furies – I can offer you what I was told years ago and continue to practice. Exercise, Nature, Nutrition and Using your imagination. . . A good sweat once or twice a week, or, just cleaning. Walking, short strides while swinging your arms, getting your heart rate up and keeping it up for 20 minutes several times a week. This doubles as a way to clear your mind from distractions (it does in my case). Nature . . . you need exposure to sunlight and the natural world. If a park is nearby, especially one with trails, walk through and stop and listen to the leaves. Nutrition – watch out for corn syrup products and high sodium. Corn syrup is in many items, but by reading the labels, you can avoid much. The same goes for sodium. If you read a label and it has a lot of sodium, but salt is not listed, chances are the sodium is coming from MSG (avoid it). Reduce Television time and read a book. Libraries are full of decent novels that can expand your imagination well beyond what a television show offers. Additionally, it promotes more positive stimulation and you can carry it with you. THEN there is SLEEP. Adequate quantity/quality of sleep is the key equalizer in the average persons’ brain chemistry. I am sure you have heard, “sleep on it, you’ll feel better in the morning?” This is largely true.
One must realize the usage of the DSM. Diagnosing a “psychiatric,” a fictitious, disorder is not used to “treat.” The diagnosis is used to get PAID for “treating.” It can be called fictitious because, unlike medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes, there are no medical tests to confirm/deny existence of “psychiatric” disorders. The General medical ruleout provisions and substance use (including psyche drugs) and general medical ruleout conditions in the DSM (previous to DSM 5), are not followed or simply involve a single blood test.
I knew several psychiatrists that often referred to DSM standing for, Diagnosing Something for Money.
Additionally, they rarely if ever taper . . . that’s where the consistent phrasing comes in “the Illness reasserting itself,” appears. That illness is the withdrawal symptoms of psyche drugs.
I know this is a off-topic, but one cannot forget that there is a direct linkage between “psyche drugs” and the increased likelihood of violence.
I just wish they would revisit the literature review and update it with current stats. That is if the data is even being kept anymore for the basis of the review. . .
Just remember, the instances reported are far fewer than the actual instances occurred.
Elizabeth – Question about how you originally got involved “psychiatrically.” The issues you were dealing with as a teen, were you first seen by your MD, then referred to a Psychiatrist? Did find your root causes of the way you felt then? . . leading to the psychiatric drug madness?
I am well aware how “conventional” medicine has moved away from wellness. The only place I have for conventional medicine are issues involving the Emergency Room. . . for example, deep lacerations or a broken limb. Complementary Medicine is where you go to get healing. The unfortunate issue is that Complementary (aka Alternative) medicine is almost always out of pocket and can seem extremely expensive for those who always used insurance.
What most don’t know, complementary practitioners are looking for different markers in their bloodwork . . . often times their tests are so expansive, they can tell you the last time you had asian food. The good practitioners look at the Mind-Body connection from a different viewpoint. As such, they have a better understanding of the many interactions in the human body that correlate to exposures to toxins and prolonged stress and their interrelation along with their physicial/medical pronouncement. Good complementary practitioners are hard to find, but they are everywhere.
Rachel777 – thank goodness your Father came around. I have never had any of my family actually turn on me. They just have always called me “depressed” and rarely happy. This is relatively true. I pulled an older brother of mine to the side and started to explain some things I know that the general public did not. He always assumed there was a darker than dark side to government and politics, but I confirmed it for him. I gave him eight specific points which I witnessed and was told never to tell anyone . . . of course, I posed the “hypothetical” to him. His answer was the same as mine. BOOM. . . “now imagine if what I told you (my brother) was completely true?”
I never went through the trauma of hospitalizations and torture way so many have and currently do . . . being dismissed by 7 of your 8 siblings makes one feel disconnected. If I had no healthy outlets for my coping mechanisms, I could really have seen me going off the deep end. It took years, but they started to realize how right I was about a great many things. . . just years before the events actually occurred.
Does anyone remember the phrase, “Going Postal?” Workplace violence was due to workplace stress. There is a greater, more far reaching answer to what we see today. It is the loss of true COMMUNITY.
I have lived in the suburbs of Dayton for most of my years. As such, I have seen how neighborhoods, and families have changed over time. When I was young, in the 80’s, in my neighborhood, every neighbor knew everyone’s children in the neighborhood. Over time, this changed with the aging populations. The children and families grew up servicing the senior members in the neighborhood. Many of the local teens would take turns mowing grass, shoveling snow, for those that could not themselves. It was what we did.
Jump forward 20 years. I am still living in a suburb of Dayton. Being a homeowner, and not enough time to maintain my lawn, I was hoping to find a neighborhood teen interested in doing the job. Nope, none could be found. Even if I found them, their work ethic was that of someone with no attention span.
Losing COMMUNITY means losing an ability to find support of your neighbors and church goers. This is where the “mental health” industry steps in . . . they diagnose you to “support” you.
When you turn to family members, you find out that they might have the time to talk . . . but they have their own lives struggles they are dealing with. That builds the divide even between brother to brother, brother to sister. Even if you had a normal familial relationship, being dismissed by family when asking for help is the biggest insult.
There are a great many other reasons that events like the Dayton shooting occur, but these are overlooked. The rampant consumer culture, the de-evolution of social skills, the diagnosing of childhood as “mental illness”. . .
Let us also not forget, a great many of law enforcement are taking “psychiatric” drugs. I know of a half-dozen right off-hand. They take the drugs, but none of them will take part in talk therapy.
“Mental illnesses and substance use disorders are biologically based brain disorders.”
If you look further, you will see much touted about Trauma Informed Care. You will also see much when it comes to RECOVERY. The more you look, they are all over the place, but all about pushing DSM V thinking . . . And another medical condition
They DO NOT practice Trauma Informed Care . . . unless your understanding of the term is Informing your Staff how to create Trauma, and call it “Care.”
We are actively denied ACCURATE INFORMATION as we DO NOT control the Narrative . . . the more you travel down this rabbit hole, the more disgusting it becomes . . . I, too, have been looking for answers and what I have found leads to truth from the absence of facts. Ask a few “mental health workers” the same question over the span of several months and get a different answer. Additionally, “Mental Health Workers” control the documentation, and therefore, the TRUTH. The TRUTH, more often than not, is made a NEGATIVE as a result . . . unable to be proven.
When it comes to Psychiatric “diagnosis/labeling” the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual (DSM) is the source used for “MENTAL HEALTH” Common Language. The “disorders” and “syndromes” listed have NO proven medical causes as the DSM describes “behaviors,” not verifiable, testable, medical conditions.
How the DSM is used . . . “Common Language”
“Diagnosing/Labeling” aberrant behaviors actively denies human suffering for the reason(s) of Billing
“Diagnosing/Labeling” for the reason(s) of “Treatment,” a catchall word that really has no meaning beyond prescribing “Psychiatric Drugs”. . .
“Diagnosing/Labeling” for the public, law enforcement, churches, and a host of others, to use in describing the cause of an individual’s behavior(s).
Many states’ laws list “DSM Diagnosis” or reference the DSM when it comes to Criminal Competency
Many states’ laws also differentiate between “physical” (medical) and “psychiatric” certainty
Sudden stoppage of psychiatric drugs (a common practice) is the “illness reasserting itself” . . . when it is actually withdrawal symptoms
“Psychiatric medication(s)” are actually “Psychiatric Drugs.” A vast majority has a street name/value and they don’t treat a medically confirmed illness/disease.
Even the “DSM AUTHORS” changed their own language. Previous to DSM V, a Differential Diagnosis Rule Out needed to be performed . . . or a Differential and Substance Use Rule Out (either very rarely occurs) . This was to rule out real MEDICAL CONDITIONS previous to “Psychiatric Diagnosis/Labeling.” DSM V, did away with the Differential Rule Out and replaced it with the wording when applying its Labels, “and another Medical Condition.”
And . . . why a “Corporation/Industry?” The DSM usage and associated Common Language is used in almost, if not, all of Western Culture. It is not just the USA and Canada. The usage transcends state/national/international boundaries, just like a CORPORATION.
Internally, within the “Psychiatric/Mental Health Industry/Corporation,” the DSM is referred to as Diagnose Something for Money.
Why is COMMON LANGUAGE so important? Language is the root of all human/business communication. The one that controls the language CONTROLS. For a clearer example of this, compare the “Psychiatric” establishment to the Legal Profession. Each control access to their venues through their corporate specific languages.
Now, how do we differentiate between the DSM Common Language and Reality? Change the motivation.
There is much that can be learned from the Psychological Injury Model reported on MIA. Just remember, TRAUMA comes in all different forms and is a completely subjective experience. The behavior(s) stemming from this TRAUMA are what “Psychiatric Labels” monetize. As such, once “Diagnosed/labeled” and drugged, there rarely exists an effort to get to the ROOT CAUSE(S).
Dr. Kelmenson – I have been working with those forensically committed. When it comes to psychiatric “labels,” there is a more monetized approach in the States. The label identifies a flesh and blood human being as being a commodity. If the one labeled has children, the one labeled increases in worth. The children are worth $$$ to CPS. If one has private insurance they are have more worth than one that has no insurance. One who is on Medicare is worth more as a commodity than one that is on Medicaid.
There are overlapping systems in place to take advantage of a Labeled human being’s commodity worth. Criminal Justice, aka Penal, system involvement increases a labeled human being’s worth. The legal charges determine the human beings worth to the interlocking system(s). Once forensically committed, the commitment facility further identifies a labeled human being’s worth to them through their “diagnostic” practices and the nature of the Penal Charges. At best, this only incentivizes providing “custodial care,” as compared to “therapeutic care.”
What forensic commitment truly incentivizes . . . the Revolving Door Syndrome associated with psychiatric labels. On paper, commitment facilities practice the legal requirements of forensic commitment. In reality, they only do enough to not get caught in their own malpractice. Even when caught, they control the labeled human being’s narrative. They negate the truth of the situation to a NEGATIVE.
These forensic commitment facilities take advantage of Courts unwillingness to question the activities taking place inside their walls. That is if, the Courts don’t already have word of mouth deals with these facilities.
The purpose of commitment expirations . . . are to enable commitment facilities to budget for their receipt of funds based upon the human being’s legal charges.
There is much more to this . . . but getting away from the topic at hand. One just has to remember, in Western Culture, every human being has been commoditized. Some human beings are worth more to the various systems . . .the psychiatric labeled, especially the forensic, the easiest to show this connection.
Middle-Ground(ers). . . reminds me of working on Political Campaigns in the 90’s. The unspoken rule for running for partisan political office, the 40-40-20 rule, was always pervasive and prevalent. The rule essentially means, 40% of voters vote one way, 40% vote the other . . . the battle is for the 20% of issue/independent oriented votes, the middle-grounders.
I only wish the 40-40-20 rule applied to the “anti-psychiatry” issue. The unfortunate reality is this issue is the 95-5 Rule. . . 95% take the status quo lock stock and barrel, while the other 5% fight to enlighten. There is negligible middle-ground. This can be directly linked back to Dr. Levine’s Authoritarian Paradigm and the Authority given up to Psychiatrists because they are Doctors as well as the deep integration into the Legal System.
“there aren’t many good days, and good days are essentially unheard of if you are: poor, working class, stigmatized, low status, disabled, too old, too intelligent, ask too many questions, question authority, refuse ‘meds,’ terminate ‘treatment,’ have limited insurance, have medicaid, are uninsured, even if one is too ‘middle class’ to benefit from the wisdom of the guru/therapist/whatever.”
Hit the nail on the head . . . at every point. . . .
SOMEONE ELSE – Keep sharing!
“the theorized “you have bad genetics” DSM disorders, who was not given any “genetic” testing, which is available today”
– Be very careful when mentioning the easily accessible/inexpensive genetic testing available today. What you are referring to are the “General Medical Conditions” that are supposed to be RULED OUT before making a Psychiatric “diagnosis.”
Many of those genetically verifiable medical conditions were co-opted under new names in the DSV V. This was to allow them to change the GMC Rule Out Protocol.
Nonetheless, those medical conditions, in addition to Trauma-Experienced/Caused Anxiety and say, the medical condition(s) of sleep deprivation, can result in psychosis, mania and paranoia. Then you could add the “Substance Use” (psychiatric pharma) and “general medical conditions” which were to be RULED OUT before “Substantiating” a Psychiatric “Diagnosis”. . .
I have never seen the RULE OUT Protocol practiced in my loved one’s “SUBSTANTIATED PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS.” Quite to the contrary, there has only been a “PERPETUATED PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS.”
