Category Archives: CS/X movement

September 11, 2008 · 3:16 am

Madness, action and the slow dawning of awareness

First, a listing of events from MindFreedom News:

Listing of activities, conferences and gatherings related to MindFreedom International directly or indirectly.

Title Description Start Date End Date Location
Join our parade entry in the Eugene Celebration to change mental health! March with us for choice in the mental health system at the 2008 Eugene Celebration parade! Mad pride! 2008-09-13 08:30 2008-09-13 11:00 Eugene, Oregon, USA
Another Mad Word Is Possible Several days of events in September in Malmo, Sweden. 2008-09-17 00:00 2008-09-21 00:00 Malmo, Sweden
David W. Oaks to speak at World Psychiatric Association Every three years the World Psychiatric Association holds a World Congress. At this year’s event, David W. Oaks, Director of MindFreedom International, has been… 2008-09-22 18:45 2008-09-22 19:45 Prague, Czech Republic
CAPA holds Psychiatric Survivor Pride Weekend Sponsor group Coalition Against Psychiatric Assault (CAPA) sponsors a weekend of events to celebrate survivors of psychiatric human rights violations. 2008-09-27 13:00 2008-09-28 15:00 Toronto, Canada
Narpa 2008 Conference The National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy 2008 Annual Rights Conference: “Seizing Opportunities for Change” 2008-10-01 00:00 2008-10-04 00:00 University of Texas Thompson Conference Center, Austin
Premiere for the film documentary about UK rock band Heavy Load. Heavy Load of England is composed of punk rock musicians diagnosed with learning disabilities. A new film spotlights the band’s success. 2008-10-01 00:00 2008-10-01 00:00 London, England
Last Day to Sign Petition October 4, 2008 is the last day to sign the petition “Stop the Psychiatric Drug Crisis in the US Military.” 2008-10-04 11:55 2008-10-04 11:55 Ah, Crap
Psychiatry and Freedom 11th International Conference for Philosophy and Mental Health International Network of Philosophy and Psychiatry 2008-10-06 00:00 2008-10-08 00:00 The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, TX, USA
International Center for the Study of Psychology and Psychiatry’s 2008 conference. The International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology, Inc. (ICSPP) is a sponsor group of MindFreedom. This is an excellent conference, especially… 2008-10-10 00:00 2008-10-12 00:00 Tampa, Florida, USA
National consultation in India on citizens’ charter of human rights NAAJMI partners in India are organizing a two day National consultation on “Citizens’ charter of Human rights for persons living with a mental illness.” 2008-10-10 00:00 2008-10-11 00:00 Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, India.
Alternatives 2008 Since the 1980’s, the US federal government helps fund a large conference of several hundred mental health consumers and psychiatric survivors, many of whom are… 2008-10-29 00:00 2008-11-02 00:00 Buffalo, New York, USA
ENUSP Plans 2009 World-Congress Against Discrimination and Stigma The European Network of (ex-) Users and Survivors of Psychiatry are joining with other groups in Greece in the second half of September, 2009 for a world-congre… 2009-09-15 00:00 2009-09-30 00:00 Thessaloniki, Greece

And these:

Upcoming Events
UK Television Production Company Seeks Mad Pride Stories UK,
2008-08-19
Asylum! Conference and Festival Elizabeth Gaskell Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK,
2008-09-10
Join our parade entry in the Eugene Celebration to change mental health! Eugene, Oregon, USA,
2008-09-13
Another Mad Word Is Possible Malmo, Sweden,
2008-09-17
David W. Oaks to speak at World Psychiatric Association Prague, Czech Republic,
2008-09-22

And this plug:

MindFreedom Journal is out-
(go to http://www.mindfreedom.org/free-sample/free-sample-journal for free copy)

If you’d like a free sample issue of the award-winning MindFreedom Journal and information about membership mailed to you, just fill out and submit the web form available here.

MindFreedom members include psychiatric survivors, mental health consumers, advocates, family members, and many mental health professionals. What do they have in common? A commitment to the importance of human rights and alternatives in the mental health system.

The new Fall 2008 MindFreedom Journal has 16 pages of the latest news on mental health human rights, with personal stories, color photos, interviews, poetry and a calendar of events as well.

Because we believe you will join once you see the exciting work MindFreedom is doing, we’re now offering a free sample of the Journal. We want to let everyone know what MindFreedom members, sponsors and affiliates are  doing to promote human rights and alternatives in mental health.

Oh- and don’t forget this:

(Does the Word “DUH” mean anything to you?)

Loneliness Harms Health
By Rick Nauert, Ph.D.
Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 9, 2008

New studies show that a sense of rejection or isolation disrupts not only will power and perseverance, but also key cellular processes deep within the human body.

Chronic loneliness belongs among health risk factors such as smoking, obesity or lack of exercise.

Feeling connected to others is vital to a person’s mental well-being, as well as physical health, research at the University of Chicago shows.

The studies, reported in a new book, Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection, show that a sense of rejection or isolation disrupts not only abilities, will power and perseverance, but also key cellular processes deep within the human body.

The findings suggest that chronic loneliness belongs among health risk factors such as smoking, obesity or lack of exercise, according to lead author John Cacioppo, the Tiffany & Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor in Psychology at the University.

“Loneliness not only alters behavior, but loneliness is related to greater resistance to blood flow through your cardiovascular system,” Cacioppo said.

Ah, Crap

It looks like the Mad Liberation by Moonlight September show will be canceled- It would have been Friday night, September 19th, 2008, 4 days after the full moon but this conflicts with the annual Coltrane Marathon. Listen anyway. It’ll be back in October (10/17/08, 3 days post lunar fullness).

Here’s a lunar calendar with some thoughts about the next few shows of 2008:

Looking at this schedule, you should get the idea that the next shows will be on 10/17, 11/14 (fortuitous!) and 12/12 (even more fortuitous!). I’ll let people know if this changes, as sometimes happens when Daniel has a special that conflicts.

Other Stuff:

political commentary (click for readable size)-

new illustration from my older son’s blog-

This is cool-

3d Hilbert Curve

3d Hilbert Curve

So is this-

Miscellaneous nonsense or not-

And with this, good-night:

john-lennon-mind-games

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August 18, 2008 · 4:16 am

Sunday Soup

Try this Automatic Flatterer, feel better:

http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~geoffo/humour/flattery.html

Give a Listen:

Cat Power-

cat_power-maybe_not

Allen Ginsberg-

07-america

Lewis Black- TV Pilot-

06-tv-pilot

Take a look:

Think about these things (links):

free buddhist audio-

http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/

Tao-

http://divinetao.com/

Ron Unger’ssite-

http://recoveryfromschizophrenia.org/blog/

Tomorrows news today-

http://public.web.cern.ch/public/en/LHC/LHC-en.html

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August 16, 2008 · 11:02 am

Recovery Roundup- News and Views from the Movement

From MindFreedom:

Human Rights in Mental Health Alert – Please Forward

Calling All Human Rights Activists & Advocates: Support Ann L.!

New York State Citizen to be Forcibly Drugged on Outpatient Basis.

Ann L. says her forced psychiatric drugging makes her “sick and is torture.” But New York State is aggressively pushing for more forced drugging of Ann L. on an outpatient basis in her own community residence.

Ann L. is 50 years old, and says she has been in and out of the psychiatric system since she was 15. Ann says she was locked up for the past seven years in the notorious Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in New York, where she experienced years of forced psychiatric drugging.

