Mother struggles to cope with son's mental illness

An old woman in Nghe An Province is struggling to raise a mentally-ill son and grandson with cerebral palsy.

Dang Thi Chinh

Dang Thi Chinh, 75, has five children but two of them have mental illness and the rest are also poor. Her daughter, who has mental illness, already has a child and is being taken care of by her husband.

Chinh's son, Tran Huu Thong, showed strange behaviour after returning from military service. When he got married, Chinh was happy, hoping that Thong's health would improve if he had someone to care for him. Unfortunately, when his first son was born, Thong's condition got worse.

Chinh said, "Thong's wife asked me to let her leave. I love my son and grandson but I guess I can't make her bear the pain for the rest of her life. I think she re-married. She visited us sometimes and brought gifts for her son but it has been a long time ago."

Chinh takes care of Thong's son, Tran Huu Hung

Thong seemed to be thinking clearer after his first wife left and he had a daughter with a second wife. But then, unable to live with Thong, his wife also left. Since she decided to find work in Hanoi, she asked Chinh to take care of their daughter and sends them VND500,000 (USD24) a month.

After that, Thong became more violent and often broke furniture. While wandering around, he will forget how to return home so Chinh has to go out to find him and ensure he eats.

"There were times he would hit me and his son. We had to find a place to hide and wouldn't dare to go home all night. He's crazy now," Chinh said.

Thong's daughter's mind is slower than normal children. His son has cerebral palsy and can't take care of himself as his limbs are stiff and bowed. Their daily expenses covered by the money sent by Thong's second wife and the allowances for him and his son's illnesses.

"I'm still healthy now but who will care for them when I die?" Chinh said.