Great article. I agree, pyschiatry doesn’t fix much and costs a lot. I have an extroverted very old uncle and his GP, years back, gave him a prescription for “socialising”. He told him “Get out there and walk and talk, go get your coffee”. Knowing my uncle, I was impressed with his doctor’s advice. He had “seen and heard him” enough to guide him in the right direction.
Great article…so true about shaming and naming. What a crock.
Now, now…no body or voice be tellin’ Eric that what I wrote was an oxymoron…I meant a good psychiatrist that’s all. You write really well…giving everyone some real rational explanations to choose from. Where you make me laugh or smile or lift up…the answers are in front of you and you go further and further.
What will you write about next?
In your perspective, what do you think about this: a non musical person dreams about listening to Vivaldi’s Four Season’s? or a non smoker inhaling a puff and tasting it? or the person dreaming they are flying?
Damn. Eric is a psychiatrist. Shees besheesh. And a good one at that.
Wonderful canvass and colours. I feel like I went for a walk with a wonderfully funny and sensitive lady.
Joy.
Me too. Outloud.
Very interesting article. When you write:
“On a systemic level, we could acknowledge that much of our work is directed towards the psychological injuries caused or maintained by social inequity and trauma rather than being due to a dehumanised disease process.”
I would go further and add that these injuries are caused by the medical system, the psychiatrists and the pharmaceutical companies.
I am convinced without any doubt that one of the biggest problems in the medical system is caused by big pharma selling and wanting to keep selling billions of neuroleptics and anti-depressants, benzos and opioids. The push is influenced by greed. The labels are inaccurate and studies rushed.
You walk into the door and, yes, they will find a problem for you.
Polypharmacy. Yikes…what kind of medicine is that? Push a pill, pop a pill, put a patch…yippee, let’s all make a ton of money. We’ve got lifers.
Where has the scientific method gone? I wish doctors would practice poly lab tests. Let’s test for Parkinson’s, for vitamin D deficiency…so on and so forth.
It’s easier for a shrink to say “You’re depressed. You need some medication.”
Next.
Next.
We have to make our own decisions and stop letting doctors breath down our throats with their delusions.
How about talking with patients? Could that make things betters (without drugging them first?)
It’s like the consumer drink RedBull. I wouldn’t touch that stuff with a ten foot pole. It doesn’t matter though what I think – because millions of people will buy that drink. But if a young person came to the ER with a RedBull induced pyschosis, I wouldn’t put the person on anti-pyschotics for the rest of his or her life for that injury.
People have been injured by the forced medicating that doctors have done. Especially in the psychiatric wards (but also at gp’s offices, clinics…).
The numbers don’t lie. Everyone is selling this crap.
We’re dealing with systemic abuse. It is systemic abuse to label and to coerce. Anyone who’s been in a ward knows it’s like being in jail.
I find that shrinks use the DSM like a chart. Check this and check that. Yes, for this, no for that. Then their buddies check yes for this and no for that.
The bland leading the bland.
Meanwhile, the patient gets no lab tests. He/she gets a good DSM report but no lab tests.
Makes no sense.
I apologize – I am rambling.
The other point I wanted to make is about grief, for example. Every person will experience grief. Why does that get labelled “depression”. There seems to be a huge over lap with every day experiences in one’s lifetime and the use of the DSM.
That’s where I find big pharma is at fault. They want to sell their stuff at large, for everything. And if it INJURES the consumer/client/patient – well, prove it. It’s a reversal of the burden of proof. Try and find an expert willing to go against big pharma.
They are the Al Capone of yesterday yet they don’t go to jail and get syphilis. The push of pills is a huge factor in the health system. It’s not just altruism for the big guys.
I agree with most of your article but I would add that doctors, universities, the FDA, etc…have to become more diligent, vigilant and with more integrity.
It’s a shame of sham that we have right now.
Your article reminds me of the Bob Dylan classic:
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
How many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
How many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
How many years must some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
And how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see – the answer
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
How many times can a man look up
Before he sees the sky?
How many ears must one person have
Before he can hear people cry?
And how many deaths will it take ’till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friends, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Oh, the answer, my friends, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Thank you for that post – interesting, well written, supported by easy-to-understand examples, optimistic and creative. Wonderful.
Milan, do you sometimes have a group of children come over and play? When I do, I ask them if they want to bake cookies and decorate them…OR if they want to go play outside…OR…if they want to listen to music…OR play legos….Sometimes they will moan that painting is boring or that they don’t feel like playing school “on their vacation day”. Sometimes, they will start playing school and go for hours.