Dr. Hunter – Thank you for your book! After I purchased it and read it, I have been sharing with those “in the field.” Those “professionals” have started to question what they have been taught all these years and taken a different approach to their patients’ care. Too much sense was made in your book for it not to be taken seriously.
Has anyone ever studied the Suicide Rate of Patients under a specific specialist doctor’s care? I am sure the rate of General Practice doctors (those we all see at one time or another) is much lower than that of Psychiatrists.
Generally, many uninformed individuals would come to the reasonable result that is due to the nature of the patients seen.
Informed individuals would realize that is the result of unethical methodology, harmful meds and an unwillingness to acknowledge individual patients’ suffering and coping adaptations.
KS – I generally agree with your assessment of HIPAA. As a former HIPAA Auditor, I am well aware of the efforts to maintain compliance for compliance’s sake.
The important takeaway in the HIPAA Case I noticed, under #3, ” [the patient] has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted”
All civil actions require harm to have occurred and that harm be traceable back to the action(s), or inaction(s) mentioned in the complaint. That is not the situation in the displayed case.
Now, let’s switch over to a HIPAA violation that is real, but not quantifiable. In Long-term commitment scenario’s, many times a patient’s psychologist will confer with other staff psychologists about said patient. Carry this over into what happens inside these places, a patient REPUTATION gets created. As many psychologists in these places are in charge of group interventions, they deny access to the interventions to said patient based upon REPUTATION. . . even though interventions are considered “treatment.”
Of course, the patient’s staff psychologist never gets permission from the patient to talk about said patient. This REPUTATIONAL harm is directly acknowledged by HIPAA, but rarely executed Civilly.
THIS SHARING OF INFORMATION is A KNOWN AND ACCEPTED requirement in Private Practice Psychologist.
KS – as usual, you are spot on. Especially in reference to this quote,
“I’m rapidly coming to the point of thinking that if you don’t sound like a conspiracy theorist, you don’t truly understand how deep these problems really go.”
I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I do follow historical facts. When called a tin-foiled hat wearer, you know you are on the right track. This is the method of those in power to detract and MARGINALIZE the messenger, the message.
We can look back at history, more specifically the Fluoridation of the water supply. Yes, it did increase the quality of dental health, but at what long-term costs? Micro-doses of Fluoride, a neuro-toxin, over the span of decades, along with longer life expectancies, introduced Alzheimer’s/Dementia on a scale never before seen. The genetic vulnerability was passed along to the next generations . . . and when in the 80’s, there was a major study going on about this topic, it disappeared. One of the main reasons it disappeared? No data taken relevant to the hypothesis. . . especially over the long-term.
The MD I often refer to, had collected the data as he had patients that spanned 4 generations within families. He was well aware of the causal link. This predates HIPAA and he collected his data for me at the time to correlate for a college project. This was the era previous to genetic disposition as a contributory factor, but denying that, skewed the data and its results.
I used this personal project to cover all that I had learned in my 21 credit hours that semester. Defining methodology, using statistics, variability, along with a number of sound methods. Each was able to be applied to my coursework. So much so, that two of my professors submitted for review and publication in very different fields. I was later notified by both of them it was published, but they could not tell me by who or in what publication.
Jump forward a decade. I ran into one of those professors with his adult children at a Starbucks. He recognized me right away to his children’s amazement. He had started down the road of Alzheimer’s some years before. His long-term memory reminded him of the only undergrad student of his to be published. When I asked him the publication (I was never notified), he responded, the Journal of the Coverup.
Has anyone seen the Queen Latifah Cigna commercial? It’s titled “Body and Mind.” Talk to your doctor about how you “feel, physically and emotionally”
Additionally, a new medication commercial about Tardive Dyskinesia . . . The actress even says she’s bipolar and DON’T STOP taking your BP meds. . . even though, the serious side-effect, TD, is present.
What is left unsaid, TD is a Central Nervous System condition, that’s pharmaceutically induced. So take another pill.
Dr. Levine – I highly approve your book also. I do have reading recommendations and I left them in my Amazon recommendation. Your insight not only in your books, but your lectures and all your writings have inspired me to be here at MIA. I would love to buy you a cup of coffee sometime as I am only about 40 minutes away and am in your area regularly. I would like to discuss an opportunity that may benefit MANY. Your experiences and abilities in the spoken and written form could help correct a societal evil off exit 9.
TMcLeod – I applaud your efforts in trying to put what has taken place in the medical industry in perspective. I do have a little insight to share that might make your linkages go from anecdotal, to factually based.
Number 1 – Universal Commercial Code – that is the “legal” basis for all that has taken place. It is recognized by the Federal Government and most state governments. That portion of code actually renders our Constitutional Rights useless.
Number 2 – ICD Coding .. .Essentially “International” Insurance Coding – When referring to the Medical/Psychiatric systems, it is not just in the US, but Most of Western Civilization.
Number 3 – this is the hardest one to grasp initially, but ends up putting it all in perspective. CORPORATISM
Capitalism is not the only “for profit” economic model. Corporatism is one also and has been alive in one way or another for 100’s of years.
If you think more in terms of Guilds . . . Barristers (BAR), Masons, Bankers, Doctors (AMA), Psychiatrists (APA) . . . essentially a trade of sorts that requires levels of approved achievement before allowing full entry. Review wikipedia for a gloss-over on Corporatism, especially Neo-Corporatism.
If one reviews the history of powerful families and interests (US and abroad) and the way they maintained power, and wealth, it becomes clear. . . governments serve them and their interests. This is why you see all the immunities given away for corrupt corporate behaviors. These families and corporations outlive politicians and even at that, politicians aren’t their real target.
The Judiciary on both the Federal and State levels are the targets in the US. It has been long known, at the State level where many Judges are elected, they are the targets for lobbying groups. There are relatively few judges up for election, yet their are often over a 100 elected officials in each State’s House and Senate. It is considerably cheaper to buy a judges bench.
Besides that, the Judges interpret the law . . .who can bring suit . . . who goes to Jail . . . who gets Committed. They become the gatekeepers . . . forcing the LAW now to be similar to a Corporatist Economy. Whereas a Corporatist economic model puts up substantial barriers before entering the marketplace. . . Sound familiar? . . .the only way to enter the marketplace is to create your own niche. The Judges are the barriers to the exercise our redress of grievances.
Dr. Kelmenson – “MIA’s approach isn’t working.” If it was not, I would not be here. What MIA has offered me and many others is a community where we had none. This is one of the main foundations of healing/belonging to a greater community, a greater “common” collective. The stories and information shared allow us to become greater than if we were alone in the struggle for answers.
As for why Psychiatry and its sham messaging has so infiltrated society, do a ROOT CAUSE Analysis and you’ll begin to understand, it is a multifaceted problem. Additionally, Psychiatry offers “easy” answers to the latest school shooting. . . .
Remember, there are two equally valid points to take into consideration when doing the analysis, the Objective and the Subjective. When doing the analysis, you will also realize, Psychiatry’s grip began generations ago. As such, the grasp won’t let go easily as there are many with much to lose. And, it will take time for the grip to loosen . . . even generations.
Steve McCrea- does MIA have a Mission Statement? If it does, I would really like to know what MIA identifies as its primary Mission. As far as I am concerned, the community aspect, with all the experience and sharing, has done much for myself and the therapeutic professionals I have turned onto MIA.
Rachel777 – these “side-effects” from standard care have a legal definition. . . it’s called “involuntary intoxication.” Take medication(s) as prescribed and suffer the side-effects of those meds. All the psychiatric pharmaceuticals cause this state. Prolonged usage many times permanently alters bodily functions of the liver (body detoxifier) and the Central Nervous System.
Much the way the FDA does not recognize withdrawal symptoms of psychiatric medications, they also do not readily recognize the side-effects when they pronounce.
Simple generic answer to the question you pose . . .TIME. Not enough hours in the day. No way to get it back once it’s gone, there just went 10 more seconds.
Modern Society has forced us to cope with intended/planned societal selfishness. Those that don’t really take part, find themselves picking up the slack for those that do. Others are just caught in between. . . stress builds and NO TIME TO DECOMPRESS. So they turn to the pharmacy . . . or the liquor cabinet.
Steve – unfortunately, I was one of those defensive degreed idiots. When I finally questioned the authenticity of their conclusions with my and my loved one’s personal experiences with biomedical model, it was too late.
What I have learned from those at MIA and others, only survivors, a select few professionals and even fewer loved ones, question what they don’t understand and what SOCIETY says is acceptable.
The reason why this system is going to be hard to crack. . . too many with too much to lose. There are so many $$$/power interests in this field, breaking one part of the SYSTEM does little to break the others. Remember, every state and most countries have forced commitment laws. This laws have developed over centuries. The lawyers won’t let the SYSTEM break as they are fed by it, also.
Dr. Gøtzsche – The institutionalizing of “group think” is alive and well everywhere, in every sector. This is all too common in the US and especially in NAMI Chapters in my state. Their funding sources were substantially increased through my states department of mental health. With this funding, they attained a level of “legitimacy.” It is similar to the post 9/11 catch phrase, “you must Unionize to Professionalize,” when it came to TSA security at airports.
As with all subsidies, there are strings attached. They have taken the state’s party line of every question of inquiry. They stopped advocating therapeutic treatment (or even defining it). One can even find clearly conflicted members on several chapter’s board membership. There are good people still present, but their efforts have been marginalized by the change of direction.
I have experienced many similar situations to yours in my line of Private Sector Regulatory Work. Too many times has my input been disregarded. This coincides directly with (mis)management and misguided interests. The costs of compliance were too expensive, until fined. It was only then, they complied at greatly increased costs. Even though I would identify key regulatory considerations in the early stages of projects, they ignored them. When it came time to assign blame, they placed it directly on my role, even though I had no legitimate authority in matters.
From a very general point of view, I see in your situation, with the Board hiring the new CEO, they indicated they wanted a change of organizational direction. With your dismissal, they indicated that the original intent of your group is no longer valid as they no longer valued your “advise and consent” capacity. I see this more and more in Advocacy Groups . . . and the co-opting of the Groups’ missions.
To the Author – let the student be the teacher . . . something I practiced while teaching political science while filling in for the Professor. It only takes one phrase, one unanswered question, to lift the conversation to a whole new level, bring a whole new level of understanding.
Fiachra – may I use your “economics of the outcome” statement?
Alex – I cannot disagree . . . “psych injury” affects all of us, it’s just how much our coping mechanisms are out of step with accepted cultural norms. Additionally, talk therapists can begin practicing the PI model now, irrespective of their client’s/patient’s situation in the current paradigm.
I have been witness to many who have gone through a system of denial and are alone in their suffering. They have been so harmed by the “system,” there is little hope of a functional recovery. Add to that, no family or loved ones for any level of support. The only support offered is that which comes with more pills and misery.
Rachel777 – in response to your point and an effort to bring around the discussion to the PI Model, the individuals’ MEDICAL aspects need addressed in depth.
Once someone has taken many of these pharmaceuticals, both their bodies and minds get altered. The longer and broader the usage, the more involved the damage. This damage can distance an individual from their subjective trauma, if not nullify its existence. What fails to get nullified, the coping/ behavioral adaptations that were resultant of those traumas and leading to psychiatric hospitalization/diagnosis.
My loved one commented the other day, she wish she had amnesia. . . as opposed to a photographic memory with an emphasis on reliving rather than just remembering. My comment to her was, “then you would NOT know why it is you do the things you do, feel the way you feel.”
Alex – I was not going to bring this up in this line of conversation, but when you referred to “intuition,” I find it necessary to do so. I relate intuition to the term, “gut feeling.”
There is growing MEDICAL evidence that the bacteria found in the gut, the digestive system, have a direct impact on how one feels and functions (including one’s “mental health”). If one really thinks about the bacterium in the gut, they begin to understand this an ecosystem unto itself.
Do a quick search of “gut bacteria mental health” and you will begin to see this idea gaining greater acceptance and study. Gut bacteria and its condition has been understood as the beginning and end to both physical and “mental health” issues by the Complementary/Alternative medical communities.
In the Convectional Medicine community gut bacteria supplementation is only now gaining acceptance. This is due to the prescribing/ taking of broad spectrum antibiotics which don’t distinguish from Gut bacteria (good) and sickness related bacteria (bad).
I recommend you do your own research.
To OH – there are those trying to gain a profit from these new revelations about Probiotics. But, that does not discount their effectiveness. The secret is, if the probiotics (gut bacteria) are not purchased from a refrigerated display, they are pretty much useless.
That’s where the profit “takers” exist. They add probiotics to multivitamins and/or are sold at chain retailers in the BOGO free sections.
