Woman chained for 2 years due to mental illness receive support from 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho', LGU

A 22-year-old woman from Sultan Kudarat was chained for two years due to psychosis, a mental condition in which a person loses contact with reality due to inner thoughts and emotions.

According to an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," 'Jane' began acting differently in 2018, when her then-boyfriend who impregnated her broke up with her.

"Nakita namin na ginugupit niya ang buhok niya," said Jomar, Jane's brother. "Pinuputol niya ang buhok niya gamit ang ngipin niya."

["We saw her using her teeth to cut her hair."]

"Gabi nu'ng sumakit 'yung tiyan niya at umiiyak at sinusuntok niya ang tiyan niya at nakita namin na may dugo na lumalabas at dinala sa munisipyo (sa birthing) at doon na nanganak," he added.

["One night she was crying because her stomach was hurting. She punched her abdomen and that's when we saw blood coming out of her so we brought her to a birthing clinic, and that's when she gave birth."]

Jomar also said 'Jane' would wander places and hurt people she would come across, which was the reason why their family decided to chain her so they could monitor her actions.

He also shared that 'Jane' would frequently hum religious songs, as she used to attend church services regularly.

"Masakit man pero wala naman kasi kaming magawa e, dahil mahirap lang kami," Jomar said.

["It's painful, but we didn't have any choice because we're poor."]

'Jane's' father Martin added that they don't have the financial capability to take her to a hospital to have her condition checked, but 'Jane' has been asking them to take her to a health facility. 

"Wala na kasi kaming ipanggagastos para maghabol. Baka mamatay pa sa kung saan, kaya kinadena na lang" he said. 

["We didn't have enough money to support her. We don't want anything bad to happen to her so we had to chain her."]

"Gusto niya sana magpagamot. Sabi ko, "wala tayong pera,'" his brother Jomar added.

["She wants to have her condition checked, but we did not have any money."]

Through the help of the Rural Health Unit and the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat, along with KMJS, 'Jane' was rescued and freed after being chained for two years.

After three months of consistent doctor consultation and medication, 'Jane's' condition has improved.

"Kada dalawang linggo pumupunta sa Rural Health Unit (RHU) para magpa-inject at para mabigyan ng vitamin," Jomar said.

["Every two weeks, she goes to the Rural Health Unit to be given vitamins."]

"Nakakapag-relax na siya. Tuloy-tuloy na rin ang kanyang pagtulog kasi magkatabi sila ni nanay," he added.

["She's able to relax now. She sleeps better beside her mother."]

During her recovery, 'Jane' was also able to recognize her daughter, 'Lyn Lyn', who's been hoping for her mother to get better.

Through the help of KMJS viewers, their family bought a secondhand motorcycle for 'Jane', as well as paid the mortgage of their pawned lot.

Their family thanked everyone who helped their sister and their family. 

"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo Ma'am sa binigay n'yo po sa kanya. Masaya po kami na okay na po siya," Jane's sister Damen said.

["I'm thankful for everyone who helped our family. We're very happy that she got better"]

Dr. Katherine Tan from the National Center for Mental Health said that mental health conditions are the third most common disability in the Philippines. 

"Estimate natin ng mga patients with mental health condition is about 3.6 million," she added. 

["There are about 3.6 million people who have mental health conditions."]

"Marami ang under reported when it comes to their mental health concerns. Maaaring dahil ito sa kakulangan sa kaalaman at kakulangan din sa access sa serbisyo kaya umaabot sa pagkakadena ang ating mga kababayan na nagsa-suffer sa ganitong illnesses," National Youth Commission Mental Health Advocate/Coach Ymari Kristia Pascua added. 

["Mental health concerns are often underreported, which may result from a lack of knowledge and limited access to services. This is why some individuals suffering from these illnesses end up being chained by their family members."]

For those suffering from mental health issues, you may seek help from the National Center for Mental Health at 09178998727, 09663514518, and 09086392672.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News