My point? The reading club or the choice of the book – for your group doesn’t sound like it succeeded. It didn’t sound “fun”. No biggie, change the situation.
Great story. Thanks for sharing that with us. Could it be a chapter in a more lengthy book? I would encourage you to keep writing (and smiling). Smiling is like sunshine, ocasionnally it’s “too hot” but on most days, it is welcomed. In passing, I spend 4 to 5 days a week, every week, in hospitals, for: immunotherapy, chemotherapy and dialysis. Everyone has their nose in their phones: from doctors, nurses to other workers. In the hallways, elevators, and rooms.
We patients still smile amongst ourselves and so do the volonteers. The world has changed.
Interesting article. What I understand is that you’re also using a chair as a medium to improve your dialogue with patients, or your understanding of the patients’ perspectives. It reminds me of the puppet and doll use with children. I can imagine that the patients focus on physically changing places also has an impact on the session. The fact that patients can move around and change perspective must be positive.
You could also use writing or theatre as a medium where the patient creates actors and archytypes for whatever ails them.
What surprises me is the more than hint of direction on your part. Where you’re preconceived notions, or questions, may stir you and your patients unto a too usual path instead of on uncharted terrain. It reads, by your framework, as you may have more influence on your patients’ sessions than I am comfortable with.
I’d like to add the the various class action suits against the pharmaceutical companies speak a lot louder than this survey. At first glance, it’s seems like a waste of ressources, energy, man hours, and so on and so forth. Why report it? Unless you’re doing a survey yourself. People have to stand up to the institutions and say “no”.
Forgive me, I love BBQs.
Read Nietzsche or eat delicious succulent ribs and chicken wings, without utensils, outdoors? Discuss a book in a circle or voraciously feed a hungry stomach? Let’s ask NFL fans what they prefer. Why hypothesize that patients are different than the average american? I find the book club kinda heavy as an activity.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn the lesson and move on. Personally, nothing beats a BBQ. Even talking about a BBQ and BBQ recipes, nothing beats that. Cooking classes, that’s an idea….not so philosophical, yet then again…there could be a philosophy twist to a BBQ recipe that I cherish. Just kidding.
As a parent, I would get a second opinion, before ever giving neuroleptics to my children. In fact, I wouldn’t put those pills in my cat’s dish either. We have to be more assertive in front of professionals that are too quick to prescribe. It’s so much easier to write a prescription than it is to practice common sense, I mean, medicine.
I don’t understand that neuroleptics are a multiple billion dollar industry in the USA…and that a 650 person survey is more than a rain drop in that ocean. How many people use these drugs in the States? I heard they were being prescribed for insomia and weight loss.
Thanks Robert for clarifying the matter. When I read the obituary I was pleasantly surprised to see her mentioned and then, I thought the NYT lacked a lot of class in their comments. It’s not the first time the NYT expresses a more pharmaceutically driven point of view. Are any of us surprised? Watch out Robert…you’ll be blamed for suicides, homocides, enfanticides and pesticides. That’s why it’s good idea to write your own obits.
Dear Michael, Thank you for sharing your story. You’re lucky you got out of it alive. It sounds more than awful. It reads like another horror movie yet for once, the ending is atypical. It takes courage to face such hardships, if not then, for the rest of your life. Thanks again for sharing some of that darkness. If only the psych system could end.
That’s funny.
None taken. Thanks for broadening my understanding of your position (your previous article on lithium was also an eye-opener). Let’s agree we disagree – about labels.
Never more well said. You brought a lot home to me. Thanks to both of you for that enlightment.
Sam, I am a lawyer, since the 90’s. The psychiatric system has to be reformed. The legal system has to be reformed as well. The rules in the psychiatric system violates human rights and the abuse is concealed. It’s not an easy problem to solve. I’ve met doctors who refused to hand over records for patients…I never saw it as a financial issue. I’ve always felt that the psychiatric system was convoluted. They abide by their own ways. The judges don’t even know. The awareness is limited. And I’ve met doctors that were very helpful and very human. I find that the systems quash the individual who wants changes and it becomes very difficult. What’s the solution – one person at a time or legislative changes? I wouldn’t be so open about my disdain for the medical system if I were not dying. But I am. I still look at both systems in the optic that improvements can be made. Now I can’t walk anymore, I started dialysis last week, and I’m still trying to figure out how to make things better. I guess I just wanted to say both professions are not cut from the same cloth – not even close, in my opinion.
I thought about your article some more. I agree with Mr. Ungers comments about dreams. People have complex detailed dreams where a sleeping mind creates actors, stages, music, dialogue, content, context, architechture…basically the same things we encounter in real life. And more. These sleeping minds are fantastic, amazing and creative. Dreams are great.