Steve – thanks much for sharing that. I had no overt “trauma” while growing up. I never realized what defined my being more than while I was asked while being hypnotized, what’s the earliest words I remember. My response to that question, “Please don’t let him be like (my sister’s name here).”
My sister had earlier that year, started suffering from grand maul seizures almost immediately after getting the oral polio vaccine. My mother took her to the local Children’s Hospital, while pregnant with me, and the recommendation of the doctor was to let my sister die and for my mother to get and abortion, then sterilized.
A good Catholic Mother, took this deeply and became depressed beyond measure. That same doctor prescribed dilantin for my 3 year-old sister and proceeded to poison her with that medication. During my mother’s pregnancy dealing with the trauma of the news her beautiful daughter, and being pregnant with me, then my sister being poisoned by dilantin, crying for days at a time and not sleeping my mother staying with her the whole time . . .while pregnant with me. . . .I am getting a little depressed while typing this.
Then, growing up in a world that had no idea about the physically and mentally handicapped. Me being in the baby seat traveling to schools daily, sometime the next state over to keep the State from taking my sister. The battles my parents fought . . .conventional medicine offering no answers except surgeries to alleviate symptoms and failing. My mother was forced to venture out into the world of Alternative/Complementary care to offer my beautiful sister some comfort in her condition, continuing to look for answers.
I think you can see why I kick myself when I let “Mental Illness” go unquestioned for as long as I have.
What I can say about my family, I had several older brothers and a sister that cared for me in addition to my parents, as well as the rest of the younger siblings. My parents were always present as much as they could be.
BTW – the MD that told my mother to get an abortion and sterilized, I was doing a HIPAA audit at that same Children’s Hospital. While taking a walking break with the IT Support staff, we walked by a Bronze Bust of that doctor and the wing named for him. >: /
Steve McCrea – you make perfect sense. I agree getting away from the disease/disorder/biomedical model is imperative, especially in achieving “legitimacy.” The disease/disorder/biomedical model characterization is intellectually dishonest and malpractice. It totally invalidates subjective experience.
The goal is achievable, but will not occur overnight. I still find myself using the “mental illness” term . . . as to why I always try to put it in quotations.
I still am finding myself using the CPTSD/PTSD nomenclature as just saying trauma and the resulting coping/behavioral adaptions resulting from said trauma, doesn’t get traction. By using the CPTSD/PTSD as the wedge to get interests, I bridge in the trauma model top-level explaination.
KS/OH – all very good points. Anyone taking a first glance at this discussion we are having will not readily understand that these are the discussions that take place behind closed doors. These are the exact discussions that DO NEED TO OCCUR.
Educational costs, insurance and the ability to pay, transactional taxes, and getting paid for services rendered in a modern world all play roles in the makeup of the current reality. Add to that, the numerous lawsuits, frivolous and otherwise, have complicated the therapeutic provider – patient/client relationship.
We are long past the days of a Doc Baker from Little House on the Prairie. We are even long past the days of the MD I am so fond of . . . he fought his office manager (his wife and bookkeeper) in raising his office visit price from $10 to $12.50 in 1986. He even kowtowed to his malpractice insurers as he stopped providing house calls in the early 70’s and stopped compounding his own medications in the 60’s.
What he realized and made clear . . . he had to make trade-offs. In order for him to maintain his office doors open to those without access to medical care, he had to play their (the industry’s) game on his own terms. That cannot be done anymore . . . with a very few exceptions.
In the Amish and Mennonite Communities, they have a religious exemption, up to a certain point. Their practices revolve around (physical/psychological) injuries suffered in their communities. Some do offer outsiders (the English) care. One has to remember, they have a different set of circumstances, a different reality than those of us in the everyday world. They also have a real “Community.”
What Noel Hunter found out in her journey from Survivor to Psychologist, a substantiated diagnosis was necessary for insurance payment, to keep her doors open. Even though the diagnosis exists, she could still proceed down the road of her trauma focused model of care. She bent enough to industry requirements to keep helping as the MD example did earlier.
In me, you are dealing with a Gen X Realist . . .not a pragmatist or a pessimist, but a Realist. These situations, such as the DSM Model, take generations to develop and will take just as long to overcome. There is no silver bullet to fix the current DSM model based trauma, but there is a cluster bomb of individual practitioners/therapists that can make real differences in their clients lives.
I know my comments probably added nothing, but there is a way out of this state of affairs.
Fiachra – I recommend you review the term “involuntary intoxication.” As all these medications are habit forming, withdrawal symptoms are often not acknowledged. Many of the MI meds cause the symptoms they are meant to alleviate as part of their withdrawal . . . even missing or being late for one dose.
Valium and the more commonly/widely used pharma’s, this is accepted.
The FDA does not acknowledge much in the way of withdrawal symptoms of Antipsychotics/Antidepressants/Mood Stabilizers.
KS-I have always found your comments full of personal reflection and contributory understanding. It is clear you have asked many important questions of yourself and the world around you. I have done much the same over the years.
I am sure you have noticed the adage, “History Matters,” is true. I would also add to that, “Context Matters.” Whether it be personal, subjective history or the history of current events, there are lessons to be learned – in the scope of historical context.
The efficacy of Dr. Kuelker’s proposed PI Model acknowledges (one’s own) subjective history within subjective context. The current DSM/biomedical model promotes disconnection from one’s subjective contextual history as a matter of course.
The unfortunate reality . . .in order to bring “professionals” over to the new/original way of thinking, the DSM semantics must be co-opted. In doing so, the DSM definitions, within scope of the PI Model, need defined.
OH – Marxist terms are an extension of the Darwinist movement. While the masses (around the world) were dealing Thesis/Antithesis -> Synthesis dialectic between Marxist/Capitalist ->America we have today, the Corporatists laughed their way to the bank.
Corporatists (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporatism) transcend national boundaries and governments. They make a profit by marginalizing competition and maintaining barriers to the market place through complementary governmental regulations (barriers to market newcomers) and monetary policies. It is ultimately about CONTROL . . . sound familiar?
Where did it all go wrong in the US, it began with the Civil War, but the tipping point was the 17th Amendment to the US Constitution. That was the death of the “Great Compromise.” Up to that point, the States were represented at the Federal level, the US was a Representative Republic based upon Jeffersonian democratic principles. With the popular election of Senators, the US became a Representative democracy. As most know, democracy = tyranny of the majority . . . and is also referred to as socialism-lite.
OH – there is more to this, but I do not like straying too far from the article’s IMPORTANT topic. I felt the need to comply with your question because you “asked.” -Cheers : )
Rachel777 – if you are interested in free-market/libertarian economic theory, I recommend https://mises.org/ – The Mises Institute. I was turned onto them by CATO members I used to work with pre-internet. Start throwing keywords in the search, ie “mental health” or “psychiatry.”
One must not forget, all relationships are economic (in some shape/form). Those involved in the “Mental Health” system as a patient/client are defined by their DSM diagnosis for billing purposes. These PEOPLE are essentially COMMODITIZED in the perpetuation of the false DSM based system.
OH – been having disconnections with MIA, myself. I was using EDGE then I switched to another browser and worked without issue even though EDGE would still show MIA unavailable.
OH – additionally. . .when I first started down this road, I read and viewed Bruce Levine’s works. They resonated deeply. One of his book recommendations, Trauma and Madness in Mental Health Services by Noel Hunter, made a really distinct impression on me with how it directly related Trauma to the generic term Madness. I could see my loved one’s trauma history playing out in those pages.
What I have learned going down this path I have shared with my psychologist. He was very interested and comments how he was never taught any of this. Me teaching him is giving him the tools to help others. Plus, he is sharing what he learns with other therapists.
OH – My interests are my own. I understand the historical parallels and competing factors that resulted in why this false DSM model exists and continues to be perpetuated. There are competing forces, not always clearly understood as most individuals, while highly knowledgeable, are most knowledgeable in specific subjects. I have broad exposure to many different areas of interest (Medical, economics, politics, culture, psychology, technology). Part of my investigative spirit is to not take what has been given to me at face value . . . every action a reaction, every crisis a cause.
Then you ask yourself, how did all this happen? Now multiply that by the learning over a lifetime with broad exposure since 5 years old.
I am the loved one . . .who never questioned my partners diagnosis and in doing so, allowed her to be damn’d. It wasn’t until she ended up in jail, a member of the psyche staff explained to me how she clearly was suffering from PTSD/CPTSD. Add to the medical component of 3 generations in her family that could not sleep without medication/alcohol. Putting these together proved to me that I had let her down even though she herself never questioned her own diagnosis.
Does that help clarify my motivations?
Dr. Kuelker – Many Thanks for compiling your work/research into this model. There is no doubt this is the correct forum as you have access to many that have suffered at the hands of the trauma inducing conventional DSM-based “Psychiatric” model.
What you present was used by MD’s pre-DSM and during the early years of the AMA. Doctors then had much better understanding totality of care. . . . what broke everything? Employer supplied medical insurance, post WWII.
Historically, the Trauma model was the original model. Jean-Martin Charcot pioneered this but due but his methods for recovering traumatic events (hypnosis), he was marginalized. Right along with his hypnosis method went the model of the root of “hysteria,” trauma. Although Freud added much, his culturally acceptable inclinations (women traumatized wanting to be traumatized) fit right in with the social climate. This further distanced the cultural acceptance of trauma caused “hysteria.”
I recommend a whole sub-section to Trauma in Adulthood as Psychological Injury. This would be the numerous traumas (physical, psychological, pharmaceutical) inflicted upon those involved in the Current Psychological Model.
There should also be a reasonable discovery of contributory medical conditions . . . such as sleep disorders. As many in this forum know, sleep is essential to stability and dealing with the trauma and behavioral adaptation, initiated anxiety.
On a lesser note, those who care most about these individuals. We are helpless to do little more than listen to our loved ones and when they get hospitalized, we are absolutely helpless. When our loved ones are discharged, we are left to deal with our loved one’s most current round of traumatic events. Although this is clearly indirect, in those of us that truly care, our lives revolve around our loved one’s subjective reality.
KS-it is rare that I find myself in polite disagreement with you, but this is a case when informing is constructive. Capitalism is not the only “for profit” economic model. In the US, we are led to believe that we are a capitalist country based upon “the ‘pursuit’ of happiness.” There has long been barriers to entering the market place, and these barriers are maintained by the collective interests.
This “for profit” model is called Corporatism. . .the corporatists determine who can take part in a the market place as well as put barriers in place to prevent competition. Review the wiki page on Corporatism, please.
A pop culture example . . . The Simpsons. . .when Homer had a back ache and he fell over his trash can and rolled, his back was fixed. He started helping others fix their backs with his trash can. One night, the Chiropractors show up . . and beat his trashcan with their plastic spinal columns. Killing their competition.
Chiropractors and other body-workers had long been marginalized and maligned by conventional medicine. It was not until they kowtowed to Insurance companies and their requirements (move away from patient centered to protocol centered), that they gained current medical establishment acceptance.
Once you understand Corporatism, especially Neo-Corporatism, American history since the Civil War will take on new meaning. There are direct correlations to “Mental Health” establishment.
KS- keep sharing! Your insights and experience are invaluable to all here!
KS, as usual, I agree with your observation. Having a background in Organizational Theory and Public Policy Formulation, I see Organizational Illness everywhere I enter.
The thing about Organizational Culture such as the Mental Health Establishment. The Culture does not change when constantly reinforced and supported. It needs a major impetus to change course.
In and ideal world, prison emphasizing “rehabilitation” would be the goal of incarceration. I am pretty sure the US Supreme Court ruled in the 80’s or 90’s that prison is not rehabilitation nor is rehabilitation required, but confinement is the goal of imprisonment . . . in other words, Protect Public Safety. There are very real parallels between commitment and incarceration.
As far as I am concerned, there are certain areas in the modern world that a profit motive should be irrelevant. Two areas are Prison and Jails and public heatlh. Now, I know this is not realistic in our current climate, or even probable, but the profit motive overshadows their missions.
I will skip the public health portion, but Jails and Prisons find ways to further destitute both Inmates and Inmates’ families. Having to purchase a calling card at exhorbitant rates per minute, being fed only twice a day a meal of two pieces of white bread with balogna and a piece of factory yellow cake . .
. all but forcing inmates to either purchase food and sundries out of commissary or have their families do it on their behalf. If you have to visit the staff doctor, you are billed for that too. And this is in the Public Penal system.
I could go into more, but that is another topic for another story. Many days, I wish we lived in the time of StarTrek TNG, where “the economics of the future are very different.” Until then, we must actively stay out of these systems/economies of Marginalization.
Unfortunately, my loved one is stuck in the forensic mental health system receiving nothing but more anxiety and trauma. I am trying to be there for her, but I have never been a talkative type. Add to that, the system itself is criminal in its operation, and I really have nothing to tell her.
