From Mad in Mexico: In this way, first-person knowledge is revalued over expert knowledge, while providing an alternative tool to those offered by institutions. The peer-to-peer concept in mental health did not emerge with this project, but it is novel that it appears associated with self-management and mutual support. Therefore, it emerges not only as an effective tool, but also as an initiative for social transformation. Indeed, self-management implies reclaiming discomfort and allows for the development of one’s own meanings, practices, and discourses. Thus, a territory can be generated on which to build alternatives. As we will see, these principles are vital to the first-person movement.
The text was originally published in its entirety in: “Birds in the Head. Mental Health Activism, from Spain and Chile” by Javier Erro, through Ed. Virus. We appreciate his support and permission to publish this text.
Read the full article here and the English translation here.
