I wake up, not because I want to, but because the pain in my side is worse and hurts so bad. And I know I have to get moving if I want to get to “base” before Pluto and the other guys. Except I want to be beaten again.
I see an abandoned half-sachet of water by the sole window and I pick it up. I open the rotting wooden door and step outside. The morning breeze feels nice against my face. I rinse out my mouth with the water and dump the empty sachet on the floor and head to base.
I try not to dwell this morning, but I can’t help it, even when it brings only pain.
I don’t want to think about why I had to quit school at the age of 12. Why my mother hates me. How my sister, at 16 has aborted so many pregnancies that sometimes I wonder how she’s still alive. How I still talk to my brother even though he’s been dead for 2 years. And how I miss what used to be, the life that I used to have. And how, even though that life is slowly fading away from my memory, I try to grasp on to the hope that one day, I’ll have it back. It’s what keeps me sane in this place.
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Beneath the tough persona that they have to exhibit outwardly, street children fight tough inner battles, a lot of times not knowing what it is exactly that they are battling.
Thankfully, the mental health issue has been gaining momentum in recent years, and a lot of people are now aware of it’s tangibility and steps have been and are being taken to protect this fragile part of our being.
But then that begs the question, what of the others? Others, as in people who don’t have access to information, people who may not even know that mental health is a “thing”.
People whose main concern is to survive the day and figure out how to go through the next. People who don’t have access to proper care for their physical health, not to talk of mental health, which they most likely don’t know is a real and important aspect. The “street children “ as they are called.
Much about street children is often ignored or overlooked, because they are seen as the dregs of society, and they don’t receive the attention and care that other children do.
Part of what is overlooked is their mental and physical health, and this can be due to different reasons.
One is a lack of awareness about the specific health issues that these children face, by the children themselves, and by society.
Another is lack of access to healthcare. Street children definitely do not have the same access that others do, and may not even get even if they seek it out.
Other factors lead to the deterioration of the physical health of street children, apart from the above, some of which are:
Self Medication
Not having access to or not being able to afford quality treatment generally leads to self-medication; anything to get rid of the pain. And of course. And of course, compounding the fact that this is a bad idea, is that there is no way to know if the drugs are fake or original.
2. Drug Abuse
Peer pressure, insecurity, vulnerability, environment, wanting to fit in, and many more factors make drug usage appear like a viable, acceptable option. There is no enlightenment, no authority, and the temporary pleasure they may get leads them to believe there’s nothing wrong with drug, all the while ignoring the adverse effects it has on their bodies and mind.
3. Diet
Street children survive on a very poor diet, consisting of cheap, unhealthy food. And due to lack of guidance, they eat whatever they want, wherever they want. This is not necessarily by choice but condition. This poor diet may be coupled with lack of access to clean drinking water, and leads to problems like malnutrition, deficiencies, diarrhea, anemia and other varieties of health problems.
There are common factors that can contribute to both deterioration of mental and physical health, and then both have particular factors. Some of what cause deterioration of mental health include loneliness, discrimination, trauma, bullying, neglect, lack of love and more.
All these and more have drastic effects, on the children and on the society as a whole
What can be done?
To combat these issues and their devastating effects, it is paramount to address the root causes first, like poverty, abuse and neglect. As it is said, “know your enemy”.
Enlightenment is necessary. Awareness about these problems should be heightened and the stigma associated with street children should be discarded.
Social support is needed too. Access to health care, and help like mentoring, support groups, counseling, therapy should be provided.
Poor physical and mental health in street children is a serious dilemma that needs to be confronted. We should remember that street children are not a lost cause, and that with the right support and aid they can overcome their challenges and lead productive and fulfilling lives. With concentrated efforts, a difference in the lives of these children and the society also benefits from this.
The Hand that gives the Rose
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