Psychiatric Ward

I know I have been slacking on the posting lately, but it has become a hassle. This past week I took a few visits to the psychiatric ward. It is one of the few they have here in Kenya. Lets just say it was quite an experience to be face to face with schizophrenic patients as they convince themselves that you are their son. I attended a group therapy session where one by one each person stood and explained different things going on in their life. It reminded me of the film One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. It was surprising to see that quite a few of them spoke English, not to mention one of them is German. He kept on telling me to go to the German embassy for him and spoke of some letter he has. In addition, I was offered tea, which was actually just water, and when I turned it down, the man seemed offended. This explains only a few of the people I came across. I haven't even started on the patients with major depressive disorder or the patients having manic episodes, but I imagine you could figure out what they act like.

Among the calm patients there are the violent patients, so they must be locked up in strong rooms. I don't know too much about them, but I can explain what I saw to the best of my ability. First of all, the rooms are not padded like they are in the states, they are tile all around. This means that patients are easily capable of inflicting pain on themselves. I can't see how this can be good. Walking past, the patients, who happen to be all male, are constantly jumping up against the door windows yelling stuff at you. It is probably a good thing that I dont speak kiswahili or it would have been way more terrifying.

On Tuesday, the psychiatrist came in and evaluated patients. Unlike in the US, there is no confidentiality, so we were allowed to sit in on it all. Although it was a very interesting experience, it got kind of boring since the majority were drug abusers. Also, I was very disturbed by how the students of the hospital reacted to ever patient. They would all break out in laughter if the patient said something funny. It is hard enough for a person to let out their feelings and thoughts to one person, not to mention a group of 30 that just laugh. Things are obviously done differently here.

Next week is my last week in Kenya. Although it is hard to believe, I am ready to come home. It will be interesting to see how I react to society and change as a person. I already know that some things will irritate me beyond belief, for example how people take things for granted. I will definitely miss all the children and my host family. They have been good to me and have made me feel comfortable here in Kenya. The food will not be missed to much, although ugali has grown on me and I may have to make some for the family. Get ready Mom and Dad, because this time I will be forcing food down your throat!

Well I havent decided how I want to spend my last weekend here. There are thoughts of going snorkeling tomorrow or Sunday, but I do know that I want to visit the orphanage again. They deserve any free time I have. I will report back with pictures on another day. Sorry if I have been losing interest, it is just difficult to write these so often. Talk to you soon and I cant wait to join all of you back in the states!