Sera Osborne’s journey is one of resilience and transformation, marked by her unwavering dedication to her brother, who relies on a wheelchair for mobility. While she supported him in getting to work at the Spinal Injury Association, she struggled with her own mental health issues, battling unexplained mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts in silence. Her life took a pivotal turn during a profound conversation with Lela at the association, which sparked a realization and motivated her to seek help at St. Giles Hospital. There, she received a diagnosis and became an active member of the Fiji Psychiatric Survivors Association (PSA).
Within just two years, Sera advanced to the PSA board and, shortly after, took on the organization’s leadership role. Now, eight years later, she stands as the most prominent advocate for mental health awareness and the rights of those affected by psychosocial disabilities.
Sera recounted the inception of the PSA in 2004, which began as a prayer group at St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital. As patients shared their stories, they discussed the challenges they faced upon re-entering society—issues like abuse, exclusion, and the loss of dignity. To address these concerns, the PSA hosts monthly Talanoa sessions, providing a safe space for individuals to connect, create, and communicate. During one such session, Sera heard a poignant statement from a member: living with societal stigma is often more challenging than the illness itself. This resonated deeply with her understanding of psychosocial disabilities as often invisible conditions that provoke misunderstanding and prejudice from society.
Sera highlighted a troubling irony within the legal framework governing disabilities in Fiji. While the country has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a new Mental Health Act is still pending. She pointed out conflicting provisions within existing laws that hinder the rights of individuals with mental health concerns, such as contradictory statements regarding their voting rights. Furthermore, she noted that people with psychosocial disabilities frequently face discrimination when attempting to access services.
Despite these challenges, Sera and her team are committed to advocacy efforts, including training for police officers on the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities and pushing for equitable policies.
In addition to her advocacy, Osborne emphasized the daily needs of PSA’s members, who often reach out for assistance with employment, housing, and navigating health services. The organization’s work is gaining recognition beyond Fiji, with invitations to expand into the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.
At the heart of Sera’s mission is a fundamental belief in empowerment. She asserts that effective support does not mean controlling another’s life; rather, it involves equipping individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions about their own paths. Her journey illustrates the power of understanding, support, and advocacy in uplifting those facing mental health challenges, and her commitment to fostering a more inclusive society is a beacon of hope for many.
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