Earlier this year Ann L. finally won her freedom.

She thought.

Ann got out of the institution and has been satisfied living in the community in the Irving Berkowitz Residence in West Brentwood. But now the State of New York is threatening to continue her forced psychiatric drugging while living at home even outside of the institution.

The State of New York is seeking to use “Kendra’s Law” to continue to administer forced psychiatric drugs to Ann L. using Involuntary Outpatient Commitment.

Ann L. (not her real name) states that she fears the forced psychiatric drugging will continue to debilitate her health and put her at risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Two independent nonprofit advocacy groups, MindFreedom and PsychRights, have determined that Ann L.’s situation is a priority. They are working together to support Ann L.’s bid for freedom in both the court room and the court of public opinion.

Stop the forced psychiatric drugging of Ann L.!

* * * ACTION * * * ACTION * * * ACTION * * *

Ann L. asks that you contact New York Governor Paterson. Use this web page:

http://161.11.121.121/govemail

or use this web link:

http://tinyurl.com/ny-gov

Phone: (518) 474-4623. Fax: (518) 486-4170

SAMPLE MESSAGE

Your own words & experiences are best. Please be civil but firm:

“I oppose the State of New York continuing the involuntary outpatient psychiatric drugging of Ann L. who is living in the Irving Berkowitz Residence in West Brentwood, New York. Please stop all forced psychiatric drugging in New York State.”

TALKING POINTS

1) Research shows that coercion is bad for a person’s “mental health.”

People subjected to forced psychiatric treatment have been shown to be at increased risk for drug dependence, disabling side-effects of medication, and suicide. Force can result in damage to self-esteem and the motivation toward recovery, as well as inducing or furthering fear and trauma.

2) People recover when they have a real choice among alternatives and volunteer services.

People recover when they are empowered to make their own choices, when they take responsibility for their own lives, and when they are offered hope. Under the conditions of Involuntary Outpatient Commitment this is impossible.

3) People deserve alternatives to psychiatric drugs.

Psychiatric drugging can cause additional mental and emotional problems, and can even kill. More humane and effective alternatives to psychiatric drugs ought to be offered for those who choose them.

4) Psychiatric human rights violations are life-threatening.

Research shows that people in the state mental health system die about 25 years younger than the general public. Remember the public death of Esmin Green who was denied any help while locked for 24 hours in a NY psychiatric emergency room.

ADDITIONAL ACTIONS

Please forward this alert to all appropriate places on and off the Internet.

It just takes a moment to contact additional New York State officials. If you can also phone or write that is helpful, but at least e-mail them. Be civil, be firm, don’t stop!!

Let them all know that forced psychiatric drugging is wrong and must be stopped!

Please contact these New York State officials immediately:

*** Assemblyperson Peter M. Rivera is Chair of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

He is a crucial elected leader focusing on the field of mental health.

Email: riverap@assembly.state.ny.us

Phone: (718) 931-2620

David W. Oaks to be “special presenter” at world

psychiatric congress

by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-07-24 13:06

Every few years, the World Psychiatric Association holds a World Congress. The WPA has invited MindFreedom International executive director David W. Oaks to be a “special presenter” at the Congress, which is in September 2008 in Prague.

David W. Oaks to be "special presenter" at world psychiatric congress

David W. Oaks, MFI Director, will address WPA.

Here is the title and abstract of the talk planned for the World Congress of the World Psychiatric Association by David W. Oaks, Director of MindFreedom International.

World Congress of Psychiatry

Document ID: WCP4323

MindFreedom International, Eugene, United States

David W. Oaks, oaks@mindfreedom.org

Topic: Ethics in psychiatry

Title: AN URGENT NEED FOR DIALOGUE ABOUT A “GLOBAL EMERGENCY” OF  HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Abstract Body: The point of view of individuals who have experienced  human rights violations in mental health care, and the organizations  that represent us, need to be heard by psychiatric professional  organizations. Mediated dialogue must be encouraged between groups  representing psychiatric survivors and groups representing mental  health professionals.

We are not alone. Dr. Benedetto Saraceno, Director of the Department  of Mental Health and Substance Dependence at the World Health  Organization (WHO), has stated, “The violation of human rights of …  psychiatric services users and the recognition of their role and  rights as citizens are a main concern for WHO. WHO thinks that no  treatment can be credibly provided in a context which systematically  violates human rights. There is a global emergency for the human  rights of people suffering from mental health problems. I insist on  the word ‘global’ as people tend to believe that these kinds of  violations always occur somewhere else when, in fact, they occur  everywhere.”

Certain human rights controversies are especially pressing, such as  involuntary electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) against the expressed  wishes of the subject, and long-term, high-dosage coerced  administration of neuroleptic psychiatric drugs.

In a broader sense, though, if a family with a member in severe  crisis is primarily offered psychiatric drugs, when non-drug  approaches can work, this too is a kind of coercion. I respect an  individual’s right to take prescribed psychiatric drugs. However,  being offered only one choice is not really a choice at all. Creating  more non-drug voluntary alternatives has become a human rights concern.

Here is a link to the bio about David W. Oaks on the World Psychiatric Association web site:

http://www.wpa-prague2008.cz/Text/oaks

From Recovery from Schizophrenia (Ron Unger):

Radio Interview

Posted by Ron Unger on July 15th, 2008

An interview with me on “Madness Radio” can be found at
http://freedom-center.org/madness-radio-cognitive-therapy-ron-unger I talk about why I got interested in psychosis, mainly because of my own experiences as a young man that it seemed to me were understandable yet not likely to be understood by our current mental health system. Then I talk about cognitive therapy for psychosis and why I think it is a helpful and needed addition to the mental health field.

Download episode file directly:
http://freedom-center.org/audio/download/384/MadnessRadio-2008-07CognitiveTherapyRonUnger.mp3

Short Video Clip

Posted by Ron Unger on July 14th, 2008

Hugh Massengil videod part of a seminar I did, and posted it to YouTube. I’m discussing the relationship between cognitive therapy for psychosis and medications, and then talking a little about “what is psychosis” and the continuum between everyday errors and “psychosis.” If you want to check it out, it’s available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFjBnScM2Bk

Recovery Stories

Posted by Ron Unger on July 5th, 2008

Recently a couple people I know have put their recovery stories on the web. One is my friend Hugh Massengil, who got his story put on an official state website, even though his story suggests mental health treatment is almost completely off track, at least in its standard form. He is on a committee about increasing wellness among those with mental health diagnoses (very important given data that such people typically die 25 years earlier than average, often due to conditions that are aggravated by medication.) His story illustrates that wellness often is a result of successfully breaking away from traditional “treatment.” You can access his story at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/mentalhealth/wellness/success.shtml

Another is the story of Oryx Cohen, who is one of the leaders at the Freedom Center http://www.freedom-center.org/ You can access Oryx’s story at http://www.familymentalhealthrecovery.org/2008TorontoRecoveryConf/TorontoRecovery08-OCohenCrashCourseWithPsychiatry.doc It’s a great read, going from his attempt to get his car to fly on the freeway (not very successful) to his attempt to get off psychiatric medications and have a good life (much more successful, though not without difficulty and one big slipup.)

Finally, I’d suggest checking out the video at http://bipolarblast.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/acute-psychosis-in-mania-and-schizophrenia/ It’s an overview of the perspective of psychosis as all about reorganizing the mind, as a positive process if the person gets supported in working through it in a good way. The video is well done and worth the time you will take watching it!

