精神疾患の姉と家族の20年…藤野知明監督が描く話題のドキュメンタリー『どうすればよかったか？』次第に"社会とのつながりを失う"家の中を映し出す…孤立しがちな患者と家族支援する団体も

■Recording the Anguish of Mental Illness Patients and Their Families: "What Should I Have Done?" A documentary film chronicling the anguish of mental illness patients and their families in Sapporo is generating buzz. The film "What Should I Have Done?" examines the questions it raises. Director Fujino Tomoaki, a Sapporo-based documentary director, is active in the field. "This is a photo from when we were both born. My older sister was better at everything than me. From studying at school to playing the piano to drawing. My older sister was always better at everything." (Director Fujino Tomoaki) My older sister is an accomplished medical student, eight years younger than me. A documentary film filmed by Director Fujino over 20 years about my parents, who were doctors and researchers, was released in December 2024. Documentary Film "What Should I Have Done?" This film, chronicling the 20-year journey of my older sister, who suddenly developed symptoms of schizophrenia at the age of 24, and her family, has grossed over 100 million yen and is generating buzz. Her parents refuse to acknowledge their daughter's illness and padlock her inside the house. The film depicts a home that gradually loses its connection to society. It invites viewers to consider what they would do in their own situation. "It's exactly as the title suggests. What should I have done? I can't find the answer." (One film viewer) ■Supporting isolated mental illness patients and their families The number of patients with mental illness is on the rise. "I once nearly became depressed, so I know how serious it is. I never thought it would happen." (One resident) However, many people feel unable to confide in those around them even when they become ill. "I think they would never be able to tell anyone around them. I think they would think it was all their fault." (One resident) "Hello, this is Hokkaren. Can I ask for your advice?" Hokkaren provides consultation and support for patients and families of mental illnesses, who tend to be isolated. All of its counselors are family members of patients with mental illnesses. We continue to respond in a way that is sensitive to the feelings of families. "From the parents' perspective, the first thing that comes to mind is that it's not a situation where they can easily admit that they are seeing a psychiatrist. Our counselors can empathize because they themselves have family members with mental disorders. If you've heard of Kitakaren, please give us a call. We're sure to be able to help." (Nakamura Suetaro, Representative Director, Kitakaren) ■ Director Fujino, who has observed this family...what he thinks now "What should I have done?" This question is also the title of the film. We asked Director Fujino, who has observed this family, for his current answer. "If you find out that it's a mental disorder or schizophrenia, shouldn't you accept it and think about what comes next? Hiding it prevents you from moving forward. If you do that, you'll end up in a dead end, like ours. I think it would be good if more people could share the message that there's no need to be ashamed of illness." (Fujino Tomoaki, Director)