Between the Freedom to Walk and the Responsibility to Prevent Falls: Watching the Film 'Suddenly Feeling Sick'

In the morning, I went to the ophthalmologist because I was bothered by blurred vision and intense glare.

The diagnosis was dry eye.
I was prescribed eye drops.

While I was there, I was told,
"You also have cataracts, which is normal for your age,"
and I felt a bit down.

Normal for my age.

Medically, it is probably a neutral term.
But for the person hearing it, it stings a little.

That afternoon, I went to see a film that someone I respect had strongly recommended.

The film is called 'Suddenly Feeling Sick'.

Looking at the title alone, I thought it sounded like me today.

And, for about three hours.
It was a very long, deeply rewarding film.

To be honest, I fell asleep a little during the first half.
The content was extremely difficult for me.

And I want to attribute it to the fact that I had a full course of examinations at the ophthalmologist for the first time in a while that morning, which caused some eye strain...

At the reception, I was also told,
"It's been three years, hasn't it?"
which stung, and I felt down again.

I have taken my children to the ophthalmologist, but had it really been that long since my own last visit?

Even though it was someone I respect,
I looked up to the heavens halfway through and thought, 'What kind of difficult movie did you recommend to me?!'

I don't want to spoil anything, so I will avoid touching on the story's content as much as possible.

However, there is something I felt strongly while watching the film.
The rights of those who want to walk are important.
The responsibility of staff who must prevent falls is also heavy.
Neither side is wrong.
That is why it is difficult.

In the welfare field where I used to work, there were moments of hesitation between the individual's wishes and safety management regarding supervision, administration, nursing, and care.

"I want to let them be free"
is not enough to resolve the issue.

If an accident occurs, the staff on-site must respond, document it, and explain it to the family and relevant institutions.

Beyond that accumulation of tasks, it is the manager who bears the ultimate responsibility.

On the other hand, if safety is prioritized too much, that person's life becomes something that is 'managed'.

Protecting the individual's freedom.
Protecting safety.

Not placing too much burden on the supporting staff.

When you try to value all of these, there is no simple correct answer.

Watching this film, I realized that the struggles surrounding care and medicine are not unique to Japan.

Even if the country is different, or the color of one's skin is different, the same question exists between those who support and those who are supported.

I was also told my cataracts were 'normal for my age'.

Before freedom and safety, I was confronted with the reality of aging.

—

Previously, when I watched the film'Peer: Connecting the Town'in Hokuto City, I also wrote an article about medicine and care.

If my previous article was about thinking about 'medicine that supports the individual's wishes,' this film made me think about 'what the front lines must bear to support the individual's freedom.'
—
I cannot describe it in one word as 'interesting'.
It was difficult, and there were many parts I didn't understand.

I slept a little during the first half.

Even so, I am still thinking about it even after leaving the theater.
I believe that this film includes that 'time spent thinking'.

—

In Hakodate, it is currently being screened at Cinema Iris.

The screening period is short and times may change, so if you are interested, please check their website in advance.

—

#Depression #MentalHealth #DailyLife #Living #LifeInMy40s
#TakeCareOfYourself #DontPushTooHard #Movies
#WhenTired #MentalSpace #RecoveryTime #RestProperly #Hakodate #TimeAlone #TimeToReset

—

#CoinBridge
Verbalizing structures and connecting the front lines with systems

Currently, as I am recuperating, I am sharing my daily thoughts while engaging in community activities and volunteering within reasonable limits.

I am gradually putting into words the discomfort I felt on the front lines and the gaps that exist between reality and the system.

For those reading for the first time: please see here for more about my activities and CoinBridge.