For most of my life, I had a great MD available to me. He got board certified in the late 1920’s with a Psychiatric specialization. When he turned 40, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He learned much from his experiences. His primary tasks was treating “Shell Shock” victims, what is now called PTSD.
His stories . .. were incredible. What he taught me about Shell Shock victims, his protocol. Sleep, sleep for at least 24 hours initially, eat healthy. Once Sleep was maintained, talk to the patients. After the patients had slept long enough, they could verbalize what they were reliving. The more safe the patients felt, he would proceed to teach them how to remember the traumatic events, not relive. He never put a time limit on his protocol, but he was always successful. He was so successful, many of those he treated on the European Front moved to Cincinnati after the war to be his patient, have access to him.
He carried his love of people, his psychiatric tact, over into his everyday MD practice. He would always have the patients write him a letter how they were feeling and what they were dealing with previous to examination. This was part of the patient’s history, which is long lost nowadays. Additionally, he recognized the necessity of supportive relationships. When he was not working in his office or doing house calls, he would do his Rounds . .. everyday, including ALL HOLIDAYS.
There is a motto that we no longer take seriously, yet was the cornerstone of his treatment methodology, “sleep on it, sleep well, don’t sleep too much or too little, you will feel better in the morning.”
Very few psychiatric hospitalizations emphasize sleep as a part of a maintenance program. Quite to the contrary, their practices deprive those needing sleep in order to recover from crisis.
I have way too many stories . . . I am sick of what I have done in hopes of saving both of us from worse. Now, she’s in worse, but not worst of all, yet.
I have been told to write a book about my experiences. My nature is to observe, confirm observation, quantify data (if possible), assess aberrations for validity, form a conclusion.
I may take the Bruce Levine method . . . write a few articles, integrate into a larger publishing. I have already begun that.
The issue with me is, as the “Mental Health Professionals” always say, “are you a licensed mental health professional?” No. . .have your reviewed your licensed ethical obligations in the last year?
The_cat. . . whether it was an experiment or it was not, I think Abrianna’s posting was a reminder to all of us what I consider our role in participating. We are here for Support, Comradery, Information and an Outlet. That is what MIA offers me.
As a caregiver, I to have failed my loved one in believing the Mental Health Establishment had answers. In both her and my lives, they have only created more problems. It wasn’t until she ended up in jail that one of the staff psyche staff notified me how much he could see trauma in her condition. This coming from a mental health professional having worked 20 years at the VA. Add to that, a genetic sleep disorder . . . amplified by her anxiety, medication not doing the one thing it was supposed to do, make her sleep. Boom, you have trauma creating anxiety creating sleep deprivation and the mania and psychosis.
What I am trying to say, I, and her family, were painfully misguided intensely amplifying her trauma. My positions evolved the more stories I read on MIA. I NOW have a better grasp on many of the “mental health” issues and the failings of the Established Practices in Hospital and Statutory Policies. This is a direct result of my involvement here.
I was told a long time ago by a very good MD that had a secondary specialization in psychiatry (ca. 1930’s).
“If you cannot say something nice, say something constructive.”
The_cat . . thank you for bringing that to our collective attention. It is a must read for anyone that has had or witnessed multiple hospitalizations. The observations are consistent with mine.
What is worse, they sent her home on those medications. Put her straight into the donut hole and $700 out of pocket. She never slept for more than 3 hours while hospitalized for that 3 weeks. When she came home, she could not sleep at all. Three days passed with delusions and night terrors and she tried to re-admit herself. The facility and the ER would not take her knowing the situation. The next day after the ER rejected her, she was pink-slipped by a Crisis Care Nurse that came to the home.
The facility put her back on her original medication and made sure she got sleep 10 hours 3 days in a row. . . as they were originally told would work, upon previous admission. She was then fine. They still kept her for another week as they though she was lying. That’s one thing she never does. . . LIE.
BTW . . .I had to provide the Hospital her regular medication as they did not have it in stock.
The author’s observations are consistent with my observations. I am not a survivor and luckily never found a need for inpatient “mental health” services, but I am one of those reformed caregivers that came to realizations too late for my loved one. She is now stuck in the Forensic Mental Health system.
Those policies and procedures you read and signed off on . . . exist for one reason only. They are required for Joint Commission Certification (JC). . . so the facility can get paid for the “services” they provide Medicaid/Medicare patients. The JC requires a policy/procedure for everything, but they don’t require enforcement of those policies/procedures. The policies/procedures only get enforce when it benefits the facility/staff in some way.
I have seen the author’s observations in numerous Facilities in my state and numerous others as My Loved One has been committed in Many. Over the years, they always said she had never been properly medicated . . . The actuality is, she had never been properly diagnosed. They use the “never properly medicated” justification for taking her off the medication she had been on for over a decade, cold-turkey, and put her on their PROTOCOL for the diagnosis of her condition.
The thing about medication PROTOCOLS, when it comes to Psychiatric incarcerations/rehabilitations, the protocols for the same DSM diagnosis vary greatly among providers . . . based upon a multitude of factors. What I have observed, and questioned, emphasized usage of current name brands, numerous overmedicating, denying of original generic meds, . . .after having questioned several different administrators why medication protocols are done the way they are, medication availability are generally determined somewhere else and that generics are almost never used. There is minimal percentage profitability in the usage.
To your question, “are these places recreating the illnesses they purport to treat?” Yes. . . and more. The meds used have a host of side-effects. Instant removal from long-term use often creates the symptomatic behaviors the meds are purported to address. This is not a relapse, but a withdrawal symptom.
One cannot ever forget the TRAUMA angle of the psychiatric experience. Being strip searched and examined by unknown persons is highly traumatic. As many now know, most behavioral/mental health crises find their roots in the subjective traumatic experiences of the individual. Medication cannot deal with these issues, but TRAUMA in its generic sense, is cumulative.
The issue is, as DSM diagnosis operate by treating symptomatic behavior(s), they are by definition treating symptoms. Once an individual receives a DSM diagnosis during/post crisis and the associated medications, they have entered the Circularity of the flawed mental health biomedical model. As the Treatment is symptom based, there is never an actual Medical or Subjective Personal experience, rule-out cause sought. That is left up to the individual.
I very much appreciate the Author’s experiences and observations. Her reports of patients and staff being totally abusive is the standard, not the exception.
As for the Author’s use of DSM labels . . .it appears she has not came to the same conclusion many of us have, they are not scientifically valid or even near reliable. The history of psychiatry has been used to marginalize, stereo-type, criminalize and commoditize, suffering individuals. Remove the “Disorder” from Personality Disorder and you get “Personality.” Personality is developed over a lifetime’s worth of experiences and is HIGHLY subjective.
The reaction to life experiences, especially trauma related ones, work out in multitude of ways. For those without access to quality support systems, you will see much more substance abuse and visibly culturally “deviant” behaviors. These are those who have never had or failed to find adequate coping mechanisms.
I cannot overstate enough how one’s traumatic lifetime’s worth of events plays out in one’s physical being, day to day. The thing about trauma, it can be physical, emotional, spiritual, real or perceived, single-event or long-term (not all inclusive). . . Many of us experience severe anxiety, and associated sleeplessness (or declining quality of sleep). That declining quality of sleep leads to sleep deprivation and that is often presents as mania/paranoia/psychosis . . . or DSM Bipolar in many cases and Schizophrenic in others. Here’s where the self-medication comes in . . . many self-medicate to reduce the anxiety, and to sleep. This leads to the abuse of drugs.
The anger you are feeling is from those of us that have found the DSM, not only lacking in help, but CRIMINAL in its use. Many times, those suffering from trauma related issues, or depression or a host of other real-life conditions, first interaction with the Mental health system is a DSM “substantiated diagnosis” and the dangerous psychiatric medications. These are Psychiatric Diagnoses, not Medical Diagnoses. Actually, when one is labeled mentally ill of any sort, there is almost always never a Medical Rule-out. The medications, as you have realized, have a host of other related side-effects, which is often why many “psychiatric patients” end up on numerous medications. . . one medication for the original diagnosis, other medications due to the side-effects of the original medication . . . pharmaceutical HELL.
In your reporting, I do see a level of Spiritual conflict. There is something there, but as your experiences are YOURS I can go no further. What I can recommend, find someone good in leading you into your own life’s experiences with your own trauma. It is obvious that it’s there.
Now that you are married, make sure your husband is well aware of what is going on with you, what you are feeling. Make sure there is a game plan if you find yourself in crisis. Make sure you have a way to sleep, really sleep, when you cannot.
You may have to do your own medical rule-out . . 23 and me health edition would be a good place to start. Even though their genetic markers often associate DSM diagnoses, these genetic markers are MEDICAL conditions, not psychiatric. Quite to the contrary, DSM co-opted several overlapping medical conditions so they can say these DSM diagnosis are medical.
Learn how to REMEMBER events, not RELIVE. Reliving events involves both remembering the event along with the emotional turmoil associated. Just remembering the event removes much of the emotional/physical bodily reaction and associated anxiety. No, this is by no means, easy. It IS NECESSARY.
Once you have a valid Medical Diagnosis, work with your Psychiatrist to remove your DSM diagnosis. You are young and more than likely will want children. The unfortunately real situation is, if you have children while being diagnosed as Bipolar or Schizophrenic, a Social Worker will meet with you to determine whether you are a “fit” mother. While a person with a substantiated DSM diagnosis is profitable to these systems, they are even more profitable if they have young children.
I could be wrong, but I have found experience is the best teacher. Second best, those that have experienced it. . . .much of what you find in this Forum.
Anja, thank you so much for revealing your experiences. A close friend of mine has had similar experiences as you. She did not have suicidal tendencies, but the rest of your experiences, and your recounting of your psychosis, as well as your hospitalizations, hit very close to home.
Emergency Rooms won’t do Voluntary Commitment in my experience. My loved one had been put on a cocktail that had only bad effects on her already troubled state. We tried to get her back into the facility to correct through the ER. They denied her on several occasions over the years. The only way to get her into a facility is to go Involuntarily. Additionally, if you have ever called a crisis-care agency, you may here “call 911, now.” I have NEVER heard them say, get to the ER. Once you call 911, that is Involuntary Commitment.
As for the Mental Health System. . . a joke. It is also criminal in the sense that those seeking help and caregivers will look for help and the Mental Health professionals are supposed to have answers. Their answers, more medications that contribute to the reasons for commitment in the first place. It is rare that there is ever a medical rule-out when it comes to a DSM related Psychiatric, not medical, Diagnosis.
There is an ever mounting pile of research that “mental health” conditions are directly related to Traumatic events. These events can be of an acute nature, spiritual, prolonged and/or imagined. One must remember, it’s not that it actually happened. It is important that the individual perceived it happening and was unable to Cope, leaving the trauma unresolved. The unresolved hopelessness often manifests itself in Anxiety (fight or flee), leading to an inability to sleep and psychosis and/or mania.. . sound familiar?
I DO NOT promote stop taking your prescribed medication. The psychiatric medications have numerous side-effects, especially as your body withdraws. That’s when the side-effects pronounce the most. What I have researched to be a more commonsense approach to a situation such as yours, finding a good therapist that understands Trauma and can define real-world coping skills.
Of equal importance, a more routine lifestyle. Make time for sleep, keep track so you know when it’s too little. Make time for exercise . . .even walking will do. Get your heart rate up, your blood flowing. If you do stop taking medication, make sure you are under the care of a regular MD at the time that knows what you are suffering with. There are protocols for weening off psychiatric medications, although Psyche staffs don’t practice this. They cold turkey patients to solidify their conclusions that a patient “needs” the medications.
For Caregivers: I love a woman who has been hospitalized many times. She has never gone off her medication. She has followed all Psychiatric recommendations. Someone with little or no knowledge about the Mental/Behavioral health field would say she has not be medicated correctly. A psyche doctor would say she is “extremely ill.” The real world truth is that the system is INCAPABLE of providing the answers. . . anecdotal experiences of those suffering from crippling issues such as in this article, are the examples of the failures of the System. A system that us Caregivers unwittingly give credence to as they are Doctors.
One must remember that Doctors do not have the answers. Yes, they are needed in acute situations such as a broken leg or appendicitis, but for more chronic conditions, complimentary alternatives tend to be more successful. I am not a doctor, but this is my personal experience. I would consider those suffering from the issues described in the article as more chronic in nature. The truth is, answer lies within (addressing unresolved trauma), barring an actual medical reason, such as a diagnosed sleep disorder.
