With an intent of conquering one of the biggest battles that the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Hospital, Angoda-Mulleriyawa of Sri Lanka faces, that of stigma associated with mental health disorders experienced by patients, a former resident of the Institute, brave survivor,33-year-old Shmana Whittall Ferdinandus, on recovering from her infirmity formed a committee of friends and family to raise funds for the betterment of the National Institute of Mental Health Hospital by organizing concurrent awareness programmes in Colombo and Melbourne.
Aptly named the “Fearless Fundraiser Events “Shmana spearheads a forceful team whose Mission is to make a difference in the lives of people affected with mental health problems and to make society aware of the implications not only to those afflicted but also to the society.
In a heartwarming and unscripted delivery of her personal experience of her affliction, the time of treatment, under the purview of Consultant Psychiatrist of the NIMH Dr Mahesan Ganesan, her will to emerge from the darkness of depression, bipolar and her strength, Shmana made an impact on the audience by transmitting a live address from Australia,
Speaking on behalf of the family coping with an unpredictable and unexplainable disorder, Rajatha Piyatissa elaborated on the effects of trauma, lack of knowledge of behaviour and the slow recovery process.
Speaking at the program held in Colombo recently, the Director of the NIMH Dr Kapila Wickramanayake presented details of the many wards and specialized care by the staff to both in-house and visiting patients,
Well known Psychiatrist Dr Venura Palihawardena, MBBS MD /Psych enlightened the audience on the aspects of experiencing disorders and coping with recovery.
Psychologist Counsellor Nivendra Uduman addressed the topic of the importance of sharing one’s thoughts and feelings with someone, that would help lighten the burden of depression and social stigma.
Among the speakers was Sr. Inoka Perera of ward 16 who described how it is to take care of in-house patients including Shmana and commented on how well she has recovered.
Lion Lady Shyama de Silva, MJF Past District Governor of 306 B02 spoke of the opportunities that could be funnelled through branches of the Lions Clubs to spread awareness in the country.
As a fitting finale and in lighter vein popular video comedian Eshan Dias shared his thoughts on his choice of finding happiness by means of entertaining.
Our chief guest and lovely hostess for the Colombo event, was Angela Seneviratne Theatre, Television, Cinema Artiste, Presenter and Columnist.
Proceeds collected at the event held in Colombo on November 4 were presented to Dr Venura Palihawardena by Shmana’s Mother, Sherine de Run.
The committee members are now hoping to bring Fearless Charities to life in 2019 with many more quarterly events organized globally to support patient wards and the afflicted at NIMH. The committee members who approached Shmana mainly through mainstream social media after updating a post in September are – Miuru Jayaweera, Nuzhi Meyen, Manoja de Silva, Khaleeq Jayah, Daminda de Silva, Sherine de Run, Yasonil Piyatissa, Stephano Whittall and Angela Seneviratne.
Within a period of one month they were all able to bring these great events to life which has raised funds of over Rs200,000/- for NIMH which will be utilized as below;
* Providing 20 Patient cupboards for Ward 16
* The contribution of furniture for the Children’s learning & disability unit.
* Christmas party for the NIMH hospital
A small gathering of friends and family supporting the cause met over afternoon tea in Melbourne on the 10th of November - where Shmana related her story, described her Mission, showed a video presentation of the most harrowing period of her life, and celebrated her survival.
Shmana has also published a book which will be launched in February 2019 and here are a few excerpts from her close family and friends.
Shmana is a living, breathing, joyous testament to never giving up and having the courage to ask for help. Her new outlook to life (after overcoming many obstacles) is an unselfish attitude to ensure she helps as many people as possible – ‘’Nadini Soyza - Best friend’’
I watched my oldest friend fall into the darkest hole imaginable and witnessed every stage of it. I am so happy to see that with the help of her family she got through something most of us thought she would never recover from, I am so proud and my heart is finally at ease, ‘’Yasara Abeynayake Marija - Childhood best friend’’
I felt sad that such a vibrant person had to deal with mental illness. I also had no doubt that you would pull through because I knew you would put your experience to work for the good of other less privileged people. There is a reason I liken you to Mother Teresa because of your heart for the poor. "Nataliya Gunasekera - Cousin"
The mission is to help make a difference in the lives of people coping with mental illness and to make the community better aware of the implications of all mental illnesses. We will be engaging in relationship development with hospital staff, the wellbeing of the community through awareness, education, support programs and engaging in extracurricular activities for the patients and attending to their basic needs.
Our vision is to see a community and support group well aware of handling mental illnesses without judgment or social stigma and being supportive of the full recovery and wellbeing of the patients and their loved ones.
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