for his recovery. They thanked TPO and all individual donors who save him from serious mental health illness.