Now you may have a dream that has a plot fit for the movies. I could never take the time, as you did, to write about the very complicated and original dream that I experienced. If you have the talent to put on paper your thoughts, I applaud you. Yet, I don’t agree with the label you yourself choose. I hope you don’t find that insulting. Why wouldn’t your label be “writer” or “author” or “creative mind”. You choose what you want it to be not them.
Eric, I’m amazed that you can write that much. I wish I could write as much. A lot of people don’t write. They just don’t.
I hope you enjoy it and that it provides pleasure and/or relief. Why not write a book or a few? Do what you like. Do what you enjoy.
I may share your point of view on certain issues.
The general use of terms relating to “madness” has become diluted.
What is it really? What is “madness”? It’s a manufactured term that propels people to act – medication must be given to thwart “madness”.
I don’t know. I’ve seen people blow a fuse and not get labelled “psychotic” and I’ve seen people sneer at a certain angle and they’ve been labelled “psychotic”.
What’s the difference?
The intent of the person wanting to medicate or forcibly treat? I hate to bring up the concept of “rape” but wasn’t that deemed therapeutic, ages back?
Violating patients rights is a horror. I refuse to get caught up in the labelling used to justify these violations. He is this – so we do that.
At the same time, there are people on the street that I would not get close to because they could harm and there’s no chances to be taken, with people on crack for example. So, I don’t beleive in labelling but I don’t get close to a nut on the run. I wouldn’t generalise to either extreme.
It’s what I hate about the psychiatric system – they don’t let up. Once you’ve got that label – you’re branded. AND you have to end up on your knees and thank them for their services. You have to be compliant or they don’t let you go. Then they want to get the parents and the sibblings envolved. It’s every thing else analysed rather than – FORCED TREATMENT. The system provokes fear to control. Hence – scary labels. Very scary scary words.
I don’t know a lot of companies that would tie me up and force me to wear their clothes, so why do that with medications?
It’s archaic. Their methods are dark, aged and cruel. If I don’t wear a t-shirt, no company will force me to wear their t-shirt. But at a hospital, if you don’t tie your hospital gown properly (and there are more than one way to skin a cat) you’ll be noted for an incapacity to take care of yourself (or labelled “psychotic” because you’re underwear is showing). It never ends.
As for what you are …I don’t know what to say. Who cares what I think.
Personally, I’ve got no intent in labelling you. You have written a lengthy original article and I enjoyed reading it and I thank you for it.
Thank you for your article. It’s important to be reminded we’ve evolved since then. Some have anyways. We need to talk about myths because sometimes we forget they are myths. What sells today and poisons tomorrow.
My sympathies to all who knew and loved her. She is another priceless bead in a string of deaths that much saddens me.
Is this article intended to be funny? I’ve read it three times and I keep wondering if it’s a joke? I’ll have to take out my 4 question help list to figure this out.
I have to add – none of my requests for information and change were met with a response or with an appropriate response. I was simply asking the school to divulge their screening projects to parents, as is required by law, instead of insiduously involving children without parental authorisation. This is ABC’s to me like pre-K is to them. But enough to rip out my hair when I was already losing it. I definetely have to choose my battles. I ain’t no spring chicken no more.
I think the first school was targeted because of socio-economic factors: poverty, low education level, single parent families, etc. etc. We were told verbatim “parents don’t read so we don’t give them too much information.” They were testing every and all the kids from teeth hygiene to asking children to write to volonteers about problems at home (without asking parental consent and aimed at under aged children). There was maybe 100 students total in the school.
I like your suggestion of getting the word out. I filed a few complaints at various professional orders and before the Human Rights’ Commission. I filed a few complaints here and there and wrote an article or two.
You’re right about the parents getting together. Your idea is broader than what we’ve been able to do. Changing schools solved the problem for our family but the situation remains for others.
I recently met a farmer mom who sends her young son there and she told me quite emotionally “My son has been working on the farm since he was born, not much internet for him, and his teacher is telling me “your son don’t talk right.” The teacher probably doesn’t know a hoe from a digger.
I kidd you not…the city monkies driving their dees to the country school where all of us country bumpkin’ farmers so poor we don’t know how to read. Sheesh.
Seriously, I’ll think about that sneaky suggestion idea.
That’s funny. I never heard that before. That’s a funny thought to me…pyschiatrists complaining about us.
A psychiatric ward is not a happy place. I dare imagine what it is like at Christmas or New Years. The smell that taints every object in those establishments can’t be overcome by the smell of a Christmas turkey dinner and the sound of bubbly. Not that that occurs. I’m sure they have candy canes.
