As the standoff between hundreds of asylum seekers in the Manus Island detention facility and PNG authorities continues, we are witnessing a potential crisis of health and mental health among these detainees.
As a psychiatrist, I have had direct contact with current Manus detainees who are experiencing increasing anxiety and distress and an uncertain future.
Some of these people are treated with medication, usually antidepressants, and some feel that this provides them with some symptomatic relief.
Detainees I’ve spoken with have informed me that medications will no…