I am a mentally challenged person, who has had many episodes and hospitalisations with bipolarism, both on and off island.
For those of you who do not know what bipolarism is, it is also known as manic depression, having mood swings from high, meaning mania and low, meaning depression. However, when I do have an episode, I am usually on the mania side.
Having had insight both as a patient having experiences and as an onlooker into the management side of things, I can clearly see both situations, which qualifies me to form an opinion to remedy some of the issues we are faced with here in Cayman.
Firstly, why has Poinciana been built? To my knowledge, it is for holistic mental health care … for rehabilitation and occupational therapy to reintegrate persons back into the society. However, this same practice is offered even in the prison system as well as the current mental health facility in George Town. I could see patients ending up in Poinciana for the long term where they are instituted, forgotten about and as a facility with staff having nothing much to do.
Mental health facilities are oftentimes used as a “revolving door” because of lack of community and sometimes family support, particularly after the patients have subsequent visits. This is a waste of government funds. The current mental health facility in George Town is quite sufficient and “if needs be” could be extended on the same premises. Poinciana would be more beneficial as an independent living for the elderly once they meet a certain criteria and more importantly, based on family dynamics.
Secondly, by the very nature of the words “mental health,” it is rightly fitting to have persons in and out of the mental facility/hospital rather than institutionalizsng them, as there is a vast difference between “mentally ill persons” and “mentally challenged persons.” If so, such persons would be mentally healthy in any society
Thirdly, mentally ill persons need hospitalisaiton as they are deemed incapable of self-care and sound judgment. Mentally challenged persons are those who can self-care, and who have demonstrated soundness of mind. In my experience, there is always confusion in terms of drug administration. Thereby, I am often held longer than anticipated in an effort to remedy my prognosis.
Finally, Cayman does well but will be gravely ruined by outside influencers and some Caymanian benefactors who are seeking their own capital gain.
Cayman is a beautiful and safe place to call home and many are seeking to reside in such an environment. So, we must protect the Islands and people seeking refuge who genuinely enhance the needs and livelihood of our Islands. Stop locking away and stifling “oonah Caymanians,” who have voices, and need to be heard.
Sherene Lopez Monzon
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