Ma.

Via Jucille Roderos MD15-0120 April 18, 2017

Mga Anino ng Kahapon is a film that portrays Irene who suffers from schizophrenia. Gradually,

she exhibited symptoms of delusions and hallucinations. She continued to relive her life during

the Marcos era and became paranoid about being still watched by the authorities during Martial

law. She hears voices and feels that someone is out to get her. As the movie progresses, the

deterioration of Irene’s mental health and overall well-being becomes very prominent and we

see how it affects Irene’s everyday activities as well as her relationship with her loved ones.

Schizophrenia is a very debilitating disease affecting both men and women. The film captured

the essence of the disease and how it affects the lives not only of those who suffer from the

disease but also their families and friends. As a medical student, watching the film about the

disorder was a different experience from learning about in the confines of the classroom. It gave

another dimension to the medical side of the disorder. It made me realize that there is more the

disease than its symptom; that our role as future doctors is to treat not just the disease but to

heal the whole person.

We should also consider not just the patient but also the people that surrounds patient.

Personally if one of my family members or loved ones is suffering from schizophrenia, it would

shift the dynamics of our relationship. Coping would also be difficult, however, much care and

attention is needed for these people to lead a normal functional life. In the film, it was shown

that Irene initially resisted the treatment and care given to her and this placed a strain on her

relationship with her husband, son, and other relatives. The community viewed Irene as crazy

and not someone who is suffering from the disease, which added to the stresses that the family

was under. To provide treatment for Irene’s condition, the family had to pool their resources to

buy the proper medication and management for her to live normally. This show that much is

needed to be done to care for those who suffer from this disease.
It is also noteworthy that Irene is just a representative of the many that suffers from

schizophrenia. Despite this, it is possible that those who suffer from this can lead a normal life.

However, there are circumstances that do not permit people who suffer from the condition to

receive quality care and treatment. Presently, the Philippines does not have a law that supports

mental health and as future doctors, this will affect how care will be provided for these patients.

Much is needed to be done for us to be able to promote the well-being of these patients.

Hopefully with efforts of those who fight for this advocacy, the living conditions not only for these

patients but also for people suffering from other mental illness will be improved.