SLV Global Bali 2018 – Alisha Carver

Next summer I am going on a mental health placement in Bali, Indonesia with SLV Global. It will allow me to gain practical hands on experience in the mental health sector, whilst at the same time emerging myself into a new culture. I will be working in Balis only psychiatric hospital with people suffering from mental ill health and will be assisting in their recovery. I will be using different therapies with individuals, from mindfulness meditation to art therapy, and will be provided with Psychology focused workshops to help me achieve this. I will also be creating interactive activities with them, most of which will be non-verbal due to the language barrier. The placement will give me experience with patients with brain injuries and special needs, as well as giving me the opportunity to teach English to Balinese children and adults. I will also be given the chance to share my love for Positive Psychology in Children Development lessons where I will be helping them search for their strengths and realise their full potential. Bali is a beautiful country, however, many tourists fail to recognise its dark side. The stigma attached to mental health in Bali comes from their cultural beliefs of black magic. The most debilitating aspect of mental illness can be coping with the social stigma and often prevents people from getting treatment, which if isnt achieved early on often increases the severity of the illness. This placement will enable me to spread positive mental health in Bali by spreading awareness. With increased understanding across the globe, I know it will be possible to one day see a world that is non judgemental of those with mental ill health. I am fundraising to afford the costs of having specialised professional training, the accommodation with a Balinese family, travel, as well as materials that are required for the therapies and the psychiatric hospital. I will be incredibly thankful for any support you can give!