When the ‘demons’ seem real
The story about the girl suffering from psychosis was a very touching one (‘Psychosis, ‘demons’ and my beautiful daughter’, Gulf News, July 20). I have experienced, and am still experiencing, the same with an immediate family member. Unfortunately, in the society I live in, medical systems are not equipped to properly treat such cases of hypomania, bipolar disorder, psychosis or schizophrenia and people who have these mental disorders are just considered ‘crazy’. My family member has all of the above conditions and it is difficult seeing them transfer from the young, lively person they were, into this lifeless body, that is either depressed at certain times or dangerous at others. Yes, dangerous. They will try to kill themselves as well as others who are very close to them, but the thing to remember is — it’s not their fault. It is because of the ‘demons’ in their heads. For them, what those ‘demons’ say is so real. My prayers are with every person with metal illnesses and I empathise with their families. God knows, it’s the hardest job and I hope we have more awareness in our society about such disorders in the future.
From Ms Abby Hs
UAE
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A difficult transformation
It must be devastating for a mother to see her daughter transform from a pleasant individual into someone who is mentally unfit. It is difficult to imagine the feelings and agony of this young girl who eventually gave in and took her own life. I hope no parent will have to witness this.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
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A life altering ordeal
This is a well-written story about a very difficult truth for families of the seriously mentally ill. Sadly, many, if not most, will fail to stop taking the necessary medications when they are functioning well. Like all medicine, psychotropic medications can have unpleasant side effects, and then, perhaps, the person wants to ‘be normal’, to prove that they are okay and that the illness is behind them. Once behaviour becomes irrational, not socially acceptable, or even dangerous, it becomes very difficult for families to care for the individual. Such a sad, exhausting and life-altering ordeal for those who go through it! This woman did a lovely job of sharing her story.
From Ms Melissa Perry
UAE
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Died a hero
Hats off to the Emirati officer fighting in Yemen; he died a hero (‘Country pays rich tributes to Emirati martyr’, Gulf News, July 22). May he rest in peace. My condolences to the bereaved family.
From Ms Maria Pelagia Solda Espejo
Dubai
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Guarding safety of others
May God bless him and his family. It’s a very sad and tragic loss of a brave young man who died trying to protect the safety of others, and for the stability of the region. May he rest in peace and may good always prevail over evil.
From Ms Debby Sinclair
Dubai
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Limits are necessary
With this new Anti-Discrimination Law, the UAE sends a clear message to the world that peace, equality and harmony is easy and within arms’ reach, if we respect and abide by the law for the common good (‘UAE guards against hate crimes: officials’, Gulf News, July 22). There is so much hatred being spread all throughout the world. This law will encourage everyone living in the UAE to have the utmost respect for each other. Freedom of speech is not an excuse if it promotes hatred and chaos. There must be a limit and this law will bind us all to be responsible and accountable with our words and actions. I support it!
From Ms Jessie
UAE
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Cross-section of the world
The new law that bans all forms of discrimination in the UAE is a welcome move. The UAE is a peaceful country and now it will have more strength, a modern outlook and will become a role model for other countries. Here, we have never encountered any form of discrimination, either in caste, religion, belief, language or nationality.
A cross-section of the whole world is seen in this country and there are more than 100 nationalities living here happily. This new law will strengthen and unite the people together with harmony. As human beings, we should give respect and treat all people equally, irrespective of their position or nationality. I have always believed that once I am a resident of the UAE, I should follow the rules and regulations, and uphold the country’s values and culture.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Telecom companies should act
I think there is a real need for an easy system for subscribers to report these fraud cases, like phone scams (‘Be wary of phone scams, telecom companies say’, Gulf News, July 21). Sometimes, we receive calls, however, when we call the service providers, they ask us to go and report it at the police station. Actually, this is a tough and time-consuming job. I think there should be an easy reporting option where we can alert the relevant authorities about such fraudulent action, in order to help minimise such crimes in the country.
From Mr Haneef Puttur
UAE
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Easier method required
I agree with Mr Haneef Puttur. There should be an easy way to report these criminals. I have received such calls many times, but when I searched for a number to report about it, I couldn’t find any.
From Mr Ali
UAE
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Plan ahead, don’t speed
Speeding is a grave mistake and those who indulge in this, are serious offenders (‘41,000 speeding fines during Eid’, Gulf News, July 21). Please think twice before doing so, because due to our urgent appointments, we are putting at risk ourselves and others with our road accidents. Is it fair? Not at all. We should be cautious and it would be better if we made up our schedules the day before.
From Mr Mohammad Riaz
UAE
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No second chances
The race is not always for the swiftest means of travel! The target is not in the take-off, but in the landing. Please, there is no second chance in life. Mind your speed.
From Mr Stanley Bokwe
UAE
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Restructure Hockey India
None of India’s hockey administrators are keen to improve the national game of hockey, but they are keen to stick to their posts by hook or crook. After India’s humiliating failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, with hard work and dedication, its players, with the proper guidance of foreign coaches, have booked a berth for the Rio Olympics 2016. At this juncture, instead of improving the performance of players with the help of the coach, the officials have taken ridiculous steps to dismiss the coach! This is a serious matter and it is time that some action is taken and some stern steps are in place to dismiss the heads of Hockey India and to appoint past hockey players to give a boost to current players, who are toiling day and night to win the Olympics. Gold has been eluding India since 1980!
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Withholding technology
Since when does there have to be a monthly fee for everything, even the software we use (‘Reasons why the rich should not get richer’, Gulf News, July 20)? Has life become a lease? And, if so, from who? Perhaps the company that makes the nail for the door handle of my fridge should charge a fee every time I open the door. Governments should take serious note of these corporations that tend to keep their hands in the consumers’ pocket, because they would soon find that the people have no money left to pay for public financial structures. They should penalise any company that brings out a new version of anything when they already have the technology to make the next version. Not only does this cause financial strains, but it also create waste throughout the Earth.
From Mr Vijay Prashad
UAE
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Strict laws are needed
Such a shameful act from these young boys to have harassed this woman, who was only going for a walk (‘Saudi youth held for harassing women’, Gulf News, July 21). They surrounded her and, surprisingly, nobody helped her or even tried to stop it. Thanks to God, the UAE is free from such incidents. Here, a woman can walk around freely at any time alone, without fear.
From Mr Mahtab Ahmad
UAE
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Getting back to basics
I think it would have just been more dangerous if someone had stepped in, because it would have escalated the problem. Gang mentalities often mean that people can’t be trusted not to commit the most heinous crimes known to man. The authorities have made the laws very strict, but I think there needs to somehow be a change in mentality on how women should be treated. As the Saudi bloggers stated in the article, those men showed no respect for Saudi traditions. Somehow, young people in this society have to get back to their traditions and create a culture of respect for women.
From Ms Lili Maria
Dubai
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