But I can imagine the lonely patient opening one of your beautiful cards and reading the hope and trust and kindess that you send through your words.The novelty of your cards must be very appreciated. I say novelty because everything is old there – the puzzles, the magazines, the books, the crayons. I would imagine your card would be like a message in a bottle.
Can I say something that may surprise you? I agree that your name and coordinates should not appear on your cards. I’m speaking from experience. That is for your own protection (from the people who work there). Now, now, don’t exaggerate my comment here…my personal experience is that you may think twice about volonteering your services…I’ll leave it at that.
I think it’s great what you do. Cards means so much sometimes.
“Research has suggested that there is a divergence between scientific understandings of depression and the way that depression is experienced by those diagnosed.”
Where is this scientific understanding of depression? I have never met a person who talked to me about a scientific understanding of depression. That’s one of the problems regarding the over prescribing of antidepressants and other medications. No scientific assessments are made. It’s a lot easier to write a prescription than it is to practice medecine.
If I have an accident and fall into a coma – is there a nut that will say “oh, she is depressed, obviously”. Sometimes, it seems to boil down to that. If I’m experiencing kidney failure and the doctor simply concludes to depression – you’ll reply – I exagerate.
Well, I’ve lived more than half a decade and I find every professional is able to guess “depression”. Only a few have the intellectual curiosity to look further and assess scientifically the ailment.
How did this happen? A pill for every problem. A scientific assessment of depression. Don’t make me gag. How ’bout a little bait and switch. Or in this field, gait and twitch, all for the price of one. I’ll stop here before I get too upset.
Dear Will,
If you kick down that wall of fear, from vertical to horizontal, you’ll be able to dance on it.
Is fear all that bad? I’ll give you my take on that…..I hate hospitals. I’m a lifer because of incurable disease, people call it cancer. Anyways, I hate hate hate hospitals. I know, I’m repeating myself. My point is that I’m ready to crawl a mile before I go to an emergency ward. I like that fear. It’s knowlegeable fear. It keeps me safer.
I also have a very weak immune system and I fear bacteria and viruses. Thank goodness I fear that. Now, if I have other health issues, I may fear neuro-toxins. That’s healthy in my mind. So on and so forth.
I’m not minimizing what you experience. But, did you really want to keep the same job for 40 years? Do you really want to surround yourself with people who judge? What’s in their closet. Probably some weird things too. We’re actually more similar than we are different. But you know, I wouldn’t want to hang around people who are coercive. People I fear, that’s called something else. There’s what 7 billion people on the planet? Why hang out with “we know better than thou”.
I apologize for my ramble. Enjoy the New Year. I think you’re doing OK. You’ve definetly got more ressources than inititially. You ain’t no novice, tell the nay sayers to f-o (well, in your mind anyways).
I am so delighted to read your article concerning systemic abuse. I am relieved that you are warning parents about these insidious methods. The damages are very real and long term and parents should keep “en eye out”.
I’m a cancer patient in more ways than one who decided to send her children to the “closest” school, for practical reasons. That little French school enticed my children under the age of six to meet every imaginable professional for x reasons.
Now, I’m a professional. I’m a lawyer. Even after I told the school that my children had their own ressources (after all, I spend a lot of time in hospitals, unfortunately and I’ve worked for over 25 years) – the school insisted that my children meet with professionals anyways (you name it).
What did I do? I sent my children to a bilingual school where they are thriving in all subjects, including sports and music. And when I say “thriving”…I mean, they are enjoying school and learning. That’s all – they are enjoying being kids.
I’ve noticed that different schools utilize differents tools. Some use the hammers and some use teaching. My mom, grand-mother, great-grandmother were teachers. They never used a hammer.
Again, thanks so much for your article. I hope many parents read it.
Dear kindred spirit, be free. My sympathies to her loved ones.
To Michael: in regards to drug addiction, I don’t know anyone who is happy being dependant on any substance, that’s all I can say. In regards to being caught in the system, what are your options (not that I’m versed in the matter). 1) fight the system, win or lose 2) leave the system, as one leaves an abusive relationship 3) stay in the system, learn its ropes, first hand, and then, try to change the system 4) study the system and accept the risks of doing same 5) be a victim 6) take a survey in regards to your labelling (good luck….new internet forum….how many yays, how many nays?) 7) deny the system, take it out of the psychiatric courts 8) move 9) invent a new reality acceptable to you…..sounds crazy? What do you want to do? We all soil our diapers when we’re two, do we have to discuss that for the rest of our lives? Ok…bad example. Good luck.
