The Cruel Reality: Disabled Individuals Suffering in Chains

Chained, Locked Up, and Abused … Because of a Disability

October 9, 2023

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The Harsh Reality of Shackling

Imagine living a life confined and chained, unable to move freely or experience the basic rights that most take for granted. This is the daily reality for hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world who are shackled because of a psychosocial disability. Shackling, an inhumane practice that is driven by stigma and a lack of support services, must be eradicated.

Shackling occurs in over 60 countries, affecting both men and women, and even children as young as 10. These individuals are often kept in sheds, cages, or tethered to trees, forced to eat, sleep, urinate, and defecate in the same small area for extended periods of time, sometimes for years. The reasons behind this practice are twofold: the widespread stigma surrounding mental health and the inadequate access to support services.

Mental Health Stigma and Lack of Support

Stigma surrounding mental health continues to perpetuate the practice of shackling. In many societies, there is a lack of understanding and acceptance of mental health conditions, leading to discrimination and a sense of shame. Families, in their own homes or in overcrowded institutions, often resort to shackling their relatives due to a lack of knowledge about alternative options and a fear of the unknown.

Furthermore, the lack of access to adequate support services exacerbates the problem. Many countries fail to prioritize mental health, resulting in limited resources and a lack of community-based support systems. Individuals and families are left without the necessary tools to address their mental health conditions, leading to desperation and the resort to shackling as a perceived solution.

A Global Call to Action

On this World Mental Health Day, there should be a global commitment to ending the practice of shackling. Governments must take the lead in implementing policies and legislation that ban this inhumane act. By doing so, they would send a powerful message that the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health are not acceptable in our modern society.

Additionally, efforts should be made to develop comprehensive and accessible support services for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. It is not enough to simply ban shackling; we must also provide alternative solutions and resources to help individuals lead fulfilling lives. This includes ensuring access to quality mental health care, community-based rehabilitation programs, and vocational and educational opportunities.

A Call for Empathy and Understanding

Shackling individuals with psychosocial disabilities strips them of their dignity and fundamental human rights. It is a practice rooted in ignorance and fear. As a society, we must cultivate empathy and understanding towards mental health conditions and work to eliminate the stigma associated with them.

By investing in mental health education and awareness campaigns, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate society. It is essential that we challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate discrimination and prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

Conclusion

The fight against shackling is not just a matter of human rights; it is a matter of basic human decency. On this World Mental Health Day, let us stand together and demand an end to this cruel and archaic practice. Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to create a world where everyone, regardless of their mental health condition, can live with dignity and respect.

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