I hope my observations help someone. You are not alone on this path, you just need the correct guidance.
furies – I can offer you what I was told years ago and continue to practice. Exercise, Nature, Nutrition and Using your imagination. . . A good sweat once or twice a week, or, just cleaning. Walking, short strides while swinging your arms, getting your heart rate up and keeping it up for 20 minutes several times a week. This doubles as a way to clear your mind from distractions (it does in my case). Nature . . . you need exposure to sunlight and the natural world. If a park is nearby, especially one with trails, walk through and stop and listen to the leaves. Nutrition – watch out for corn syrup products and high sodium. Corn syrup is in many items, but by reading the labels, you can avoid much. The same goes for sodium. If you read a label and it has a lot of sodium, but salt is not listed, chances are the sodium is coming from MSG (avoid it). Reduce Television time and read a book. Libraries are full of decent novels that can expand your imagination well beyond what a television show offers. Additionally, it promotes more positive stimulation and you can carry it with you. THEN there is SLEEP. Adequate quantity/quality of sleep is the key equalizer in the average persons’ brain chemistry. I am sure you have heard, “sleep on it, you’ll feel better in the morning?” This is largely true.
One must realize the usage of the DSM. Diagnosing a “psychiatric,” a fictitious, disorder is not used to “treat.” The diagnosis is used to get PAID for “treating.” It can be called fictitious because, unlike medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes, there are no medical tests to confirm/deny existence of “psychiatric” disorders. The General medical ruleout provisions and substance use (including psyche drugs) and general medical ruleout conditions in the DSM (previous to DSM 5), are not followed or simply involve a single blood test.
I knew several psychiatrists that often referred to DSM standing for, Diagnosing Something for Money.
Additionally, they rarely if ever taper . . . that’s where the consistent phrasing comes in “the Illness reasserting itself,” appears. That illness is the withdrawal symptoms of psyche drugs.
I know this is a off-topic, but one cannot forget that there is a direct linkage between “psyche drugs” and the increased likelihood of violence.
This article references the literature review here.
I just wish they would revisit the literature review and update it with current stats. That is if the data is even being kept anymore for the basis of the review. . .
Just remember, the instances reported are far fewer than the actual instances occurred.
Elizabeth – Question about how you originally got involved “psychiatrically.” The issues you were dealing with as a teen, were you first seen by your MD, then referred to a Psychiatrist? Did find your root causes of the way you felt then? . . leading to the psychiatric drug madness?
I am well aware how “conventional” medicine has moved away from wellness. The only place I have for conventional medicine are issues involving the Emergency Room. . . for example, deep lacerations or a broken limb. Complementary Medicine is where you go to get healing. The unfortunate issue is that Complementary (aka Alternative) medicine is almost always out of pocket and can seem extremely expensive for those who always used insurance.
What most don’t know, complementary practitioners are looking for different markers in their bloodwork . . . often times their tests are so expansive, they can tell you the last time you had asian food. The good practitioners look at the Mind-Body connection from a different viewpoint. As such, they have a better understanding of the many interactions in the human body that correlate to exposures to toxins and prolonged stress and their interrelation along with their physicial/medical pronouncement. Good complementary practitioners are hard to find, but they are everywhere.
Rachel777 – thank goodness your Father came around. I have never had any of my family actually turn on me. They just have always called me “depressed” and rarely happy. This is relatively true. I pulled an older brother of mine to the side and started to explain some things I know that the general public did not. He always assumed there was a darker than dark side to government and politics, but I confirmed it for him. I gave him eight specific points which I witnessed and was told never to tell anyone . . . of course, I posed the “hypothetical” to him. His answer was the same as mine. BOOM. . . “now imagine if what I told you (my brother) was completely true?”
I never went through the trauma of hospitalizations and torture way so many have and currently do . . . being dismissed by 7 of your 8 siblings makes one feel disconnected. If I had no healthy outlets for my coping mechanisms, I could really have seen me going off the deep end. It took years, but they started to realize how right I was about a great many things. . . just years before the events actually occurred.
Does anyone remember the phrase, “Going Postal?” Workplace violence was due to workplace stress. There is a greater, more far reaching answer to what we see today. It is the loss of true COMMUNITY.
I have lived in the suburbs of Dayton for most of my years. As such, I have seen how neighborhoods, and families have changed over time. When I was young, in the 80’s, in my neighborhood, every neighbor knew everyone’s children in the neighborhood. Over time, this changed with the aging populations. The children and families grew up servicing the senior members in the neighborhood. Many of the local teens would take turns mowing grass, shoveling snow, for those that could not themselves. It was what we did.
Jump forward 20 years. I am still living in a suburb of Dayton. Being a homeowner, and not enough time to maintain my lawn, I was hoping to find a neighborhood teen interested in doing the job. Nope, none could be found. Even if I found them, their work ethic was that of someone with no attention span.
Losing COMMUNITY means losing an ability to find support of your neighbors and church goers. This is where the “mental health” industry steps in . . . they diagnose you to “support” you.
When you turn to family members, you find out that they might have the time to talk . . . but they have their own lives struggles they are dealing with. That builds the divide even between brother to brother, brother to sister. Even if you had a normal familial relationship, being dismissed by family when asking for help is the biggest insult.
There are a great many other reasons that events like the Dayton shooting occur, but these are overlooked. The rampant consumer culture, the de-evolution of social skills, the diagnosing of childhood as “mental illness”. . .
Let us also not forget, a great many of law enforcement are taking “psychiatric” drugs. I know of a half-dozen right off-hand. They take the drugs, but none of them will take part in talk therapy.
Take a look here in the State of Ohio.
“Mental illnesses and substance use disorders are biologically based brain disorders.”
If you look further, you will see much touted about Trauma Informed Care. You will also see much when it comes to RECOVERY. The more you look, they are all over the place, but all about pushing DSM V thinking . . . And another medical condition
They DO NOT practice Trauma Informed Care . . . unless your understanding of the term is Informing your Staff how to create Trauma, and call it “Care.”
We are actively denied ACCURATE INFORMATION as we DO NOT control the Narrative . . . the more you travel down this rabbit hole, the more disgusting it becomes . . . I, too, have been looking for answers and what I have found leads to truth from the absence of facts. Ask a few “mental health workers” the same question over the span of several months and get a different answer. Additionally, “Mental Health Workers” control the documentation, and therefore, the TRUTH. The TRUTH, more often than not, is made a NEGATIVE as a result . . . unable to be proven.
When it comes to Psychiatric “diagnosis/labeling” the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual (DSM) is the source used for “MENTAL HEALTH” Common Language. The “disorders” and “syndromes” listed have NO proven medical causes as the DSM describes “behaviors,” not verifiable, testable, medical conditions.
How the DSM is used . . . “Common Language”
“Diagnosing/Labeling” aberrant behaviors actively denies human suffering for the reason(s) of Billing
“Diagnosing/Labeling” for the reason(s) of “Treatment,” a catchall word that really has no meaning beyond prescribing “Psychiatric Drugs”. . .
“Diagnosing/Labeling” for the public, law enforcement, churches, and a host of others, to use in describing the cause of an individual’s behavior(s).
Many states’ laws list “DSM Diagnosis” or reference the DSM when it comes to Criminal Competency
Many states’ laws also differentiate between “physical” (medical) and “psychiatric” certainty
Sudden stoppage of psychiatric drugs (a common practice) is the “illness reasserting itself” . . . when it is actually withdrawal symptoms
“Psychiatric medication(s)” are actually “Psychiatric Drugs.” A vast majority has a street name/value and they don’t treat a medically confirmed illness/disease.
Even the “DSM AUTHORS” changed their own language. Previous to DSM V, a Differential Diagnosis Rule Out needed to be performed . . . or a Differential and Substance Use Rule Out (either very rarely occurs) . This was to rule out real MEDICAL CONDITIONS previous to “Psychiatric Diagnosis/Labeling.” DSM V, did away with the Differential Rule Out and replaced it with the wording when applying its Labels, “and another Medical Condition.”
And . . . why a “Corporation/Industry?” The DSM usage and associated Common Language is used in almost, if not, all of Western Culture. It is not just the USA and Canada. The usage transcends state/national/international boundaries, just like a CORPORATION.
Internally, within the “Psychiatric/Mental Health Industry/Corporation,” the DSM is referred to as Diagnose Something for Money.
Why is COMMON LANGUAGE so important? Language is the root of all human/business communication. The one that controls the language CONTROLS. For a clearer example of this, compare the “Psychiatric” establishment to the Legal Profession. Each control access to their venues through their corporate specific languages.
Now, how do we differentiate between the DSM Common Language and Reality? Change the motivation.
There is much that can be learned from the Psychological Injury Model reported on MIA. Just remember, TRAUMA comes in all different forms and is a completely subjective experience. The behavior(s) stemming from this TRAUMA are what “Psychiatric Labels” monetize. As such, once “Diagnosed/labeled” and drugged, there rarely exists an effort to get to the ROOT CAUSE(S).
Dr. Kelmenson – I have been working with those forensically committed. When it comes to psychiatric “labels,” there is a more monetized approach in the States. The label identifies a flesh and blood human being as being a commodity. If the one labeled has children, the one labeled increases in worth. The children are worth $$$ to CPS. If one has private insurance they are have more worth than one that has no insurance. One who is on Medicare is worth more as a commodity than one that is on Medicaid.
There are overlapping systems in place to take advantage of a Labeled human being’s commodity worth. Criminal Justice, aka Penal, system involvement increases a labeled human being’s worth. The legal charges determine the human beings worth to the interlocking system(s). Once forensically committed, the commitment facility further identifies a labeled human being’s worth to them through their “diagnostic” practices and the nature of the Penal Charges. At best, this only incentivizes providing “custodial care,” as compared to “therapeutic care.”
What forensic commitment truly incentivizes . . . the Revolving Door Syndrome associated with psychiatric labels. On paper, commitment facilities practice the legal requirements of forensic commitment. In reality, they only do enough to not get caught in their own malpractice. Even when caught, they control the labeled human being’s narrative. They negate the truth of the situation to a NEGATIVE.
These forensic commitment facilities take advantage of Courts unwillingness to question the activities taking place inside their walls. That is if, the Courts don’t already have word of mouth deals with these facilities.
The purpose of commitment expirations . . . are to enable commitment facilities to budget for their receipt of funds based upon the human being’s legal charges.
There is much more to this . . . but getting away from the topic at hand. One just has to remember, in Western Culture, every human being has been commoditized. Some human beings are worth more to the various systems . . .the psychiatric labeled, especially the forensic, the easiest to show this connection.
Middle-Ground(ers). . . reminds me of working on Political Campaigns in the 90’s. The unspoken rule for running for partisan political office, the 40-40-20 rule, was always pervasive and prevalent. The rule essentially means, 40% of voters vote one way, 40% vote the other . . . the battle is for the 20% of issue/independent oriented votes, the middle-grounders.
I only wish the 40-40-20 rule applied to the “anti-psychiatry” issue. The unfortunate reality is this issue is the 95-5 Rule. . . 95% take the status quo lock stock and barrel, while the other 5% fight to enlighten. There is negligible middle-ground. This can be directly linked back to Dr. Levine’s Authoritarian Paradigm and the Authority given up to Psychiatrists because they are Doctors as well as the deep integration into the Legal System.
“there aren’t many good days, and good days are essentially unheard of if you are: poor, working class, stigmatized, low status, disabled, too old, too intelligent, ask too many questions, question authority, refuse ‘meds,’ terminate ‘treatment,’ have limited insurance, have medicaid, are uninsured, even if one is too ‘middle class’ to benefit from the wisdom of the guru/therapist/whatever.”
Hit the nail on the head . . . at every point. . . .
SOMEONE ELSE – Keep sharing!
“the theorized “you have bad genetics” DSM disorders, who was not given any “genetic” testing, which is available today”
– Be very careful when mentioning the easily accessible/inexpensive genetic testing available today. What you are referring to are the “General Medical Conditions” that are supposed to be RULED OUT before making a Psychiatric “diagnosis.”
Many of those genetically verifiable medical conditions were co-opted under new names in the DSV V. This was to allow them to change the GMC Rule Out Protocol.
Nonetheless, those medical conditions, in addition to Trauma-Experienced/Caused Anxiety and say, the medical condition(s) of sleep deprivation, can result in psychosis, mania and paranoia. Then you could add the “Substance Use” (psychiatric pharma) and “general medical conditions” which were to be RULED OUT before “Substantiating” a Psychiatric “Diagnosis”. . .
I have never seen the RULE OUT Protocol practiced in my loved one’s “SUBSTANTIATED PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS.” Quite to the contrary, there has only been a “PERPETUATED PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS.”
