Postraumatic stress, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

In Cambodia today, there is an increasing number of emotionally disturbed persons. Traditionally the emotionally disturbed in Cambodia have suffered from the trauma caused by the historical tragedy of the  Khmers Rouges, who killed one third of the population and virtually enslaved the rest. But now, according to  Psychologists in Phnom Penh, we have to deal with contemporary psychosocial problems like poverty, lack of work, future and the new drug markets.

Psicosis. At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

The first time I meet Sothia, a 29 years old Cambodian, he was tied up in bed and made sleepy with hard medication. His diagnose was schizophrenic with strong psychological disorder and delirious. Like him there are many who come every day the so-called Friendship Soviet Hospital in Phnom Penh to find out a solution against their suffering.

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

Doctor Ka Sunbaunat, Dean of the University of Medicine in Phnom Penh, doctor in psychiatry and Neurology and Head of the national program for mental health, explained that there are a whole range of conditions in the younger generations: Depression, anxiety and stress, along with psychological problems stemming from sexual abuse, dealing with HIV/Aids or other forms of severe trauma. Indeed,  the current hard conditions to leave is probably the main cause for young people to let their-self go. In Cambodia, half of the population is under 20 years old and 80% is illiterate.

In recent years, the national situation is slightly better due to the development of tourism, work of NGO’s and incoming of foreigner investment, the level of unemployed are still dramatic. This prospect left them in a very week position against drugs and little local mafias. Most of them related with prostitution and forced labour which profits their ignorance and vulnerability to expand their business. It is the new slavery in Cambodia. Therefore, many of them become, either collaborators or simply consumers. And Drugs market is a flourishing market in the region: sniffing glue, heroine and Meth crystal are the most common among them.

Schizophrenic. Under control after several tries of committing suicide. Soviet Friendship Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

Under treatment. At Soviet Friendship Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

Under treatment. At Soviet Friendship Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

On the other hand lies History. Madame Priep Phral Theary, was one of thousands patients who suffered psychological trauma after being one of slaved Cambodian in a working field ran by Pol Pot’s Regime. Today, fortunately she managed to get over the trauma and became a counseling assistant for other patients. But she remember that after getting up the courage to ask for help she was sufferings phobias, obsessions, compulsions and excessive anxiety for years without knowing the real problem.  As her, many people all over the country had the same experience. Even today, probably still remains and unknown number of people who don`t know that they are suffering mental disorder, and they think they have been hurt by black magic or that they have done something to offend their guardian spirit.

Madame Priep Phal Theary in her house. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

Madame Priep Phal Theary in her house. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

Government started to invest to solve the situation since 1993 but with a very low budget. 16 years after, situation is not better. At least there are 32 psychiatrists overwhelmed for the whole country. And only in the  Cambodian-Russian Friendship Hospital come every day around 200 people. Anxiolytics, antidepressant, anticonvulsivs as regular 6 months therapy are served every day.

At the Friendship Soviet Hospital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

More than 200 people come daily asking for help to the Soviet Friendshop Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

More than 200 people come daily asking for help to the Soviet Friendshop Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

After all, main problem is still there: as experts realizes stress-related social problems are playing a main role in this matter. And future does not seems very bright. Cambodia is still one of most corrupted countries of the world. Even today, many survivors from last Khmers Rouges guerrillas still are part of the government enjoying high salaries and privileges and avoiding a healthy transition to an  open democracy with a certain transparency. Not in vain cambodians everyday is strongly linked to Buddhism, a doctrine which advice serenity, patience and smile against inherent life’s pain.

Mental disorder. Chronic depression.Soviet Friendshop Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009

Mental disorder. Chronic depression.Soviet Friendshop Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2009