It was in the senior classes, that we used to participate in the competitions.This time I was already anticipating the prize, and musing about it.I was hoping that I get a book.I would not quite decide if I was in the mood for fiction.And what about it? Would I like to read science fiction, romance or mystery?or non fiction, would I really like to read facts like about travel or maybe an encyclopedia set.
Then the results were announced.The "prize" was far different from what any one of us might have guessed.We had "won" a "posting" at the psychiatry unit of our good city hospital.It was not an anti climax at all. Only the gears had changed, and the excitement was still there, and indeed it was increasing.We three 'winners',would be staying at /visiting the psychiatry unit for a coupla weeks, regularly.We had our assignments, also we were given the freedom to make our private notes/diary about the visit.We had to keep a record of what we observed, and our impressions duly.Also we were free to help and interact with the doctors, other staff, patients and of course the other volunteer workers.
I remember, on the first day I visited the hospital I passed by a
"food street".It had some International cuisine.Food is so elaborate I thought.At least for today the locals who were helping themselves to the foreign foodstuff will think;" how valuable are those who prepare such wonderfully tasting food."At least tonight everybody there, having partaken of the delicious food will be thinking wars are out of question."But I could not help comparing another street, which I had passed by some months ago.In that street a simple stage had been put up.The "day" was signified by a cut out brightly painted yellow sun.The night, was a dark colored sheet with cut out paper moon and stars.The outdoors was represented by cut out flowers and butterflies.And the story moved on,powerfully attracting the people in the street, who were glued to viewing the drama about issues that did concern the man in the street.That street was so simple yet the missive went across grippingly.
With such thoughts I entered the psychiatry unit.I think," all of us three", had some dream of entering the medical profession.But this seemed a greater dream visiting the world that one just daydreams about way, way before one is ready to be admitted in its hallowed precincts.We had yet a college life to go through, with physics, chemistry and biology to make us eligible as medical students.And here we were already face to face with our ideals!
I did see a number of cases there during my stay.And the thought foremost in my mind was that; it is ironical,that the downfall of a person comes not through major catastrophes but through upset of schedule trivia! A)-for instance, this person was very conscious of dental hygiene.She developed anxiety.She was on potentiated anxiolytics.She could not get up on time, to pay meticulous attention to her dental routine, and it was a routine mind you!The mother was too rigid and strict with her.8o'clock breakfast or else!If she tried to stick to her dental brushing, she missed her breakfast.If she had her breakfast, she forgot her dental stuff, with procrastinations and distractions.And soon it was night time!And when waves of sleep were on her, the failed dental schedule popped up to prey on her guilt complex, with bad dreams as well.When she went to the psychotherapist the rigid mother yielded, and allowed her time to clean her teeth and have breakfast.
B)-then there was one middle aged lady,who sat in one desolate corner of the psychiatry ward, to practise writing a few pages in long hand.She had just come out of a physically sick spell, very debilitating, and was too shy to practice in front of the family or at work, because she just could not take it, all their snide remarks.After long hand, she wanted to practise typing.After a shaky and fatiguing start, she finally got mastery over her weakness.
C)-then there was a young man who after a systemic disease bout, during early recovery, was neglected as far as dietary needs are concerned.This was mostly due to his irritable temper.He used to eat whatever edibles he could find, at irregular intervals.He was conscious of this wrong.And wanted desperately to have a quiet place, where he could just have proper diet at proper times;was it too much to ask?
There are so many more such cases.So many people on job or studies,get an unplanned break from it, due to sudden sickness.Some may have some infirmity remaining, because of which they do not feel fit to return to work.School children, teachers, personal secretaries all may have problems of reading, writing, typing, speech making;sloppy eating habits may pose a problem so also those having 'butter fingers'.Office people incharge of departments may have difficulty recalling names of office workers, and giving them orders.Copywriting, needlework, factory work may all suffer due to lack of concentration or fine tremors.There are many more instances with complexities of individual differences.Trouble is, more these people were good at something before they got sick;the more embarrassment they experience in getting back to work.Will people notice their infirmity, their tics, their imperfections?Unbearable.
From the above incidents only a Psychotherapeutic clinic could give them the necessary space and materials, empathy and understanding, and listen to the complaints they had.People do need psychotherapy.
From the above examples it is seen simple setups were used or simplified schedules.Like in A)- a simple adjustment in timing of personal hygiene with that of breakfast.Or in B)-a small table and chair, a set of pencils and paper, and an obedient companion whose only duty was to help.The other setup C)-was a simple uncluttered room. No noise, and proper food at proper time.These arrangements were nigh all that was required to help people get back to a normal life.People who were given up as difficult to treat, by their own families!
Keep it simple-where did I learn of it first?-at the 'street theatre', I happened to pass by a long time ago.