Also, check out this link:

http://www.successfulschizophrenia.org/

Thanks for reading,listening, paying attention.

My prayers go out to you and my wish that everyone you meet will be kind, gentle and wise.

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August 15, 2008 · 3:58 pm

Mad Radio Tonight!

Mad Liberation

By MoonLight

Tonight! On KBOO Radio 90.7 FM

1- 2 a.m. Late Friday night

(yes, I know that it is technically Saturday morning- relax, it’s just a radio show)

August 15th, 2008

This show is dedicated to Everyone

*who has ever been given a psychiatric label,

*who experiences mental health challenges and of course to

*anybody who has the misfortune (or good fortune) of being awake at that hour.

You can participate!

Call in at (503) 231-8187

We also hope to have some live in-studio

musical performance by CS/X performers on

this show.

(Set your alarm if you aren’t usually up at that time)

Friday nights from 1 am to 2 am usually following the

full-moon, will be a segment on KBOO radio (90.7 on

your fm dial, to the left of NPR), also streamed on the

internet on their website,

http://www.kboo.fm/index.php will be time for

Mad Lib by Moonlight. The program is part of the

usual Friday night show, The Outside World.

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August 1, 2008 · 6:03 pm

Very Sad News

David Romprey has died at the age of 42. First the article from the Salem Statesman Journal:

August 1, 2008

Mental-health activist dies at 42

Medical issue kills David Romprey before car crash

By Ruth Liao
Statesman Journal

Longtime Salem activist David Romprey, who is remembered as an outspoken crusader for Oregon’s mental-health system, has died, officials said.

Romprey was about to begin Monday as a coordinator of the Oregon Peer Bridgers Project with the Oregon State Hospital, spokeswoman Patricia Feeny said.

Romprey died Wednesday night in Salem as he was pulling out of a driveway near 12th and Chemeketa streets NE, Salem Police Lt. Mark Keagle said.

It happened about 6 p.m. when the vehicle crashed into a pole, police said. Police determined that Romprey died of a medical condition before the crash.

Romprey was 42. He is survived by two children, Max and Emily.

Romprey, who spent two years as an Oregon State Hospital patient until he was released in 1991, was a critic of the state’s 125-year-old Salem facility and fought to diminish stigmas attached to mental illnesses.

In 2005, Romprey was honored with the Mental Health Award for Excellence by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Feeny said.

Romprey was integral in helping to create the Oregon Peer Bridgers Project, a new program that would help released patients’ transition into the community, said Roy Orr, superintendent of Oregon State Hospital.

The program will help create individualized plans for patients who are either selected or who volunteer to join. On average, about 50 to 60 patients are discharged monthly from the state hospital campuses in Portland and Salem, Orr said.

The program also would track the patients’ progress and adjustment back into the community, Orr said.

“It’s just stunning to think, we’re now without David and the world’s a little poorer as a result,” Orr said.

Friend Mike Hlebechuk, a residential services coordinator for the state, said Romprey’s greatest gift was his command of the English language — in speech or writing.

Romprey once evoked Moses’ cry “Let my people go” in talking to representatives from the president’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, Hlebechuk said.

Friend David W. Oaks, the director of MindFreedom International, called Romprey a “dynamic hero” for the mental-health advocacy movement in Oregon.

Oaks described Romprey’s efforts as a “community organizer,” who would travel to Eastern Oregon to help set up mental-health consumer support groups and networks.

“David had overwhelming passion for the most marginalized and powerless people in the mental-health system,” Oaks said.

Romprey was a longtime member of a statewide mental-health advisory council, said Madeline Olson, a deputy assistant director of the Addiction and Mental-Health Division.

Romprey also advocated wellness for everyone, not just those with mental illnesses.

“His whole life was an example that categorizing people and stigmatizing people was foolish and wrong,” Olson said.

rliao@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 589-6941

Other comments about David arrived in my email as the day went on:

Many of you have heard the news, but for those of you that have not, I am sad to announce that we have lost a true member of the Consumer/Survivor movement. Dave Romprey died last night of what is believed to be natural causes.
Jim Russell of the BCN stated it correctly-A Hole in the world. That is truly what David has left. David left us last night in body but certainly not in spirit. As I sit here typing this notice I can? t help but reflect over the past 10 years that I have known David. For me David can be summed up in one word-Passion! Passion for Life, Passion for change, Passion for those still suffering, Passion for his friends and Passion for his family. He has left a legacy and a baton to be passed.

He is Truly missed.

Rebecca Eichhorn,
President, Oregon Consumer/ Survivor Coalition

Thank you for letting us know about David Romprey – how could someone so young die of “natural causes”? He was so dedicated, so full of life, so articulate (check out this essay he wrote just a few years ago: http://akmhcweb.org/Articles/WhyIAmNotaConsumer.pdf ) I have memories of him waiting to testify before the Oregon Legislature, busy with his laptop, thinking a mile a minute, yet quick with a smile or an encouraging word.
I cannot believe his shining bright light has gone out so soon.
Karen Cormac-Jones in Salem

It is a shock for me to read the news about David Romprey.

I remember the first time I met David R- he was working on what became the grant that started Empowerment Initiatives, out of the OHSU. I was director of a support services brokerage in developmental disabilities and he came by for advice about building self- directed supports in mental health. I was very excited by the idea but didn’t know how long it would take or if it would become reality.
Later, I met someone who had been working on the advisory board for the project just before it began (we were both in the psychiatric ward at the time). After I was let loose, I showed up at a board meeting and quickly joined the effort along with David.
EI is still going and is still (I think) the nation’s only consumer operated brokerage in mental health support services.
I had the opportunity to be at the state capital a couple of times with David, testifying on behalf of self-directed supports and related legislation. I was always especially amazed by how many people he knew- he literally greeted by name just about everyone we met or saw (many of whom were politicians or state mental health staff).
I will miss David and miss what he brings to the table of the consumer/ survivor movement.

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July 24, 2008 · 1:41 am

Oregon Consumer/ Survivor Coalition & stuff

Oregon Consumer Survivor Coalition delegation meets with Oregon’s
governor

by Rebecca Eichhorn

In June 2008, representatives from the Oregon Consumer Survivor
Coalition (OCSC), Mental Health America, and several individual
consumers were invited to meet with Governor Ted Kulongoski. The
purpose of this historic meeting was to brief the Governor on matters
concerning mental health and consumer affairs in Oregon.

The hour long conversation offered an opportunity to familiarize the
governor with issues facing consumers and the public mental health
services.

Some of the topic discussed at the meeting included:

** The history of the consumer movement

** the concept of “recovery”

** consumer/survivors as partners in treatment

** peer support services, and

** the need for a continuum of mental health services.

The Governor set the agenda and led the conversation asking questions
and indicating genuine interest in each topic discussed. There was
not enough time to cover the Governor’s entire agenda. However, the
topics that were discussed seemed well received and layed the
foundation for a future meeting and continued dialogue with the
Governor regarding consumer voice and issues facing the mental health
system.

Rebecca Eichhorn, MS
OCSC Board Member
Consumer Affairs Specialist
Consumer Care Partnerships

New York Times covers Mad Pride!

http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/media/mf/new-york-times-mad-pride

Protests against forced electroshock-

From MindFreedom news-

(lazy blogger)

May 2008 Protests of Electroshock

by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-05-15 15:00

Electroshock — also known as electroconvulsive therapy — was protested by MindFreedom members in Cork, Ireland; Ottawa, Canada; Montreal, Canada. Here are brief reports from each.

