June 6, 2012 | Alberta

A new film series called "Afflictions: Culture & Mental Illness in Indonesia" takes a look at mental illness in the developing world, profiling men, women and children living with schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, anti-social personality disorder and Tourette's syndrome respectively.

Inspired by a landmark research project initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the films center around the suggestion that the prognosis for patients diagnosed with severe mental health illness is significantly better in developing nations.

Each of the six films takes audience members on a step-by-step journey of the diagnosis, care and treatment of Indonesians living with a mental illness. Looking at the impact of culture, family and community on the course of their illness, the series highlights the effects of cultural differences and values on their mental stability. It also takes a look at the effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatment.

WHO's study looked at 12 data centers in 10 countries. Researchers monitored individuals making contact with mental health agencies for the first time in their lives. About 1,380 people were thoroughly examined. Out of all the participants, those who resided in developing countries had more favorable recoveries after a period of two years than those in developed nations.

These results demonstrate that the mental health field is still developing and that there's room for much to be discovered through research and methods of treatment.

Students interested in working the field of mental health can enroll in the Addictions and Community Services Worker at CDI College. Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions in community service agencies, group homes, mental health centres and more. For more information, fill out the form on the right.