Dementia Diaries #1: Tethered to My Voice

 

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Ajooma Reviews: Kdramas and Mental Health

In early 2020, my friends from work egged me to watch Crash Landing On You on Netflix. Averse from watching Pinoy telenovelas, I always replied with an eye roll. When the pandemic forced the entire world to retreat in the comforts (or otherwise) of their homes, I gave CLOY a shot. The rest is history.

Watching Kdramas since March 2020 has been a form of bibliotherapy for me. It is something I share with my grown-up kids, my friends from work and communities, and new found friends in the BTS fandom, ARMY. Kdramas as fantasy is a form of escape. A space and a place where one's imagination merges and connects with the characters and in there, one can find identification, catharsis and to some extent, healing. Since most Kdramas pursue the good, the true and the beautiful, viewers emerge from the experience comforted and hopeful of better days to come. We all need hope and comfort regardless of the circumstances.

Since October is Mental Health Awareness Month, here is a list of Kdramas I have seen in the past two years that take on the issue of mental health. Included are my key takeaways.  

1. Hyde, Jekyll, Me (by Kim Jiwoon; Directed by Jo Young-kwang, 2015) Normalize treatment and therapy for people with mental health issues and those with challenges in learning.

2. True Beauty ( by Lee Si-eun; Directed by Kim Sang-hyeop, 2020-21) Look out for each other. Always lend an ear; a helping hand; open arms. Blessed are the teachers who can stand up for students with learning challenges and disabilities.

3. When the Weather is Fine (by Han Ga-ram; Directed by Han Ji-Seung) Trauma is real. Surviving and healing from a traumatic experience takes years to endure.

4. Bad and Crazy (by Kim Sae-bom; Directed by Yoo Seon-dong) Recognize that teh first person who can help you, is you.

5. Touch Your Heart (by Lee Myung-suk and Choi Bo-rim; Directed by Park Joon-hwa) More laws and protection for the disabled and marginalized.

6. Move to Heaven (by Yoon Ji-ryeon; Directed by Kim Sung-ho) Children, especially those in the spectrum need a community to raise them well. 

7. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (by Moon Ji-won; Directed by Yoo In-shik) Not all people with ASD are savants.

While the Kdramas I mentioned above ended happily ever after and the antagonists got what they deserve, I am well aware of the harsh realities that surround the treatment and stigma of people with mental health issues as well as the family and friends who care and love them. One thing I always take away from shows and series mentioned above is to hold judgement of another. We do not know the burdens nor the past of every person we meet. Empathy and compassion are traits we all need to grow and nurture.

For a less romanticized and non-fictional rendition on mental health, I turn to documentaries by credible content creators. Should you feel any disturbance from watching the Kdramas listed above, know that I am open for a decent and respectful discussion.

National Teachers' Month 2021: Healing Each Other Through Stories

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Online Bibliotherapy: Rain Before Rainbows & What Happened When the World Stops

Comfort and Consolation in Rhyme and Reason (Purpose)

In times of challenges, changes and conflict, we can turn to stories and poems for solace, comfort and consolation. Selection of the appropriate literature is key. When we read, engage and share the literature with a companion, a friend, a mentor the experience becomes more meaningful.

1. Welcome students (and teachers) to the session - Ms Zarah and Ms Sheila

2. Presentation of Story / Poem: Rain Before Rainbows or What Happened When We All Stopped

• Reading aloud of Rain Before Rainbows or Viewing of What Happened When We All Stopped

3. Engagement: 3-2-1 Sanacore Method plus 1 more

Identify THREE important details and summarize them. Record (write, draw, doodle, make a mind map) TWO things that are of interest to you. Write ONE question about the poem/story Share with a group your #2 and #3 output.  Anyone in the group can  respond to #3 LISTEN. REFLECT. RESPOND. LISTEN SOME MORE

IV. Taking Action / Follow Through

• Make a collage using photos and an app. Write something about it. Choose a theme for your collage. It can be about family, friendship or any topic you wish to explore and develop.
• Choose a photo and use a photo editing app to write a poem. You can share this with friends and family through social media.
• Visit Poetry Magnet and write a poem.
• Make a banner or a poster of your favorite poem, quote or dialogue of an inspirational book or movie character.
• Explore found poetry, black out poetry and magnetic poetry by visiting the recommended websites and online resources 

V.  Share. Share. Share.

Sharing is caring. :-)