May 2008 Protests of Electroshock

MindFreedom Ireland in Cork, Ireland on 3 May 2008 protesting electroshock.

BELOW are reports from three May 2008 electroshock protests: Cork, Ireland (photo in upper right); Ottawa, Canada; Montreal, Canada.

The reports were compiled by Sue Clark, who is chair of the MindFreedom ZAPBACK Committee to end electroshock.

Update: A photo is now on this web page for each of the three protests.

MindFreedom Lane County will also include protest of electroshock in their 17 May 2008 skit protest The Normathon.

The reports begin with Ottawa, followed by a brief report from Montreal, and then from Cork, Ireland.

May 2008 Electroshock Protests

Photo of protest in Ottawa, Canada on 11 May 2008 of electroshockOttawa protests electroshock on 11 May 2008

[Photo on right, more photos click here.]

by Sue Clark

Hello everyone:

Here are two articles re the ECT protest yesterday in Ottawa. The first one is from the CBC national news. There was a radio show yesterday on CBC radio at 7:30 p.m. I was told and there was a whole show on ECT. I will try to get the transcript. The first article from the CBC they put in Dr. Peter Breggin’s’ name wrong, and put in “Paul Breggin”.

The second article from CTV.ca said in the article “patients” I have free of psychiatry since 1990 and have not been a patient since then.

The ECT protest was also covered by CFRA radio, CJOH TV news in Ottawa, and A channel News in Ottawa. The CBC had a whole story on ECT on CBC radio on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and I did not hear the show. If anyone did, please let me know.

We will be holding the ECT protest every year on Mother’s Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Thank to all who participated in this ECT protest in Ottawa: Steven Wittenberg, my husband, Don Weitz, Graeme Bacque, Jane Scharf, Marco, Phillip and Jen, Cristian and Francois, Elisabeth Ziegeler and Jay, Debbie and Jennifer, Michael, Barbara Mainguy, Karen Dawe, and to the others who were there and to all the people who sent statements and encouragement to to the event: Mary Maddock from Mindfreedom Ireland, Helene Grandbois from Montreal, Dr. Bonnie Burstow from Toronto, Leonard Roy Frank from San Francisco, and Dr. John Breeding from Texas, and to David Oaks and his staff for their support and encouragement.

I will be on a radio show today on CHRY radio 105.5 at 5:30 p.m. which is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
talking about the ECT protest yesterday and other antipsychiatry issues.

Regards,

Sue Clark-Wittenberg
Chair
MFI committee on ECT & Human Rights
Ottawa (613) 721-1833

_______________________

Despite criticism, electroshock therapy commonly used in depression Last Updated: Monday, May 12, 2008 | 12:22 PM ET CBC News<http://www.cbc.ca/news/credit.html&gt; http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/05/12/electroshock-therapy.html

(you can make comments at this link) – Sue

Despite protests calling for a ban on the treatment, electroshock therapy is frequently used by Canadian psychiatrists to treat severe depression.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) estimates that last year, the procedure, which dates back to 1938 and involves passing electrical currents though the brain to trigger seizures, was used more than 15,000 times in the country.

The figure has remained virtually unchanged since 2002, CIHI says, showing that the popularity of the procedure remains strong.

A report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal last week shows the procedure is commonly used to treat drug-resistant depression in seniors.

However, critics of the procedure believe its usage should be stopped, and it is a painful procedure that leads to brain damage.

On Sunday, about a dozen protesters rallied in Ottawa, calling for a ban of the procedure.

Protest organizer Sue Clark-Wittenberg had electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 35 years ago, and says it has kept her from getting an education and a good job.

“The bottom line is electroshock always damages the brain. Electroshock always causes memory loss,” she says.
ECT survives calls for ban

Dr. Nizar Ladha, a psychiatrist based in St. John’s, has been using ECT for three decades. He says the procedure does induce seizures, but they’re not painful and don’t cause convulsions.

“As an effective and lifesaving treatment, it rates right up there with the discovery of penicillin,” he told CBC News.

Ladha says he has seen ECT help fight depression and prevent many suicides.

The Canadian Psychiatric Association argues that ECT is safe and effective, though the Canadian Medical Association says it can cause memory loss.

But Dr. Paul Breggin, a New York-based psychiatrist, is in a minority of psychiatrists who says the procedure should be banned.

“We’re treating human beings as if they are a very crude machine which can be battered back into shape.”

Still, Dr. David Goldbloom, a psychiatrist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, predicts it will become even more popular, having survived numerous calls to ban it and two provincial inquiries.

“Each time the conclusion is the same — that the balance of evidence supports retaining this to try to help people with depression.”

_______________________

Shock therapy ‘barbaric, inhumane,’ say protesters

Updated: Sun May. 11 2008 18:29:27

ctvottawa.ca/<http://ctvottawa.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080511/OTT_protest_shock_080511/20080511/?hub=OttawaHome&gt;

Past patients of electroshock therapy took to Parliament Hill today, requesting a ban on what they say is torture.

“Stop electroshock before it stops you,” chanted Sue Clark Wittenberg, a former electroshock therapy patient and vocal opponent to the practise.

Also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the American Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Psychiatric Association have deemed ECT to be safe and not cause brain damage.

The protesters claimed ECT is barbaric and inhumane.

Wittenberg said she was subjected to ECT 25 years ago. Now, she claims she suffers from memory loss and difficulty learning. Wittenberg and other patients want the Canadian Government to ban what is considered a therapeutic practice.

“The Canadian Psychiatric Association says on their website that electroshock therapy is safe. That is not true, look at me,” Wittenberg said.

Wittenberg claims 14,000 people in Ontario are subjected to electroshock therapy every year.

According to the Canadian Psychiatric Association, ECT is effective in the treatment of patients with major depression, delusional depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and catatonia.
________________


Protest in Quebec in May 2008 of electroshockQUEBEC PROTESTS ELECTROSHOCK


Montreal protest to ban ECT Saturday May 10, 2008 (photo on right).

Our protest was real success. About 50 persons were there. We had our choir perform two times and chant our slogans.

We had a bannière with “Disons non aux électrochocs Urgence d’agir”.

I made two times a speach one more general on my motivations to make ECT banned and a translation I made of Sue testimony that she send me.

Two other speakers made speeches. Two TVs station were there TVA and Radio-Canada who made a very good report of the situation about ECT not just a report from the protest but also they documented the fact that our Ministry of Health did nothing from the Banken report recommendation 5 years after the report.

Nobody was interviewed to counterfact our statements. The Ministry of Health was interviewed and could just say they do nothing to monitor or to tcheck about the situation of ECT and the women and elderly that were shocked. On the web site of both Radio-Canada and TVA our statement are well put into evidence. We also had interviews for a radio program that will be on the air on next friday night at 8 o’clock cannot say the result of this. We will see.

In general the protest was energizing and everybody who was there will sing our songs with us and say our slogans. Really a very exciting event.

As Mary said we shall overcome
Take care
Love
Hélène

______________________

MindFreedom Ireland protests electroshock in Cork, Ireland


Press Release – For more information contact Mary Maddock of MindFreedom Ireland

3 May 2008

Members of MindFreedom Ireland, the organisation which campaigns for human rights in the mental health system, protested against the use of electro shock as a ‘treatment’ both in our Irish hospitals and worldwide.

It took place outside the G.P.O. Oliver Plunket St. Cork, Ireland between 1.p.m. and 4.p.m.