Dr. Hunter – Thank you for your book! After I purchased it and read it, I have been sharing with those “in the field.” Those “professionals” have started to question what they have been taught all these years and taken a different approach to their patients’ care. Too much sense was made in your book for it not to be taken seriously.
Has anyone ever studied the Suicide Rate of Patients under a specific specialist doctor’s care? I am sure the rate of General Practice doctors (those we all see at one time or another) is much lower than that of Psychiatrists.
Generally, many uninformed individuals would come to the reasonable result that is due to the nature of the patients seen.
Informed individuals would realize that is the result of unethical methodology, harmful meds and an unwillingness to acknowledge individual patients’ suffering and coping adaptations.
KS – I generally agree with your assessment of HIPAA. As a former HIPAA Auditor, I am well aware of the efforts to maintain compliance for compliance’s sake.
The important takeaway in the HIPAA Case I noticed, under #3, ” [the patient] has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted”
All civil actions require harm to have occurred and that harm be traceable back to the action(s), or inaction(s) mentioned in the complaint. That is not the situation in the displayed case.
Now, let’s switch over to a HIPAA violation that is real, but not quantifiable. In Long-term commitment scenario’s, many times a patient’s psychologist will confer with other staff psychologists about said patient. Carry this over into what happens inside these places, a patient REPUTATION gets created. As many psychologists in these places are in charge of group interventions, they deny access to the interventions to said patient based upon REPUTATION. . . even though interventions are considered “treatment.”
Of course, the patient’s staff psychologist never gets permission from the patient to talk about said patient. This REPUTATIONAL harm is directly acknowledged by HIPAA, but rarely executed Civilly.
THIS SHARING OF INFORMATION is A KNOWN AND ACCEPTED requirement in Private Practice Psychologist.
KS – as usual, you are spot on. Especially in reference to this quote,
“I’m rapidly coming to the point of thinking that if you don’t sound like a conspiracy theorist, you don’t truly understand how deep these problems really go.”
I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I do follow historical facts. When called a tin-foiled hat wearer, you know you are on the right track. This is the method of those in power to detract and MARGINALIZE the messenger, the message.
We can look back at history, more specifically the Fluoridation of the water supply. Yes, it did increase the quality of dental health, but at what long-term costs? Micro-doses of Fluoride, a neuro-toxin, over the span of decades, along with longer life expectancies, introduced Alzheimer’s/Dementia on a scale never before seen. The genetic vulnerability was passed along to the next generations . . . and when in the 80’s, there was a major study going on about this topic, it disappeared. One of the main reasons it disappeared? No data taken relevant to the hypothesis. . . especially over the long-term.
The MD I often refer to, had collected the data as he had patients that spanned 4 generations within families. He was well aware of the causal link. This predates HIPAA and he collected his data for me at the time to correlate for a college project. This was the era previous to genetic disposition as a contributory factor, but denying that, skewed the data and its results.
I used this personal project to cover all that I had learned in my 21 credit hours that semester. Defining methodology, using statistics, variability, along with a number of sound methods. Each was able to be applied to my coursework. So much so, that two of my professors submitted for review and publication in very different fields. I was later notified by both of them it was published, but they could not tell me by who or in what publication.
Jump forward a decade. I ran into one of those professors with his adult children at a Starbucks. He recognized me right away to his children’s amazement. He had started down the road of Alzheimer’s some years before. His long-term memory reminded him of the only undergrad student of his to be published. When I asked him the publication (I was never notified), he responded, the Journal of the Coverup.
Has anyone seen the Queen Latifah Cigna commercial? It’s titled “Body and Mind.” Talk to your doctor about how you “feel, physically and emotionally”
Additionally, a new medication commercial about Tardive Dyskinesia . . . The actress even says she’s bipolar and DON’T STOP taking your BP meds. . . even though, the serious side-effect, TD, is present.
What is left unsaid, TD is a Central Nervous System condition, that’s pharmaceutically induced. So take another pill.
Dr. Levine – I highly approve your book also. I do have reading recommendations and I left them in my Amazon recommendation. Your insight not only in your books, but your lectures and all your writings have inspired me to be here at MIA. I would love to buy you a cup of coffee sometime as I am only about 40 minutes away and am in your area regularly. I would like to discuss an opportunity that may benefit MANY. Your experiences and abilities in the spoken and written form could help correct a societal evil off exit 9.
TMcLeod – I applaud your efforts in trying to put what has taken place in the medical industry in perspective. I do have a little insight to share that might make your linkages go from anecdotal, to factually based.
Number 1 – Universal Commercial Code – that is the “legal” basis for all that has taken place. It is recognized by the Federal Government and most state governments. That portion of code actually renders our Constitutional Rights useless.
Number 2 – ICD Coding .. .Essentially “International” Insurance Coding – When referring to the Medical/Psychiatric systems, it is not just in the US, but Most of Western Civilization.
Number 3 – this is the hardest one to grasp initially, but ends up putting it all in perspective. CORPORATISM
Capitalism is not the only “for profit” economic model. Corporatism is one also and has been alive in one way or another for 100’s of years.
If you think more in terms of Guilds . . . Barristers (BAR), Masons, Bankers, Doctors (AMA), Psychiatrists (APA) . . . essentially a trade of sorts that requires levels of approved achievement before allowing full entry. Review wikipedia for a gloss-over on Corporatism, especially Neo-Corporatism.
If one reviews the history of powerful families and interests (US and abroad) and the way they maintained power, and wealth, it becomes clear. . . governments serve them and their interests. This is why you see all the immunities given away for corrupt corporate behaviors. These families and corporations outlive politicians and even at that, politicians aren’t their real target.
The Judiciary on both the Federal and State levels are the targets in the US. It has been long known, at the State level where many Judges are elected, they are the targets for lobbying groups. There are relatively few judges up for election, yet their are often over a 100 elected officials in each State’s House and Senate. It is considerably cheaper to buy a judges bench.
Besides that, the Judges interpret the law . . .who can bring suit . . . who goes to Jail . . . who gets Committed. They become the gatekeepers . . . forcing the LAW now to be similar to a Corporatist Economy. Whereas a Corporatist economic model puts up substantial barriers before entering the marketplace. . . Sound familiar? . . .the only way to enter the marketplace is to create your own niche. The Judges are the barriers to the exercise our redress of grievances.
Dr. Kelmenson – “MIA’s approach isn’t working.” If it was not, I would not be here. What MIA has offered me and many others is a community where we had none. This is one of the main foundations of healing/belonging to a greater community, a greater “common” collective. The stories and information shared allow us to become greater than if we were alone in the struggle for answers.
As for why Psychiatry and its sham messaging has so infiltrated society, do a ROOT CAUSE Analysis and you’ll begin to understand, it is a multifaceted problem. Additionally, Psychiatry offers “easy” answers to the latest school shooting. . . .
Remember, there are two equally valid points to take into consideration when doing the analysis, the Objective and the Subjective. When doing the analysis, you will also realize, Psychiatry’s grip began generations ago. As such, the grasp won’t let go easily as there are many with much to lose. And, it will take time for the grip to loosen . . . even generations.
Steve McCrea- does MIA have a Mission Statement? If it does, I would really like to know what MIA identifies as its primary Mission. As far as I am concerned, the community aspect, with all the experience and sharing, has done much for myself and the therapeutic professionals I have turned onto MIA.
Rachel777 – these “side-effects” from standard care have a legal definition. . . it’s called “involuntary intoxication.” Take medication(s) as prescribed and suffer the side-effects of those meds. All the psychiatric pharmaceuticals cause this state. Prolonged usage many times permanently alters bodily functions of the liver (body detoxifier) and the Central Nervous System.
Much the way the FDA does not recognize withdrawal symptoms of psychiatric medications, they also do not readily recognize the side-effects when they pronounce.
Simple generic answer to the question you pose . . .TIME. Not enough hours in the day. No way to get it back once it’s gone, there just went 10 more seconds.
Modern Society has forced us to cope with intended/planned societal selfishness. Those that don’t really take part, find themselves picking up the slack for those that do. Others are just caught in between. . . stress builds and NO TIME TO DECOMPRESS. So they turn to the pharmacy . . . or the liquor cabinet.
Steve – unfortunately, I was one of those defensive degreed idiots. When I finally questioned the authenticity of their conclusions with my and my loved one’s personal experiences with biomedical model, it was too late.
What I have learned from those at MIA and others, only survivors, a select few professionals and even fewer loved ones, question what they don’t understand and what SOCIETY says is acceptable.
The reason why this system is going to be hard to crack. . . too many with too much to lose. There are so many $$$/power interests in this field, breaking one part of the SYSTEM does little to break the others. Remember, every state and most countries have forced commitment laws. This laws have developed over centuries. The lawyers won’t let the SYSTEM break as they are fed by it, also.
Dr. Gøtzsche – The institutionalizing of “group think” is alive and well everywhere, in every sector. This is all too common in the US and especially in NAMI Chapters in my state. Their funding sources were substantially increased through my states department of mental health. With this funding, they attained a level of “legitimacy.” It is similar to the post 9/11 catch phrase, “you must Unionize to Professionalize,” when it came to TSA security at airports.
As with all subsidies, there are strings attached. They have taken the state’s party line of every question of inquiry. They stopped advocating therapeutic treatment (or even defining it). One can even find clearly conflicted members on several chapter’s board membership. There are good people still present, but their efforts have been marginalized by the change of direction.
I have experienced many similar situations to yours in my line of Private Sector Regulatory Work. Too many times has my input been disregarded. This coincides directly with (mis)management and misguided interests. The costs of compliance were too expensive, until fined. It was only then, they complied at greatly increased costs. Even though I would identify key regulatory considerations in the early stages of projects, they ignored them. When it came time to assign blame, they placed it directly on my role, even though I had no legitimate authority in matters.
From a very general point of view, I see in your situation, with the Board hiring the new CEO, they indicated they wanted a change of organizational direction. With your dismissal, they indicated that the original intent of your group is no longer valid as they no longer valued your “advise and consent” capacity. I see this more and more in Advocacy Groups . . . and the co-opting of the Groups’ missions.
To the Author – let the student be the teacher . . . something I practiced while teaching political science while filling in for the Professor. It only takes one phrase, one unanswered question, to lift the conversation to a whole new level, bring a whole new level of understanding.
Fiachra – may I use your “economics of the outcome” statement?
Alex – I cannot disagree . . . “psych injury” affects all of us, it’s just how much our coping mechanisms are out of step with accepted cultural norms. Additionally, talk therapists can begin practicing the PI model now, irrespective of their client’s/patient’s situation in the current paradigm.
I have been witness to many who have gone through a system of denial and are alone in their suffering. They have been so harmed by the “system,” there is little hope of a functional recovery. Add to that, no family or loved ones for any level of support. The only support offered is that which comes with more pills and misery.
Rachel777 – in response to your point and an effort to bring around the discussion to the PI Model, the individuals’ MEDICAL aspects need addressed in depth.
Once someone has taken many of these pharmaceuticals, both their bodies and minds get altered. The longer and broader the usage, the more involved the damage. This damage can distance an individual from their subjective trauma, if not nullify its existence. What fails to get nullified, the coping/ behavioral adaptations that were resultant of those traumas and leading to psychiatric hospitalization/diagnosis.
My loved one commented the other day, she wish she had amnesia. . . as opposed to a photographic memory with an emphasis on reliving rather than just remembering. My comment to her was, “then you would NOT know why it is you do the things you do, feel the way you feel.”
Alex – I was not going to bring this up in this line of conversation, but when you referred to “intuition,” I find it necessary to do so. I relate intuition to the term, “gut feeling.”
There is growing MEDICAL evidence that the bacteria found in the gut, the digestive system, have a direct impact on how one feels and functions (including one’s “mental health”). If one really thinks about the bacterium in the gut, they begin to understand this an ecosystem unto itself.
Do a quick search of “gut bacteria mental health” and you will begin to see this idea gaining greater acceptance and study. Gut bacteria and its condition has been understood as the beginning and end to both physical and “mental health” issues by the Complementary/Alternative medical communities.
In the Convectional Medicine community gut bacteria supplementation is only now gaining acceptance. This is due to the prescribing/ taking of broad spectrum antibiotics which don’t distinguish from Gut bacteria (good) and sickness related bacteria (bad).
I recommend you do your own research.
To OH – there are those trying to gain a profit from these new revelations about Probiotics. But, that does not discount their effectiveness. The secret is, if the probiotics (gut bacteria) are not purchased from a refrigerated display, they are pretty much useless.
That’s where the profit “takers” exist. They add probiotics to multivitamins and/or are sold at chain retailers in the BOGO free sections.
