Introduction

"1. A structure or device which amplifies and gives clarity to a sound or a speaker's voice
  2. An agency that helps propagate opinions or utterances
  3. A person whose opinion  is sought"

This part of our website is devoted to the thoughts, writing and input of those affected by mental illness either directly or as carers.

There are important reasons for hearing these voices:

• Being listened to and having views validated is health-enhancing in its own right
• Our understanding of the personal experience of illness is deepened.
• Knowledge of the causes, progression and even solutions to mental illness may be found.
• Cultural and personal interpretations of mental distress are not ignored.
• We hear the views of otherwise marginalised, minority or disadvantaged groups.
• Mental illness should not remove the right of individuals to speak and be heard.

We hope this part of our website will evolve into a real forum for people affected with mental illness to speak through writing, poetry or artwork. As part of our work in research and cooperation we have welcomed links with UK mental health organisations. If you know how we can amplify these voices to a wider audience please contact us.

Contributions below are from Antara. Some written pieces been translated from Bengali or other languages into English.

Poetry

Childhood Friends
I remember your smiling face and laughter
I took whatever love you offered generously
From infancy we have been together
It will remain a memory for ever
So much laughter
So many songs we have sung together
At night I recall you and your words
It washes away my sadness
When you are not there
I remember you
And feel very sad
Your love will always be with me.

(DD, translated by A.I,  March 2006)

Me
Cloudy skies, a quiet afternoon
A sparrow sits on the window
A sorrow filled atmosphere
A certain emptiness
A depressed atmosphere
I am bound to the sparrow
In my loneliness
This loneliness brings on depression
Me, I am sad
Because I am lonely
I am a question mark.

(B.M., translated by A.I, November 2005)

To The Volunteers

You brought laughter
Into my life
Vibrant colours
Of joy and fun
You filled my cup
To the brim,
I find you full of
Happiness and joy
My time flies
I wait for our
Time together
I look forward to it all day
I offer you my blessings

(Anon, Jan 2007)

Writing

The Grapefruit Tree.

It Stands next to my window. It stands as if timeless, strong  and comforting. It stands there outside my window, a mute but strong testimony of God’s Grace, Gods’ Will and God’s bounty. Now there are buds on the tips of every branch. Soon there will be flowers, exotic to look at, sweet to the senses. Thereafter there will be fruit…great big Grapefruit. I sometimes wonder how the branches can bear the weight. But they do. She proves time and time again, the irreversible acts of nature.

I remember when I first came to Antara, this room was the Art’s and craft Department. I remember making many cards.. the grapefruit tree stood there as if reassuring me. I saw the tree and took comfort and strength from it. I saw birds of the most exquisite kind…. They would come and then migrate to some unknown destination.
I improved, I taught Spoken English to the staff at Antara. The tree remained strong and supportive. Two monsoons came and went. I started teaching at a school nearby. The tree stood by, as if pleased, offering me her friendship.
There are still moments of anguish, worry and insecurity though much less frequent. This is now my room. I feel as if the grapefruit tree is my friend, my confidante. I watch the birds in wonder as they come and go…
She stands outside my window, strong, all enduring, resilient. I feel grateful for such a friend. I still commune with her, feel her affection. She doesn’t do much….. but she stands by my window as if in reassurance. I take her as an example.. I hope I may be as strong and supportive to others as she has been to me. I hope I can be as enduring of the changes in my life as she is. I hope I can be as strong and resilient as her. She stands as if waiting for me to become like her.
I can tell her anything and every thing. She understands my moments of anguish, trauma. She listens. She stands by me.
(A.I,  January 2004)

Art-work

This painting has been published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. Dr. Partha Gangopadhyay (Honorary Chair) submitted this and several other paintings by the artist who is well known for his talents. The artist first came to Antara through the intervention of a concerned member of the public after living for years on the streets. Antara has held exhibitions of his work in Kolkata and as well as generating income for the artist this has raised funds for Antara's ongoing work.

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