Many members of the public expressed their own shock! that this barbaric practice was still performed both worldwide and in our Irish hospitals today ‘in the name of help.’

They were more outraged that it could even be legally forced on vulnerable people.

Many of them signed a petition to abolish the practice.

Four electro shock survivors from Cork spoke out and confirmed that it did indeed cause brain damage.

Last year both Kathy Sinnott, MEP and Dan Boyle, Green Party took part in the protest.

The protest was part of a worldwide demonstration in conjunction with Mother’s Day in Canada, to highlight the fact that two thirds of the recipients of shock are women. Messages of solidarity from Canada were read out.

On the same day MindFreedom Ireland celebrated the ratification of the UN treaty on the rights of people with disabilities (this importantly includes people with psycho/social disabilities) which hopefully will stop forceful ‘treatments’ used in present day psychiatry including electro shock.

Mary Maddock was the focus of an article about electroshock in in a major Irish newspaper, to read the article click here.

Some important facts about electro shock commonly known as ECT ( Electro Convulsive ‘Therapy’.

· CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE, MEMORY LOSS AND DISORIENTATION

· IS AN ABUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS

· CAN BE LEGALLY FORCED ON PEOPLE AGAINST THEIR WILL

· TWO THIRDS OF SHOCK VICTIMS ARE WOMEN – MOTHERS AND
GRANDMOTHERS

· IS PSYCHIATRIC TORTURE

Mad Liberation By MoonLight

KBOO Radio 90.7 FM

1- 2 a.m. Late Friday night

(yes, I know that it is technically Saturday morning- relax, it’s just a radio show)

July 25th, 2008

(Please do not note that the lunar calendar would generally put the show on July 18th but I can’t be in town that night- sorry for the incontinence. You can still listen to KBOO and be surprised at whatever you hear. Try not to get confused, I know I’m trying my best and it’s not working very well. The show will be on July 25th, 1:00 a.m. Friday night.)

This show is dedicated to Everyone

*who has ever been given a psychiatric label, *who experiences mental health challenges and of course to *anybody who has the misfortune (or good fortune) of being awake at that hour.

You can participate! Call in at (503) 231-8187

Please call in!

(Set your alarm if you aren’t usually up at that time)

Friday nights from 1 am to 2 am usually following the full-moon, will be a segment on KBOO radio (90.7 on your fm dial, to the left of NPR), also streamed on the internet on their website, http://www.kboo.fm/index.php will be time for of Mad Lib by Moonlight. The program is part of the usual Friday night show, The Outside World.

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July 23, 2008 · 8:12 pm

Events News Release from MindFreedom

Some of the events are already past because I was late getting this up but much of it is still useful.

MindFreedom International News – 17 July 2008
http://www.mindfreedom.org/events_listing – please forward

A Few 2008 Events About Changing the Mental Health System

The calendar of events below, in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and UK
may be of interest to those who passionately care about human rights
and alternatives in the mental health system.

[Disclaimers: Most but not all events are organized by MindFreedom or
sponsor groups. Listing is not necessarily endorsement. The
organizers are solely responsible for their content. Date listed is
start date. This listing is not meant to be comprehensive. If your
event is not yet listed you may submit e-mail to news@mindfreedom.org ]

For more info and links for below events go to:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/events_listing

~~~~~~~~~~~~

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA:

Mad Pride Week in the City of Toronto – The Mayor of Toronto even
officially declared a Mad Pride Day! This wonderful series of events
is already underway, but there is still time to attend. A bed push
parade and party is scheduled for July 19, and a Mad Pride brunch on
the morning of July 20.

Watch for organizers from new affiliate, MindFreedom Ontario!

14 – 20 July 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOUTHWARK, UNITED KINGDOM:

BonkersFest – Poses the question ‘De-normalisation: The next civil
rights movement?’ This free event will take place on the actual area
where the infamous Bedlam was located. Past BonkersFests have drawn
three thousand participants.

BonkersFest is a showcase of mad creativity providing a day of
inspiring performance, art and music for the whole community.

19 July 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA:

Mad Pride Asheville – “Part of a 9-nation disorganization of similar
festivals, featuring week-long festivals in London and Toronto and
others in Portland OR, Montreal, and various other cities in the US,
Canada, Belgium, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South
Africa and Ghana.”

19 July 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA:

A vigil co-sponsored by MindFreedom International to remember Esmin
Green, who died so publicly while waiting in King County Hospital
Psychiatric Emergency Room:

25 July 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

URGENT! HELIOS MATCHING GRANT ENDS

July 31, 2008 is the deadline for MindFreedom to receive a matching
grant by raising a grand total of $500.00 from first-time donors. If
we reach this goal, the Helios Resource Network will double the total
amount donated by granting MindFreedom $500.00 in matching funds.

If you would like to help us reach this goal, and support human
rights and alternatives in mental health, please become a MindFreedom
member today by donating any amount — small or large — to MFI
through the Helios Resource Network.

For information on how to make your tax-deductible donation count
toward the Helios grant, please go directly to this Helios Web page
today:

http://www.heliosnetwork.org/grantinfo.htm#MFI

Or read more about this important opportunity here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/double

But act now! The deadline is 31 July 2008!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND:

Education Day on Human Rights & Alternatives in Mental Health –
“PRAWI of New Zealand is a sponsor group in MindFreedom
International. Director Anna de Jonge announces PRAWI is holding an
all-day educational event using DVD’s from the conferences of the
International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology.”

17 August 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM:

Asylum! Conference and Festival – From the organizers: “The
conference will bring together organisations, activists, campaigners
and academics working for radical challenge and change in mental
health. It will showcase critical work on psychiatry and psychology
(‘Big Psy’) and the pharmaceutical industry (‘Big Pharma’), and
alternatives to diagnostic medical labels like ‘schizophrenia’ and
‘paranoia’.” This event is being held on the Elizabeth Gaskell
Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.

10-12 September 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA:

NARPA 2008 Conference – This year the NARPA conference will be held
at the University of Texas at Austin, and will feature speakers
Michael Perlin, Catherine Penney, and Susan Stefan, and others.

1-4 October 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

TAMPA, FLORIDA, USA:

International Center for the Study of Psychology and Psychiatry’s
2008 conference – The ICSPP is a sponsor group of MindFreedom. This
is an excellent conference, especially to network dissident mental
health professionals critical of the current psychiatric system.

10-12 October 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUFFALO, NEW YORK, USA:

Alternatives 2008 – Since the 1980’s, the US federal government helps
fund a large conference of several hundred mental health consumers
and psychiatric survivors, many of whom are leading consumer-driven
projects such as support groups and drop-in centers.

29 October – 2 November 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ACTION: Please forward this events calendar!

For more info and links for above events go to:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/events_listing

~~~~~~~~~~~~

For hard-to-find books and gear go to MFI’s Mad Market here:

http://www.madmarket.org

New DVD: “Little Brother, Big Pharma”!

http://www.mindfreedom.org/little-brother

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wherever you live, volunteer today for human rights and alternatives
in mental health!

