Meet Hussein

I am Hussein Ahmed, I am 24-year-old from Hanlekoma Kebele, Koneba Woreda, Afar Region, Ethiopia, I was restrained by my family due to extreme physical and verbal aggression. My behavior was perceived as life-threatening. According to my family, i exhibited signs such as aggression, both physically and verbally, and isolated myself from my family and the community.
According to my family reported i have been exhibiting additional concerning behaviors, including: Suspiciousness: I Believe i am being followed or targeted by someone, Desire to Leave: Urge to escape from my family home, Refusal to Eat: Avoiding meals consistently, Sleep Issues: Suffering from prolonged lack of sleep, Loneliness: Staying isolated for extended periods.
These behaviors has been present for approximately 10 years, socially withdraw and even escaping from my family home.
Due to the escalating severity of my condition, my family resorted to chaining both my hands and legs to prevent further harm.
Based on the signs and symptoms described by my family and a thorough clinical examination by a psychiatric expert, it was concluded that I was suffering from Schizophrenia spectrum disorder (psychosis) began immediate pharmacological treatment. I was Prescribed: Haloperidol 5 mg PO, starting with ½ dose at night, to be gradually increased to the maximum maintenance dose during continuous follow-up. My mother reported that they took me to a nearby hospital and consulted many traditional healers, spending around eighty thousand birr on my health.
Later, i received modern treatment at Aider Hospital, where i was prescribed Haloperidol 1.5 mg PO noct for about four months. However, due to a lack of improvement, the medication and follow-up were discontinued.


MCMDO MHPSS officer monitored me for any signs of psychotropic drug side effects and provided education to me and my family on the nature of the illness, potential drug side effects, positive coping mechanisms, behavioral activation, the importance of medication adherence, and the consequences of relapse.
The MHPSS officer also provided me with basic individual counseling and family education as I gradually regained my emotional well-being and rebuilt my social relationships. They also conduct mass information campaigns, actively seeking out individuals like me, who may have pre-existing mental health issues, for early identification and support.
After receiving continuous MHPSS follow-up care for eight months, i have shown significant improvements in behavior, thinking, mood, sleep pattern, and appetite. I no longer talk or laughs to myself, experiences suspicious thoughts, or urges to leave suddenly. My verbal and physical aggression has reduced, and my ability to manage daily living has greatly improved. My mother acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the support I received from MCMDO, saying, ‘We are immensely grateful for the support and services provided to us.’ I am now attending group Problem Management Plus (PM+).