Steve – thanks much for sharing that. I had no overt “trauma” while growing up. I never realized what defined my being more than while I was asked while being hypnotized, what’s the earliest words I remember. My response to that question, “Please don’t let him be like (my sister’s name here).”
My sister had earlier that year, started suffering from grand maul seizures almost immediately after getting the oral polio vaccine. My mother took her to the local Children’s Hospital, while pregnant with me, and the recommendation of the doctor was to let my sister die and for my mother to get and abortion, then sterilized.
A good Catholic Mother, took this deeply and became depressed beyond measure. That same doctor prescribed dilantin for my 3 year-old sister and proceeded to poison her with that medication. During my mother’s pregnancy dealing with the trauma of the news her beautiful daughter, and being pregnant with me, then my sister being poisoned by dilantin, crying for days at a time and not sleeping my mother staying with her the whole time . . .while pregnant with me. . . .I am getting a little depressed while typing this.
Then, growing up in a world that had no idea about the physically and mentally handicapped. Me being in the baby seat traveling to schools daily, sometime the next state over to keep the State from taking my sister. The battles my parents fought . . .conventional medicine offering no answers except surgeries to alleviate symptoms and failing. My mother was forced to venture out into the world of Alternative/Complementary care to offer my beautiful sister some comfort in her condition, continuing to look for answers.
I think you can see why I kick myself when I let “Mental Illness” go unquestioned for as long as I have.
What I can say about my family, I had several older brothers and a sister that cared for me in addition to my parents, as well as the rest of the younger siblings. My parents were always present as much as they could be.
BTW – the MD that told my mother to get an abortion and sterilized, I was doing a HIPAA audit at that same Children’s Hospital. While taking a walking break with the IT Support staff, we walked by a Bronze Bust of that doctor and the wing named for him. >: /
Steve McCrea – you make perfect sense. I agree getting away from the disease/disorder/biomedical model is imperative, especially in achieving “legitimacy.” The disease/disorder/biomedical model characterization is intellectually dishonest and malpractice. It totally invalidates subjective experience.
The goal is achievable, but will not occur overnight. I still find myself using the “mental illness” term . . . as to why I always try to put it in quotations.
I still am finding myself using the CPTSD/PTSD nomenclature as just saying trauma and the resulting coping/behavioral adaptions resulting from said trauma, doesn’t get traction. By using the CPTSD/PTSD as the wedge to get interests, I bridge in the trauma model top-level explaination.
KS/OH – all very good points. Anyone taking a first glance at this discussion we are having will not readily understand that these are the discussions that take place behind closed doors. These are the exact discussions that DO NEED TO OCCUR.
Educational costs, insurance and the ability to pay, transactional taxes, and getting paid for services rendered in a modern world all play roles in the makeup of the current reality. Add to that, the numerous lawsuits, frivolous and otherwise, have complicated the therapeutic provider – patient/client relationship.
We are long past the days of a Doc Baker from Little House on the Prairie. We are even long past the days of the MD I am so fond of . . . he fought his office manager (his wife and bookkeeper) in raising his office visit price from $10 to $12.50 in 1986. He even kowtowed to his malpractice insurers as he stopped providing house calls in the early 70’s and stopped compounding his own medications in the 60’s.
What he realized and made clear . . . he had to make trade-offs. In order for him to maintain his office doors open to those without access to medical care, he had to play their (the industry’s) game on his own terms. That cannot be done anymore . . . with a very few exceptions.
In the Amish and Mennonite Communities, they have a religious exemption, up to a certain point. Their practices revolve around (physical/psychological) injuries suffered in their communities. Some do offer outsiders (the English) care. One has to remember, they have a different set of circumstances, a different reality than those of us in the everyday world. They also have a real “Community.”
What Noel Hunter found out in her journey from Survivor to Psychologist, a substantiated diagnosis was necessary for insurance payment, to keep her doors open. Even though the diagnosis exists, she could still proceed down the road of her trauma focused model of care. She bent enough to industry requirements to keep helping as the MD example did earlier.
In me, you are dealing with a Gen X Realist . . .not a pragmatist or a pessimist, but a Realist. These situations, such as the DSM Model, take generations to develop and will take just as long to overcome. There is no silver bullet to fix the current DSM model based trauma, but there is a cluster bomb of individual practitioners/therapists that can make real differences in their clients lives.
I know my comments probably added nothing, but there is a way out of this state of affairs.
Fiachra – I recommend you review the term “involuntary intoxication.” As all these medications are habit forming, withdrawal symptoms are often not acknowledged. Many of the MI meds cause the symptoms they are meant to alleviate as part of their withdrawal . . . even missing or being late for one dose.
Valium and the more commonly/widely used pharma’s, this is accepted.
The FDA does not acknowledge much in the way of withdrawal symptoms of Antipsychotics/Antidepressants/Mood Stabilizers.
KS-I have always found your comments full of personal reflection and contributory understanding. It is clear you have asked many important questions of yourself and the world around you. I have done much the same over the years.
I am sure you have noticed the adage, “History Matters,” is true. I would also add to that, “Context Matters.” Whether it be personal, subjective history or the history of current events, there are lessons to be learned – in the scope of historical context.
The efficacy of Dr. Kuelker’s proposed PI Model acknowledges (one’s own) subjective history within subjective context. The current DSM/biomedical model promotes disconnection from one’s subjective contextual history as a matter of course.
The unfortunate reality . . .in order to bring “professionals” over to the new/original way of thinking, the DSM semantics must be co-opted. In doing so, the DSM definitions, within scope of the PI Model, need defined.
OH – Marxist terms are an extension of the Darwinist movement. While the masses (around the world) were dealing Thesis/Antithesis -> Synthesis dialectic between Marxist/Capitalist ->America we have today, the Corporatists laughed their way to the bank.
Corporatists (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporatism) transcend national boundaries and governments. They make a profit by marginalizing competition and maintaining barriers to the market place through complementary governmental regulations (barriers to market newcomers) and monetary policies. It is ultimately about CONTROL . . . sound familiar?
Where did it all go wrong in the US, it began with the Civil War, but the tipping point was the 17th Amendment to the US Constitution. That was the death of the “Great Compromise.” Up to that point, the States were represented at the Federal level, the US was a Representative Republic based upon Jeffersonian democratic principles. With the popular election of Senators, the US became a Representative democracy. As most know, democracy = tyranny of the majority . . . and is also referred to as socialism-lite.
OH – there is more to this, but I do not like straying too far from the article’s IMPORTANT topic. I felt the need to comply with your question because you “asked.” -Cheers : )
Rachel777 – if you are interested in free-market/libertarian economic theory, I recommend https://mises.org/ – The Mises Institute. I was turned onto them by CATO members I used to work with pre-internet. Start throwing keywords in the search, ie “mental health” or “psychiatry.”
One must not forget, all relationships are economic (in some shape/form). Those involved in the “Mental Health” system as a patient/client are defined by their DSM diagnosis for billing purposes. These PEOPLE are essentially COMMODITIZED in the perpetuation of the false DSM based system.
OH – been having disconnections with MIA, myself. I was using EDGE then I switched to another browser and worked without issue even though EDGE would still show MIA unavailable.
OH – additionally. . .when I first started down this road, I read and viewed Bruce Levine’s works. They resonated deeply. One of his book recommendations, Trauma and Madness in Mental Health Services by Noel Hunter, made a really distinct impression on me with how it directly related Trauma to the generic term Madness. I could see my loved one’s trauma history playing out in those pages.
What I have learned going down this path I have shared with my psychologist. He was very interested and comments how he was never taught any of this. Me teaching him is giving him the tools to help others. Plus, he is sharing what he learns with other therapists.
OH – My interests are my own. I understand the historical parallels and competing factors that resulted in why this false DSM model exists and continues to be perpetuated. There are competing forces, not always clearly understood as most individuals, while highly knowledgeable, are most knowledgeable in specific subjects. I have broad exposure to many different areas of interest (Medical, economics, politics, culture, psychology, technology). Part of my investigative spirit is to not take what has been given to me at face value . . . every action a reaction, every crisis a cause.
Then you ask yourself, how did all this happen? Now multiply that by the learning over a lifetime with broad exposure since 5 years old.
I am the loved one . . .who never questioned my partners diagnosis and in doing so, allowed her to be damn’d. It wasn’t until she ended up in jail, a member of the psyche staff explained to me how she clearly was suffering from PTSD/CPTSD. Add to the medical component of 3 generations in her family that could not sleep without medication/alcohol. Putting these together proved to me that I had let her down even though she herself never questioned her own diagnosis.
Does that help clarify my motivations?
Dr. Kuelker – Many Thanks for compiling your work/research into this model. There is no doubt this is the correct forum as you have access to many that have suffered at the hands of the trauma inducing conventional DSM-based “Psychiatric” model.
What you present was used by MD’s pre-DSM and during the early years of the AMA. Doctors then had much better understanding totality of care. . . . what broke everything? Employer supplied medical insurance, post WWII.
Historically, the Trauma model was the original model. Jean-Martin Charcot pioneered this but due but his methods for recovering traumatic events (hypnosis), he was marginalized. Right along with his hypnosis method went the model of the root of “hysteria,” trauma. Although Freud added much, his culturally acceptable inclinations (women traumatized wanting to be traumatized) fit right in with the social climate. This further distanced the cultural acceptance of trauma caused “hysteria.”
I recommend a whole sub-section to Trauma in Adulthood as Psychological Injury. This would be the numerous traumas (physical, psychological, pharmaceutical) inflicted upon those involved in the Current Psychological Model.
There should also be a reasonable discovery of contributory medical conditions . . . such as sleep disorders. As many in this forum know, sleep is essential to stability and dealing with the trauma and behavioral adaptation, initiated anxiety.
On a lesser note, those who care most about these individuals. We are helpless to do little more than listen to our loved ones and when they get hospitalized, we are absolutely helpless. When our loved ones are discharged, we are left to deal with our loved one’s most current round of traumatic events. Although this is clearly indirect, in those of us that truly care, our lives revolve around our loved one’s subjective reality.
KS-it is rare that I find myself in polite disagreement with you, but this is a case when informing is constructive. Capitalism is not the only “for profit” economic model. In the US, we are led to believe that we are a capitalist country based upon “the ‘pursuit’ of happiness.” There has long been barriers to entering the market place, and these barriers are maintained by the collective interests.
This “for profit” model is called Corporatism. . .the corporatists determine who can take part in a the market place as well as put barriers in place to prevent competition. Review the wiki page on Corporatism, please.
A pop culture example . . . The Simpsons. . .when Homer had a back ache and he fell over his trash can and rolled, his back was fixed. He started helping others fix their backs with his trash can. One night, the Chiropractors show up . . and beat his trashcan with their plastic spinal columns. Killing their competition.
Chiropractors and other body-workers had long been marginalized and maligned by conventional medicine. It was not until they kowtowed to Insurance companies and their requirements (move away from patient centered to protocol centered), that they gained current medical establishment acceptance.
Once you understand Corporatism, especially Neo-Corporatism, American history since the Civil War will take on new meaning. There are direct correlations to “Mental Health” establishment.
KS- keep sharing! Your insights and experience are invaluable to all here!
KS, as usual, I agree with your observation. Having a background in Organizational Theory and Public Policy Formulation, I see Organizational Illness everywhere I enter.
The thing about Organizational Culture such as the Mental Health Establishment. The Culture does not change when constantly reinforced and supported. It needs a major impetus to change course.
In and ideal world, prison emphasizing “rehabilitation” would be the goal of incarceration. I am pretty sure the US Supreme Court ruled in the 80’s or 90’s that prison is not rehabilitation nor is rehabilitation required, but confinement is the goal of imprisonment . . . in other words, Protect Public Safety. There are very real parallels between commitment and incarceration.
As far as I am concerned, there are certain areas in the modern world that a profit motive should be irrelevant. Two areas are Prison and Jails and public heatlh. Now, I know this is not realistic in our current climate, or even probable, but the profit motive overshadows their missions.
I will skip the public health portion, but Jails and Prisons find ways to further destitute both Inmates and Inmates’ families. Having to purchase a calling card at exhorbitant rates per minute, being fed only twice a day a meal of two pieces of white bread with balogna and a piece of factory yellow cake . .
. all but forcing inmates to either purchase food and sundries out of commissary or have their families do it on their behalf. If you have to visit the staff doctor, you are billed for that too. And this is in the Public Penal system.
I could go into more, but that is another topic for another story. Many days, I wish we lived in the time of StarTrek TNG, where “the economics of the future are very different.” Until then, we must actively stay out of these systems/economies of Marginalization.