MindFreedom International Office:

454 Willamette, Suite 216 – POB 11284; Eugene, OR 97440-3484 USA

web site: http://www.mindfreedom.org
e-mail: office(at)mindfreedom(dot)org
MFI office phone: (541) 345-9106
MFI member services toll free: 1-877-MAD-PRIDe or 1-877-623-7743 fax:
(541) 345-3737

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July 15, 2008 · 7:16 pm

Mad News from MindFreedom

VIGIL TO MOURN THE LOSS OF MS. ESMIN ELIZABETH GREEN AND CONDEMN
VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

July 25, 2008 VIGIL and Demonstration – Kings County Hospital
Center, Building G, New York, USA

Please POST/ Forward

WE THE PEOPLE

Contact: Lauren J. Tenney, MA, MPA, Psychiatric Survivor FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cell: 516-319-4295
e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org
website: http://www.theopalproject.org
http://tinyurl.com/green-vigil

WE THE PEOPLE Call for an End of Abuse, Torture, and Neglect in the
Wake of Ms. Green’s Death While Detained at Kings County Hospital
Center’s Psychiatric Emergency Room.

Advocates, human rights activists, and community members are holding
a vigil and demonstration to mourn the death of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth
Green. WE the PEOPLE are calling attention to the reported horrific
inactions and complete neglect that Ms. Green was subjected to while
detained at the Kings County Hospital Center’s Psychiatric Emergency
Room, 451 Clarkson Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11203.

According to the Associated Press, after being involuntarily
committed to the institution, Ms. Green sat waiting for a bed to
become available for nearly 24 hours before she collapsed on to the
floor. She lay there helpless for nearly an hour until she received
medical attention, which came too late[i]. Further, according to the
New York Civil Liberties Union, facility staff possibly falsified
documents, stating that Ms. Green was “up and went to the bathroom”
and was “‘sitting quietly in the waiting room’ – more than 10 minutes
after she last moved”[ii]. The surveillance tape shown on CNN Video
portrays Ms. Green dying on the floor as people pass her by[iii]. In
fact, on the Internet, one can find a mass of comment on this tragedy
by individuals all over the world – a question repeatedly asked,
“Where is the humanity?”

All people must be treated with dignity, humanity, and respect. We
must not tolerate violations of human rights that individuals who are
assigned psychiatric labels often endure.

We ask you, wouldn’t you be depressed and possibly even ‘agitated’ if
you were going to lose your home and employment? Reportedly, this is
what led to Ms. Green’s commitment[iv]. Any one of us could be
labeled with a psychiatric diagnosis and subjected to inhumane
‘treatment’ if we are thought to be ‘agitated’, particularly if we
are poor.

How many more people labeled with “mental illness” will be subjected
to torture and neglect before something is done to protect human
rights within psychiatric systems? David Oaks, Executive Director of
MindFreedom International states, “I encourage us all to reflect on
the need for a deep nonviolent revolution in the field of mental
health, far beyond the “reforms” that have gotten us to where we are
today, with televised death via neglect of a mother of six”.

In 1875, a New York Times article cites abuses of inmates at the
Kings County Asylum, spurred by Mr. Nelson Magee, a former inmate.
Then-Commissioner Norris reacts to the investigation, “This sort of
thing is very common among lunatics; they are always imagining
themselves in great danger of being killed by their keepers”v. How
many more centuries have to go by before action is taken to end these
abuses and neglect?

WE the PEOPLE stand for change. We have been abused by the
psychiatric system. Our brothers and sisters continue to be abused
and murdered, as evidenced by Ms. Green’s untimely demise. Massive
human rights violations happen every day in psychiatric institutions
but this horrific inaction was captured on videotape. We will call
attention to the every day tortures committed in the name of
psychiatric “help” including diagnosing life’s challenges as
”illness,” forced pharmaceuticals, restraint, seclusion, and
electric shock treatment (ECT) with a Vigil to honor Ms. Green’s
memory beginning at 2 PM.

There are many questions as to what led to Ms. Green’s death. Was it
in any way related to the toxic and debilitating drugs that people
labeled with “mental illness” are intimidated, coerced, and forced
into taking? A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the
extent of the torture, ill treatment and other human rights
violations involved in this case and in the practices of the
institution as a whole. We must stand united to demand social
justice, equal rights, and environments free from torture and detention.

On July 25, 2008, we invite all people to join us and stand united in
support of the demand that everyone receive the full benefit of their
human rights and the preservation of their liberty, dignity and respect.

Who: All People.

What: Candle Light Vigil to mourn the loss of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth
Green and condemn violations of human rights.

Why: WE THE PEOPLE call for an end of abuse, torture, and neglect in
the wake of Ms. Green’s Death on June 19, 2008, while detained at
Kings County Hospital Center’s Psychiatric Emergency Room.

Where: Kings County Hospital Center, Psychiatric Emergency Room,
Building G. 606 Winthrop Street Brooklyn, NY 11203

Date: July 25, 2008

Time: 5 PM – 10 PM, Candle Light Vigil, 8:30 PM

We welcome your involvement as an organizational co-sponsor or an
individual endorser of this effort. If you would like to speak at
this event, please contact us.

WE THE PEOPLE

###

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Contact: Lauren J. Tenney
Cell: 516-319-4295
e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org
website: http://www.theopalproject.org

Contact: David W. Oaks, Director, MindFreedom Phone: 541-345-9106
e-mail: office@mindfreedom.org
website: http://www.mindfreedom.org
http://tinyurl.com/green-vigil

REFERENCES

[i] Retrieved July 8, 2008 from http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/
H/HOSPITAL_WARD_DEATH?SITE=OHRAV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[ii] Retrieved July 8, 2008 from http://www.nyclu.org/node/1876

[iii] Retrieved on July 8, 2008 from http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/01/
waiting.room.death/index.html

[iv] Retrieved July 8, 2008, from http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/03/
hospital.woman.death/index.html

[v] Retrieved July 9, 2008 from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-
free/pdf?res=9F00E6D8103CE63ABC4851DFBE66838E669FDE

http://tinyurl.com/green-vigil

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Urgent action: Please forward to all appropriate places on and off
Internet, especially to concerned people and groups in New York State.

—

More:

Mad Pride

MindFreedom International News – 14 July 2008
Nonviolent Revolution in Mental Health!

Mad Pride 2008 Skyrocketing!

Mad Pride has been growing fast! Below are just a few of the Mad
Pride events this month in many nations.

Coverage in the Sunday New York Times, international events that draw
thousands of participants (Thank you, MindFreedom Ireland!), and the
skyrocketing enthusiasm of Mad Pride organizers, all point to the
great strides taken by this movement over the last six months. Mad
Pride celebrates the human rights to be different, and promotes human
rights in mental health.

According to MindFreedom’s calendar of events, the second half of
2008 will see this trend continue.

Here is a brief look into a few Mad Pride 2008 events:

UNITED STATES:

This weekend, from July 11 – 13, 2008 at the Country Fair in Eugene,
Oregon, you can visit the “Doors of Expression” booth and uncover Mad
Pride at this famous, annual event.

Mental Patients Liberation Alliance holds 28th Annual Bastille Days
Demonstration, “HELP Stop Psychiatric Oppression.” from July 11 – 14,
Albany, New York.

CANADA:

From July 14 – 20, Toronto will celebrate Mad Pride Week, including
their second annual bed push.

Through July 14, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Gallery Gachet is
holding panel discussions, performances, readings and film events to
celebrate “World Mad Pride.”

AFRICA:

On July 14, MindFreedom Ghana is holding its third annual Mad Pride
event! This year’s slogan: “UNITED AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN
MENTAL HEALTH”

On July 17, in Cape Town, South Africa, there will be a Mad Pride
Parade followed by a celebration and music.

UNITED KINGDOM:

On July 16, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, there will be music, poetry and
more, celebrating Mad Pride.

