社会福祉士・精神保健福祉士としての活動を追う 「自分らしく生きる」求められる社会的支援

From here, we will tell you about Kihara's daily activities. Kihara is a certified social worker and mental health and welfare worker, and reports on welfare and mental health care as a special reporter for the Tokyo Shimbun newspaper. This time, we accompanied Kihara to the site where he is working. What kind of social support is needed now? A community activity support center in Edogawa Ward. People receiving outpatient psychiatric treatment and people with developmental disabilities can use it as a "free place" to get various consultations such as how to connect with society. "Hmm, I see, it's unpleasant, isn't it?" "But I'm glad I made it today." Kihara regularly visits such places, volunteers, talks with users, and feels what kind of support is needed now. On this day, Kihara visited Sakuramochi, a man in his 50s who lives alone in Edogawa Ward. Sakuramochi: "The first thing that comes to mind is that this would be a problem," "That's right." When Sakuramochi was in high school, she became mentally unstable and suddenly began to panic in her daily life. Then, at the age of 18, she first visited a psychiatrist. After she entered the workforce, her condition stabilized for a while, but at the age of 27, she started to suffer from panic attacks again... Sakuramochi: "Even when I go somewhere, I think about what will happen at the destination. I'm trying to protect myself, like I hate crowds. So I can't imagine my body being completely cured of all the problems and getting better." Until she was 50, Sakuramochi was repeatedly admitted to and discharged from psychiatric hospitals, and was no longer able to continue working. After that, she moved into a local group home with the aim of returning to society. She currently lives alone, with the support of those around her, including a helper who comes to her home three times a week. Sakuramochi: "Just knowing that there is a place to get help is a great help. I think there are many people who are suffering from illness who don't know about it, so it would be helpful if they could just know about it and use it." Sakuramochi also has a "partner" who provides her with emotional support. Sakuramochi: "Usa is always with me, and even though she's so small, I really rely on her." Even when she feels anxious... or sad or upset... she says she gets through it by spending time with her stuffed rabbit "Usa." Interaction with Kihara: "Her fur's already falling out." "When you're sad or whatever?" "You wipe your tears like this." "Yeah, I see, I see." As Sakuramochi has difficulty adapting to changes in her environment, she avoids going out as much as possible and makes a living by doing piecework. The question is how society can get involved and provide support so that everyone can live "as themselves without forcing themselves." Sakuramochi: "I think it's okay to rely on others. I tend to think that I have to do it alone, but I'm slowly coming to the realization that it's okay to ask someone who can do it if I can't do it, so it's gotten easier in that respect compared to the past. I think it's okay to rely on others..." ///// I interviewed Kihara about her activities as a social worker and mental health and welfare worker. I felt that it is important for the community... society to come together and create a system to provide the necessary support to those who need it, and for such support to be fully available. What do you think, Kihara? Social worker and mental health and welfare worker Kihara Ikuko (Tokyo Shimbun Special Reporting Division reporter) ◆It takes energy to rely on others. It's important to share your worries and help each other. ◆Mental illness is not just about appearance, and many people don't know it even if they talk to someone and spend time together Activities of social workers and mental health and welfare workers: What do you want to convey in the future as a reporter? ◆There are some things that can only be understood on the spot. Once I have the words to express it, I would like to communicate the "true" situation to society.