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Empowering Individuals with Mental Disorders to Become Independent through Gardening

Empowering Individuals with Mental Disorders to Become Independent through Gardening
Writer :
Rizka Surya Ananda
Translator :
Rizka Surya Ananda/Karlina Irsalyana

Makassar, 30 April 2024 – For many, gardening may be an ordinary activity. However, for individuals with mental disorders, it takes on a different significance. Gardening can serve as an effective therapy to soothe their minds.
 
“Gardening calms my mind. The overwhelming burden feels lighter,” said Peter (52), one of the beneficiaries with mental disorders currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Wirajaya Centre of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Makassar, after receiving treatment at the hospital.
 
Peter has been cultivating hydroponic lettuce for 5 months. He has learned to transfer lettuce seeds from the planting medium (rock wool) into a net pot. Every morning, after exercising and cleaning up, Peter always visits the centre’s greenhouse to check on the plants. When ready, he can harvest about 34–38 kg of lettuce and sell it for IDR 25.000 per kg. The last time he harvested the lettuce, he earned IDR 900.000, which he saved.
 
Not only does gardening provide financial benefits, but it also helps Peter train himself to interact with others. Most importantly, gardening teaches Peter to live independently and become a productive individual who can contribute to society. “The situation is very different from when I was in the hospital, where activities were very limited to avoid causing trouble for other patients,” said Peter, a former soldier.
 
In an interview, the head of the Wirajaya Centre, Nur Alam, stated that there are seven beneficiaries with mental disorders currently under rehabilitation at the center. He ensures that every beneficiary is optimally cared for according to their health state, including regular medication intake and the opportunity to engage in gardening or other skills.
 
Nur Alam is confident that with proper care and support, individuals with mental disorders can make a full recovery and regain their independence. Once declared healthy, the centre will locate their families so they can reunite with their loved ones and reintegrate into society.
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