Bonkersfest 2008 will be held on July 19, in London. This is probably
the largest Mad Pride event in the UK (Last year it drew three
thousand participants!) and will be held at the site of the infamous
Bedlam Hospital.

For updates and more, visit our Mad Pride Campaign page:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/madpride

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ACTION: Please forward this Mad Pride News to all of your mad and mad-
friendly friends, relatives and colleagues!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mad Pride = United Strength in Numbers = You!

JOIN OR RENEW EARLY IN MINDFREEDOM INTERNATIONAL!

http://www.mindfreedom.org/join-donate

* Win human rights campaigns in mental health.

* End abuse by the psychiatric drug industry.

* Support self-determination of psychiatric survivors.

* Promote safe, humane, effective options in mental health.

* Show your MAD PRIDE!

Join here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/join-donate

MindFreedom is a nonprofit human rights group that unites 100 sponsor
and affiliate groups with individual members.

MindFreedom is one of the very few totally independent activist
groups in the mental health field with no funding from governments,
drug companies, religions, corporations, or the mental health system.

MindFreedom is the only group of its kind accredited by the United
Nations (NGO Consultative Roster Status).

All human rights supporters are invited to join MFI by donating here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/join-donate

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MindFreedom International Office:

454 Willamette, Suite 216 – POB 11284; Eugene, OR 97440-3484 USA

web site: http://www.mindfreedom.org
e-mail: office(at)mindfreedom(dot)org
MFI office phone: (541) 345-9106
MFI member services toll free: 1-877-MAD-PRIDe or 1-877-623-7743 fax:
(541) 345-3737

Please forward!

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July 15, 2008 · 4:09 am

Not thinking right and I know it…

No poetry this post, sorry. Tune in next time, soon.

Yes I take drugs.

I take 4 different psych meds, not high dosages and I’m unable to notice any annoying side-effects. There have been several times in my mentally-ill life that I have been med free and doing fine, thank-you. The last few years I have needed, or seemed to need, some chemical support to stay operational. This doesn’t count the insulins I need to survive type 1 diabetes.

Late last week I got 2 calls in one day telling me I was “not selected” for jobs I interviewed for, both were jobs I’m very well qualified for, thought I did great in both interviews. The clincher on one was when they said they found someone who was more experienced in a particular area. It just so happens that, no ego here, I am probably the very most experienced and qualified in this specific area in the state. Made me feel like a loser. Made me feel paranoid about my mental-health rep and the possibility that people I had listed as references who are so very supportive to my face may actually be undermining my job search. “Objection!”…” But Judge, this goes directly to the subjects state of mind!”… “Okay then, I’ll allow it…”

A few days back (…4?…5?) I ran out of 2 of the most important psych meds. One helps me sleep (among other things) and the other is an SSRI. Now, I know all about abrupt SSRI withdrawal, personal and observational data gained at some difficulty. But, thing is, I have been broke. Can’t afford even the co-pays. Also, 2 days back I ran out of one of my insulins; again, can’t have what ya can’t pay for. My sleep has been very odd- it;s like I’m sleeping but can’t tell if I’m awake or dreaming. I sweat very heavily (yeah,too much info, sorry).

I have been getting more and more “weird”. I have thoughts and perceptions I know aren’t right. It has become harder to carry on even simple conversations with family members because I have to keep editing myself, trying not to say something too strange or something that might worry my wife or younger son (who still lives at home).

I haven’t brought my lack of meds up at all. I know we don’t have money. I have feared that my wife would call my mother or some other family member. I am so sick of begging, being dependent. It reinforces my feeling of being a pathetic loser. BTW- I know that this is also probably an example of not thinking right.

I haven’t called anyone who might be helpful- well, I called someone but they weren’t answering and so I stopped trying. I have become more and more paranoid that people will find out how worthless, pathetic and crazy I am. I have become increasingly afraid to talk to anyone.

Friday, 4 days ago?, I was already losing it but the day went to hell way beyond what I could handle. But I tried to handle it anyway. I did everything wrong, at least in the eyes of the people around me, especially my wife. Her car broke down (I’m no mechanic) and she took my car to work, swapping it back later in the day. The bank account was overdrawn and I ended up using the last of my unemployment money to get the balance back to zero.

Thing is: I was so shocked to find the account overdrawn. I knew exactly what was in the account and the day before I talked to my wife about not using the “apparent” balance showing on the account- it was just ghost money that would soon be gone. She made 2 relatively small payments- for gas and $20 cash (perfectly legit uses for money)- and added to the two $35 overdraft fees put us a hundred bucks in the hole. I saw in our future a black hole of overdraft fees that would continue to pile up until we couldn’t do anything about it. (This is not an unreasonable fear in itself- it’s happened before.)

Comedy break:

During the day she wrote another hundred dollars in checks to cover important medical co-pays she needed to get her insurance set up with a new provider. I talked our son into getting a $100 cash advance to cover the upcoming overdraft.

She got a ride home from work after suggesting that we get a “drink” on the way when I picked her up.

She got home from a co-worker. She indicated she still wanted to go get a drink.

We’re still on Friday. Instead of taking her to get a drink I took my son to his bank to get cash and then went to our bank to deposit cash. I went home. My wife was half asleep but I could tell she was mad. Why had I prioritized going to the bank (before it closed)? Why had I spent all our cash covering the bank overdraft?

So, I made it worse. I went out and found a mechanic neighbor who said they would help me diagnose the problem with her car. We found that things were much worse than I could fix on my own (or without money to invest in a real mechanic).

By the time I got back I knew I was in the doghouse and in the very back of said animal abode.

The next day she was still mad. I was beginning to really lose it. My brain was definitely not functioning well. Being incapable of reasonable conversation, made the relationship problems worse. I was even more afraid to tell that I had no meds and was experiencing alternate reality that was more and more scary.

I didn’t go to Friends Meeting- I was too agoraphobic at this point. I didn’t wantto have to talk to anyone if possible.

Comedy break:

The saga continues: So, over the course of the weekend I got weirder and weirder. Tried to stay inconspicuous. Not a complete success.

This morning: cried from 8 am to 10. Then walked around the neighborhood trying to find cans and bottles that I could take to Safeway and get some oatmeal and toilet paper (I judged these to be the most important things I could get). Cried from 12 to 1pm, until got a call from my wife at work. She asked me what was wrong. “nothing”. She said she was going to call my mother and get money to buy meds. I begged her not to do this. She hung up. I cried some more. She called back and said that she would go to the pharmacy and write hot checks to cover the meds. I sobbed until she arrived with a bag of drugs. I had shit in my head that I will not share with you, kind strangers, but just know that it was very bad.

Now I have taken pills, even ones I don’t usually take (some sedatives). My wife has some difficulty being around me when I’m “not right”. I have stayed mostly in our room and either just kept my eyes closed or read a stupid crime novel.

Why did all this happen? How come I let it get so far? Why can’t I call on people when I need help? (Wait: I can answer that last one- Most people don’t want to hear from you when you are “not right”. They want to have you feel better, right now. When you don’t get better right away they get nervous, impatient and can’t wait to hang up. Also, I am not good on the phone. I can’t usually talk comfortably to people I can’t see.)

Comedy break:

Madness, feeling like you can’t think right, feeling pathetic/ worthless and suicidal- these are not good ways to be. I don’t go out of my way to feel like this. In fact I have put an extraordinary amount of time and thought into making sure I don’t go there. But sometimes, the best laid plans….