Unfortunately, my loved one is stuck in the forensic mental health system receiving nothing but more anxiety and trauma. I am trying to be there for her, but I have never been a talkative type. Add to that, the system itself is criminal in its operation, and I really have nothing to tell her.
For most of my life, I had a great MD available to me. He got board certified in the late 1920’s with a Psychiatric specialization. When he turned 40, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He learned much from his experiences. His primary tasks was treating “Shell Shock” victims, what is now called PTSD.
His stories . .. were incredible. What he taught me about Shell Shock victims, his protocol. Sleep, sleep for at least 24 hours initially, eat healthy. Once Sleep was maintained, talk to the patients. After the patients had slept long enough, they could verbalize what they were reliving. The more safe the patients felt, he would proceed to teach them how to remember the traumatic events, not relive. He never put a time limit on his protocol, but he was always successful. He was so successful, many of those he treated on the European Front moved to Cincinnati after the war to be his patient, have access to him.
He carried his love of people, his psychiatric tact, over into his everyday MD practice. He would always have the patients write him a letter how they were feeling and what they were dealing with previous to examination. This was part of the patient’s history, which is long lost nowadays. Additionally, he recognized the necessity of supportive relationships. When he was not working in his office or doing house calls, he would do his Rounds . .. everyday, including ALL HOLIDAYS.
There is a motto that we no longer take seriously, yet was the cornerstone of his treatment methodology, “sleep on it, sleep well, don’t sleep too much or too little, you will feel better in the morning.”
Very few psychiatric hospitalizations emphasize sleep as a part of a maintenance program. Quite to the contrary, their practices deprive those needing sleep in order to recover from crisis.
I have way too many stories . . . I am sick of what I have done in hopes of saving both of us from worse. Now, she’s in worse, but not worst of all, yet.
I have been told to write a book about my experiences. My nature is to observe, confirm observation, quantify data (if possible), assess aberrations for validity, form a conclusion.
I may take the Bruce Levine method . . . write a few articles, integrate into a larger publishing. I have already begun that.
The issue with me is, as the “Mental Health Professionals” always say, “are you a licensed mental health professional?” No. . .have your reviewed your licensed ethical obligations in the last year?
The_cat. . . whether it was an experiment or it was not, I think Abrianna’s posting was a reminder to all of us what I consider our role in participating. We are here for Support, Comradery, Information and an Outlet. That is what MIA offers me.
As a caregiver, I to have failed my loved one in believing the Mental Health Establishment had answers. In both her and my lives, they have only created more problems. It wasn’t until she ended up in jail that one of the staff psyche staff notified me how much he could see trauma in her condition. This coming from a mental health professional having worked 20 years at the VA. Add to that, a genetic sleep disorder . . . amplified by her anxiety, medication not doing the one thing it was supposed to do, make her sleep. Boom, you have trauma creating anxiety creating sleep deprivation and the mania and psychosis.
What I am trying to say, I, and her family, were painfully misguided intensely amplifying her trauma. My positions evolved the more stories I read on MIA. I NOW have a better grasp on many of the “mental health” issues and the failings of the Established Practices in Hospital and Statutory Policies. This is a direct result of my involvement here.
I was told a long time ago by a very good MD that had a secondary specialization in psychiatry (ca. 1930’s).
“If you cannot say something nice, say something constructive.”
The_cat . . thank you for bringing that to our collective attention. It is a must read for anyone that has had or witnessed multiple hospitalizations. The observations are consistent with mine.
What is worse, they sent her home on those medications. Put her straight into the donut hole and $700 out of pocket. She never slept for more than 3 hours while hospitalized for that 3 weeks. When she came home, she could not sleep at all. Three days passed with delusions and night terrors and she tried to re-admit herself. The facility and the ER would not take her knowing the situation. The next day after the ER rejected her, she was pink-slipped by a Crisis Care Nurse that came to the home.
The facility put her back on her original medication and made sure she got sleep 10 hours 3 days in a row. . . as they were originally told would work, upon previous admission. She was then fine. They still kept her for another week as they though she was lying. That’s one thing she never does. . . LIE.
BTW . . .I had to provide the Hospital her regular medication as they did not have it in stock.
The author’s observations are consistent with my observations. I am not a survivor and luckily never found a need for inpatient “mental health” services, but I am one of those reformed caregivers that came to realizations too late for my loved one. She is now stuck in the Forensic Mental Health system.
Those policies and procedures you read and signed off on . . . exist for one reason only. They are required for Joint Commission Certification (JC). . . so the facility can get paid for the “services” they provide Medicaid/Medicare patients. The JC requires a policy/procedure for everything, but they don’t require enforcement of those policies/procedures. The policies/procedures only get enforce when it benefits the facility/staff in some way.
I have seen the author’s observations in numerous Facilities in my state and numerous others as My Loved One has been committed in Many. Over the years, they always said she had never been properly medicated . . . The actuality is, she had never been properly diagnosed. They use the “never properly medicated” justification for taking her off the medication she had been on for over a decade, cold-turkey, and put her on their PROTOCOL for the diagnosis of her condition.
The thing about medication PROTOCOLS, when it comes to Psychiatric incarcerations/rehabilitations, the protocols for the same DSM diagnosis vary greatly among providers . . . based upon a multitude of factors. What I have observed, and questioned, emphasized usage of current name brands, numerous overmedicating, denying of original generic meds, . . .after having questioned several different administrators why medication protocols are done the way they are, medication availability are generally determined somewhere else and that generics are almost never used. There is minimal percentage profitability in the usage.
To your question, “are these places recreating the illnesses they purport to treat?” Yes. . . and more. The meds used have a host of side-effects. Instant removal from long-term use often creates the symptomatic behaviors the meds are purported to address. This is not a relapse, but a withdrawal symptom.
One cannot ever forget the TRAUMA angle of the psychiatric experience. Being strip searched and examined by unknown persons is highly traumatic. As many now know, most behavioral/mental health crises find their roots in the subjective traumatic experiences of the individual. Medication cannot deal with these issues, but TRAUMA in its generic sense, is cumulative.
The issue is, as DSM diagnosis operate by treating symptomatic behavior(s), they are by definition treating symptoms. Once an individual receives a DSM diagnosis during/post crisis and the associated medications, they have entered the Circularity of the flawed mental health biomedical model. As the Treatment is symptom based, there is never an actual Medical or Subjective Personal experience, rule-out cause sought. That is left up to the individual.
I very much appreciate the Author’s experiences and observations. Her reports of patients and staff being totally abusive is the standard, not the exception.
As for the Author’s use of DSM labels . . .it appears she has not came to the same conclusion many of us have, they are not scientifically valid or even near reliable. The history of psychiatry has been used to marginalize, stereo-type, criminalize and commoditize, suffering individuals. Remove the “Disorder” from Personality Disorder and you get “Personality.” Personality is developed over a lifetime’s worth of experiences and is HIGHLY subjective.
The reaction to life experiences, especially trauma related ones, work out in multitude of ways. For those without access to quality support systems, you will see much more substance abuse and visibly culturally “deviant” behaviors. These are those who have never had or failed to find adequate coping mechanisms.
I cannot overstate enough how one’s traumatic lifetime’s worth of events plays out in one’s physical being, day to day. The thing about trauma, it can be physical, emotional, spiritual, real or perceived, single-event or long-term (not all inclusive). . . Many of us experience severe anxiety, and associated sleeplessness (or declining quality of sleep). That declining quality of sleep leads to sleep deprivation and that is often presents as mania/paranoia/psychosis . . . or DSM Bipolar in many cases and Schizophrenic in others. Here’s where the self-medication comes in . . . many self-medicate to reduce the anxiety, and to sleep. This leads to the abuse of drugs.
The anger you are feeling is from those of us that have found the DSM, not only lacking in help, but CRIMINAL in its use. Many times, those suffering from trauma related issues, or depression or a host of other real-life conditions, first interaction with the Mental health system is a DSM “substantiated diagnosis” and the dangerous psychiatric medications. These are Psychiatric Diagnoses, not Medical Diagnoses. Actually, when one is labeled mentally ill of any sort, there is almost always never a Medical Rule-out. The medications, as you have realized, have a host of other related side-effects, which is often why many “psychiatric patients” end up on numerous medications. . . one medication for the original diagnosis, other medications due to the side-effects of the original medication . . . pharmaceutical HELL.
In your reporting, I do see a level of Spiritual conflict. There is something there, but as your experiences are YOURS I can go no further. What I can recommend, find someone good in leading you into your own life’s experiences with your own trauma. It is obvious that it’s there.
Now that you are married, make sure your husband is well aware of what is going on with you, what you are feeling. Make sure there is a game plan if you find yourself in crisis. Make sure you have a way to sleep, really sleep, when you cannot.
You may have to do your own medical rule-out . . 23 and me health edition would be a good place to start. Even though their genetic markers often associate DSM diagnoses, these genetic markers are MEDICAL conditions, not psychiatric. Quite to the contrary, DSM co-opted several overlapping medical conditions so they can say these DSM diagnosis are medical.
Learn how to REMEMBER events, not RELIVE. Reliving events involves both remembering the event along with the emotional turmoil associated. Just remembering the event removes much of the emotional/physical bodily reaction and associated anxiety. No, this is by no means, easy. It IS NECESSARY.
Once you have a valid Medical Diagnosis, work with your Psychiatrist to remove your DSM diagnosis. You are young and more than likely will want children. The unfortunately real situation is, if you have children while being diagnosed as Bipolar or Schizophrenic, a Social Worker will meet with you to determine whether you are a “fit” mother. While a person with a substantiated DSM diagnosis is profitable to these systems, they are even more profitable if they have young children.
I could be wrong, but I have found experience is the best teacher. Second best, those that have experienced it. . . .much of what you find in this Forum.
Anja, thank you so much for revealing your experiences. A close friend of mine has had similar experiences as you. She did not have suicidal tendencies, but the rest of your experiences, and your recounting of your psychosis, as well as your hospitalizations, hit very close to home.
Emergency Rooms won’t do Voluntary Commitment in my experience. My loved one had been put on a cocktail that had only bad effects on her already troubled state. We tried to get her back into the facility to correct through the ER. They denied her on several occasions over the years. The only way to get her into a facility is to go Involuntarily. Additionally, if you have ever called a crisis-care agency, you may here “call 911, now.” I have NEVER heard them say, get to the ER. Once you call 911, that is Involuntary Commitment.
As for the Mental Health System. . . a joke. It is also criminal in the sense that those seeking help and caregivers will look for help and the Mental Health professionals are supposed to have answers. Their answers, more medications that contribute to the reasons for commitment in the first place. It is rare that there is ever a medical rule-out when it comes to a DSM related Psychiatric, not medical, Diagnosis.
There is an ever mounting pile of research that “mental health” conditions are directly related to Traumatic events. These events can be of an acute nature, spiritual, prolonged and/or imagined. One must remember, it’s not that it actually happened. It is important that the individual perceived it happening and was unable to Cope, leaving the trauma unresolved. The unresolved hopelessness often manifests itself in Anxiety (fight or flee), leading to an inability to sleep and psychosis and/or mania.. . sound familiar?
I DO NOT promote stop taking your prescribed medication. The psychiatric medications have numerous side-effects, especially as your body withdraws. That’s when the side-effects pronounce the most. What I have researched to be a more commonsense approach to a situation such as yours, finding a good therapist that understands Trauma and can define real-world coping skills.
Of equal importance, a more routine lifestyle. Make time for sleep, keep track so you know when it’s too little. Make time for exercise . . .even walking will do. Get your heart rate up, your blood flowing. If you do stop taking medication, make sure you are under the care of a regular MD at the time that knows what you are suffering with. There are protocols for weening off psychiatric medications, although Psyche staffs don’t practice this. They cold turkey patients to solidify their conclusions that a patient “needs” the medications.
For Caregivers: I love a woman who has been hospitalized many times. She has never gone off her medication. She has followed all Psychiatric recommendations. Someone with little or no knowledge about the Mental/Behavioral health field would say she has not be medicated correctly. A psyche doctor would say she is “extremely ill.” The real world truth is that the system is INCAPABLE of providing the answers. . . anecdotal experiences of those suffering from crippling issues such as in this article, are the examples of the failures of the System. A system that us Caregivers unwittingly give credence to as they are Doctors.
One must remember that Doctors do not have the answers. Yes, they are needed in acute situations such as a broken leg or appendicitis, but for more chronic conditions, complimentary alternatives tend to be more successful. I am not a doctor, but this is my personal experience. I would consider those suffering from the issues described in the article as more chronic in nature. The truth is, answer lies within (addressing unresolved trauma), barring an actual medical reason, such as a diagnosed sleep disorder.
I hope my observations help someone. You are not alone on this path, you just need the correct guidance.