Sera Osborne has devoted years to supporting her brother, who relies on a wheelchair for mobility. However, her steadfast commitment concealed a personal battle with mental health issues, including mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts that she felt unable to share. This changed after a transformative meeting with Lela at the Spinal Injury Association, where Lela’s openness about her experiences with disability inspired Sera to seek help and engage with the Fiji Psychiatric Survivors Association (PSA).
After her initial diagnosis at St. Giles Hospital, Sera quickly became an active participant in the PSA, rising to the board within two years and eventually stepping into a leadership role. Today, she is the voice of the organization, advocating for the rights of individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The PSA, initiated in 2004 as a support group at St. Giles, was created to confront the stigma and challenges faced by individuals discharged from the hospital, combating issues such as isolation and a loss of dignity.
Every month, the PSA organizes Talanoa sessions where members gather over tea and art, fostering a sense of community. During these gatherings, Sera has gained valuable insights, including the belief that stigma often poses a greater challenge than the actual mental health diagnoses. She highlights the invisibility of psychosocial disabilities, which can lead to misconceptions about individuals’ abilities.
Despite Fiji’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and existing laws, Sera points out that many individuals with psychosocial disabilities still encounter substantial obstacles. She notes a troubling contradiction in the law: while the constitution excludes those considered of ‘unsound mind’ from voting, the Disability Act categorizes mental illness within the definition of disability, thereby ensuring voting rights. This discrepancy adds to the marginalization experienced by those with mental health challenges.
Sera and her dedicated team at the PSA continue to advocate for meaningful change, offering rights training to law enforcement and pushing for policy reforms aimed at respecting and empowering individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Every day, she receives calls from members in need of assistance, many facing issues related to employment stigma, housing difficulties, or seeking companionship during medical appointments.
The PSA’s influence is growing, recognized by the Pacific Disability Forum as a pivotal organization in the region. They are now expanding their reach to the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, providing support to those grappling with similar challenges. For Sera, advocacy embodies empowerment—not dictating lives, but equipping individuals with essential information that enables them to make informed decisions about their futures.
Sera Osborne’s evolution from caregiver to an influential advocate illustrates the remarkable power of compassion and understanding. Her story highlights a larger movement toward inclusivity and dignity for all, regardless of mental health challenges, fostering a community where individuals can thrive and be understood.