Memory of My Face

Himself - Bambang:
I didn't sleep, all night long. I never ran out of energy. Even without sleep, I was strong. I felt like, 'I am a great man.' I felt I was smart and knew everything. I used to know a lot about politics. I thought, 'What about me? Could I become the President of Indonesia? I felt I followed exactly the teaching of Muhammad. I'd tell people, 'I'm the Great Imam Mahdi.' Finally, I considered myself God. When my college friends asked me to sleep I said, 'God doesn't sleep.'

Himself - Bambang:
Bill Gates himself started in his garage, but he's been able to take over the world... What makes me feel a bit negative is that I just stay at home, my income is just a fraction of what my wife makes. That sometimes becomes a problem. Why, as a husband, can I not meet the needs of my family? She used to think I was smart... Now, she doesn't include me in making decisions... she thinks that it's useless even if she tries, I won't understand her anyway... I keep silent. I realize that I have handicaps. I'm mentally handicapped.

Himself - Bambang:
Aside from getting medical treatment, I feel that my religion plays an important role in supporting my recovery, and also in my life. I have a community which is observant, knowledgeable of worldly things. It may sound too idealistic, but there is such a community.

Himself - Bambang:
Mental illness is just like any other illness. If the doctor says that you have to take medicine, do take it. Don't stigmatize the family. Please be there to support the patient so he feels good about himself, and gets better and recovers. Please be aware and admit that we are ill. Because from the awareness that we are ill will emerge the intention to recover... and to be better and better, to get better and better.