I know I’m not alone. I spend a lot of time with people who walk the edge. I know that slipping is common and that isolating is a very common response to the slippery slope.

Later this week I will be teaching 3rd through 5th graders at a conference in Corvallis, as part of a children’s program designed to allow parents to attend and give children a pint-sized dose of the conference topic: That of God in Everyone (It’s a Quaker conference- North Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.

The main result of this engagement that relates to issues at hand is that I will have to postpone the monthly radio show till next week- a full week after the Full Moon. So:

Mad Liberation by Moonlight is postponed until Friday 7/25, I think.

More pictures:

Ouch, Spidey, that lookedlike it hurt…

What is it with me and comic book characters today?

BTW- this following false Advertisement was done by a woman who is “sick of the pink, flowery, sound of music” shtick that goes with feminine hygiene products.

Good luck, stay safe, do as I say, not as I do, please be as happy as the circumstances will allow, if not more so. Until next time…(soon)…

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June 24, 2008 · 5:48 pm

The world is so full of a number of things…

I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.

I digress….

had to post this picture:

Mental Health and Mortality

Per our last post, we reported that in Oregon one-third of people treated for mental health diagnosis die before age 50. If you add “co-occurring disorders”, 89 percent of people treated for both mental
illness and substance abuse die before age 50. These numbers are in line with but also in excess of the national data regarding mortality and mental health.

It’s important to note that the figures are based on people who are receiving treatment. It’s also key to point out that these mortality statistics are getting worse not better. Add to these findings the fact that the most significant factor involved in recovery from mental illness is the length of time one has received treatment; that is to say that the longer one receives treatment, the less likely they are to recover.

What conclusions can be drawn?

  1. Mental health treatment is possibly preventing people from getting well and
  2. Our advances in treatment (new drugs, etc.) are killing us faster and faster.

Is anybody listening? Not much, it would appear. In Oregon we are building a new state hospital system at a cost of half a billion dollars. Our mental health treatment centers and support agencies are stuck in a time warp, oblivious to the facts, ignorant of the potential for recovery and blindly pushing the drugs that are killing us at a rate unprecedented for any other major public health issue.

(Note on the incredibly simpleminded continued reliance on large public institutions: I am of the opinion that as long as we have a system that believes that “some people just have to kept in institutions”, we will have a system that incarcerates a large number of people in these settings. It is only when we say that “no one should be treated this way” that we will begin the to take meaningful steps toward an effective community approach to treatment and support. The state hospitals will continue to suck up the majority of the resources at the expense of real treatment, real recovery and real self-determination. The old arguments that we need these places because of “court mandated patients”, “public safety” and the less acknowledged factor of state employees’ unions who resist the shift to community agencies and settings are are all red herrings and scare tactics with no real value in the discussion. Between 1987 and 1999, with fits and starts, the state dismantled it’s large public institutions for people with developmental disabilities (Fairview Hospital and Training Center/ FHTC, the last and largest). The biggest factor in the process taking so long was the repeated arguments mentioned above. In the end, these all turned out to be empty threats that had no value other than their ability to slow things down. Meaningful, secure and recovery based supports can be engineered in the community. Oregon has already done it before. Some of you may say that their is no correlation or equivalence between these populations but that is also just a lie perpetrated by those who would hold back the future. Fairview held hundreds of individuals with mental illness, hundreds who were court-mandated and thousands of unionized staff. It was once a small city; It is now a field of weeds and grass. I was there. I worked at part-time Fairview in the 1970s and was involved throughout the process of it’s closure.)

The institution is not the only problem. Existing community services are often mismanaged, poorly staffed read the Annapolis Coalition report or in Oregon, the Governor’s report) and typically way behind in their acceptance of recovery and self-directed supports (compare your local clinic with the National Statement on Mental Health Recovery).

Are there any silver linings?

We have a consumer/ survivor movement that is gradually learning to work together and spread our collective wings. We have tiny (microscopic in a national sense) new programs that are consumer directed. use peer supports or embrace self-directed service models. We also have a growing emphasis (in Oregon) on “wellness” as a focus and recovery as a real possibility for all people facing mental health challenges (see: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/mentalhealth/index.shtml).

Gradually, the public mental health system is becoming aware of the impact of trauma in the lives of people with mental health issues. While some studies show that as much as 95% of persons with a mental health diagnosis are trauma survivors, our treatment programs are remarkable for their tendency to re-traumatize the afflicted. Effective treatment for trauma has come a long way but is still not widely used. At the same time we are seeing the long term effects of mal-treatment that ignores the trauma factor and leads to greater and greater difficulty in the individual’s ability to recover.

New thoughts are emerging and new ideas slowly joining the mainstream. This from a publication from SAMHSA:

Today’s mental health system has failed to facilitate recovery of most people labeled with severe mental illnesses, leading to increasing expressions of dissatisfaction by people using services, their families, and administrators. Only a fundamental change of the very culture of the system will ensure that the changes made in policy, training, services, and research will lead to genuine recovery. In accordance with the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health report, mental health consumers and survivors, representing diverse cultural backgrounds, should play a leading role in designing and implementing the transformation to a recovery-based mental health system.

This paper provides an outline of how consumers/survivors can catalyze a transformation of the mental health system from one based on an institutional culture of control and exclusion to one based on a recovery culture of self-determination and community participation. At the national policy level, this paper recommends that consumers develop and implement a National Recovery Initiative. At the State and local policy levels, State and local recovery initiatives are recommended. On the direct service level, the paper provides a road map for developing services, financing, and supports that are based on self-determination and recovery.

A recovery-based mental health system would embrace the following values:

  • Self-determination
  • Empowering relationships based on trust, understanding, and respect
  • Meaningful roles in society
  • Elimination of stigma and discrimination

Changing the mental health system to one that is based on the principles of recovery will require a concerted effort of consumers and allies working to bring about changes in beliefs and practices at every level of the system. The building of these alliances will require the practice of recovery principles of trust, understanding, and respect by all parties involved.

(The full article re: above can be found at http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/NMH05-0193/default.asp)

Another positive sign is the increasing clinical and scholarly acknowledgement of the role of spirituality in the recovery process (see: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0787947083.html, http://akmhcweb.org/recovery/rec.htm, http://www.mentalhealthworld.org/34ddnspirit.html, http://www.spiritualcompetency.com/recovery/lesson1.html to name a few resources).

Peer delivered services are supposed to be rolled out in Oregon during the coming year. The state has made necessary changes in it’s Medicaid Waiver to allow billing for peer mentors and service providers.

While the overall system seems to be riding a hand basket to hell, the growing awareness, solidarity and action emerging from the Consumer/ Survivor/ Ex Patient movement is on a collision course with the system that is, was and wishes to always be. It is either a slow motion train wreck or the harbinger of a revolution in mental health treatment.

Things are on the cusp of a change. Part of that change may need to be the collapse of the current system (including our current, mostly pitiful, community service models) under the weight of it’s own silliness. If it happens, this will not be a bad thing.
If all the case managers, therapists, pills and hospitals for treatment of mental illness disappeared over night…

On balance, would we be better or worse off?

On a completely different note:

Pictures I’ve found interesting lately-

windshield grime-art:

I has a cleaning…

Prince says “hai”

Always remember

To check the music page for new stuff.

BTW- I’d love to hear from you about your own music. Do you have any home recordings I can post? Please, no professional quality shite.

Finally,for today, a little video

Avalokiteshvara – Treasury of Compassion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7_cYRAIdTs

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