Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Sean was working as an economist in Myanmar in 2021 when the military launched a coup and took over the government. He was accused of espionage and imprisoned for two years.
For some of that time, he was kept in a tiny windowless cell he called a "box".
"It really worried me that I would panic and that would make the situation much worse. So I tried to think of things to think about," he told Insight.
Later, the Australian embassy sent him books to keep his mind occupied — something he credits with saving his life.
To learn how other Australians are finding relief and freedom in escapism, watch Insight episode Escaping reality on SBS On Demand.
Sean was working as an economist in Myanmar in 2021 when the military launched a coup and took over the government. He was accused of espionage and imprisoned for two years.
For some of that time, he was kept in a tiny windowless cell he called a "box".
"It really worried me that I would panic and that would make the situation much worse. So I tried to think of things to think about," he told Insight.
Later, the Australian embassy sent him books to keep his mind occupied — something he credits with saving his life.
To learn how other Australians are finding relief and freedom in escapism, watch Insight episode Escaping reality on SBS On Demand.
