Shanti

One step at a time “When I came to the hospital, I thought you would judge me if I opened up about my illness,” Shanti confided to the social worker after three such visits. “But you came to my home, sat with me, and walked with me, which made me feel comfortable and happy, like I’m not just a patient.” – Shanti, service user, NALAM 

Her words laid bare the failings of the wide system that had made her feel reduced to a problem, a sentiment echoed in her brother’s dismissal of her as “mental” without any attempt at understanding. At 16, Shanti lost her parents within the same year – her mother to illness and her father in an accident. This devastating double loss left her grappling with immense grief and the onset of depressive symptoms that eventually led to a diagnosis. Shanti’s daily life, once filled with the promise of education and growth, ground to a halt.

She sought refuge in the home she shared with her grandmother and brother. Yet, solace proved elusive. The generational divide left her grandmother ill equipped to understand Shanti’s needs, while her brother, consumed by his own studies and part-time job, could offer little support. When Shanti first registered for outpatient treatment, she faced numerous challenges in opening. The social worker assigned to Shanti’s case recognised the need for an unconventional approach. In a bid to break through the barriers, they began conducting home visits, accompanying Shanti on walks to quiet spots where conversation could flow more freely.

Away from the clinical setting of the hospital, in the familiarity of her own surroundings, Shanti began to find her voice. The patience and creativity of the social worker in building rapport through home visits played a crucial role in Shanti’s progress. By meeting her where she was, literally and figuratively, the social worker fostered trust and created a space where Shanti could engage with her clinical care and now looks ahead to resuming her education. Shanti’s story highlights how home visits can be an effective approach in mental health treatment, particularly when clients face barriers to seeking help in clinical settings. By meeting clients where they are, building trust, and showing empathy, practitioners can pave the way for successful engagement in the recovery process.