Income security? Really? What planet do some people live on? No money in the world is worth labelling another human being erroneously – forcing treatment and medications on another human being and then implying that these people “have it good”. They have been destroyed by an archaic view of humanity and as a society, we throw peanuts at them to hide and remain quiet. They’re so scary. Let’s demonize them and make some movies. Who wants popcorn?
Well, I’m really an enabler with my two young children. In our home the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus exist. Oh, I forgot Pixie the elf that does tricks while the children sleep and teleports to the North Pole to report. We even, I don’t know if we can say this….we even read books outloud and make beleive that we are aliens (who dance)…..children bipolarity – hell ya! Make them delirous too and whatever you want to. Call them what you want. But leave the pills and your simplistic boring view of humanity out of their learning. There’s playtime and funtime, they’re kids. Doesn’t mean it’s crazy. The day my children are quiet all day is the day I’ll be checking a fever. Do shrinks have kids or are they too busy pushing dope? (My apologies for my general use of terms…I find the weather very bipolar in Canada.)
I’ll contribute. Simply put, when I’m having a “bad day”, I come here and read a few articles and comments and usually, I feel better. Simple as that. No drugs, no dope, no booze, no soda, no cigarettes….just a little reading. It’s worth it. Thanks for your great sight.
Dear Sam,
I think 11 years is a long time to be committed in love and in loyalty to your wife. For anyone. Congrats. There’s no competition from anyone. You don’t have to convince me that you’re the frontline, we all are the frontline. Even the teller is the frontline. And that’s part of the solution to erasing the stigma that’s been created (just to sell more solutions, billions). MIA is for everyone. Can I be forward? I’m impressed that you, as a SO, can enumerate the different symptoms of your SO’s distress, as occasional or as permanent as it may be. Just the fact you can name them tells me you know a little bit more than I do, for example. You could probably teach me – if you know what I mean. Why don’t you consider that. Maybe you know a little bit more than a few bozos (on benzos). A few years ago, when I was way young, I read a book called “Don’t Panic” by Reid Wilson and it changed my life. I don’t know what the person I have become would read today in the same book but when I was young – it changed my life. My point is: this site does mention a lot of alternatives to traditional North American care. Use teh “search” tool. It doesn’t even have to be open dialogue. I’m sorry I took so much of your time. I think I wanted to say “I applaud what you do”. Buy a surf board too because the wave is moving to a town near you Ohio. Take care. (Written with respect.)
Beautifully written. I read your well versed post as I would read a poem. I remain hopeful that forced therapy will cease to be administered. Articles such as yours confirms the devastation yet conveys hope to me.
A survey is a good start.
In one of our South shore Quebec hospitals, an attendant in a psych ward from 2011 until 2017, took photos of the patients hospitalized there, amongst other behaviours. The hospital attendant is presently in jail. Did the hospital send letters to the patients informing them of these violations to their privacy? NO. The hospital can send letters to patients asking for donations, every six months and yet when they are asked to communicate with these patients informing them of these violations….they respond they are doing enough. How do patients find out about this? If, per chance, they see an article in the newspaper, concerning the criminal attendant. When I asked the police why patients were not being notified, they replied “they had enough victims for a conviction”. The hospital isn’t sure they should start doing background checks on employees.
Yes, a survey. A wonderful start.
Everytime there is a mass shooting, I ask myself: “I wonder what kind of medication the murderer was taking?” That information usually does not make the news. Strange how we don’t all think alike.
I’m sorry for your loss. You did the best you knew how with the information that you were given. Neuroleptics and antidepressants can cause suicide. It may be as simple as one pill. I would take solace in knowing that your daughter was not lonely. To love as she did is a beautiful sentiment. As I am sure you love her more every day. That’s not crazy.
Sometimes I read articles on MIA and I’m so “intimidated” by the writer or interviewer that I don’t comment. I make an exception in your case and will just wing it, because you really look like my aunt. Thank you for this wonderful interview and example of the silver lining of anger. I’m happy you were angry, that it helped you survive and that you shared all that with us. I can’t beleive they treat human beings as they do and I pray that we can stop that abuse by institutions (without resorting to bombs). I’m also grateful that you have a better typewriter. “Thanks” isn’t enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed the article. It reminded me of a stream leading to a river where there is a canoe or a rowboat available for use to reach the other shore. I really enjoyed the article. As I get older I tend to think that life involves trauma. Period. Abuse and violence. That’s the common thread of societies. The flip side to that is all the “good stuff” that we also carry with us and make our heart beat and eyes sparkle. I abhor the push of pharma as a solution to natural life experiences such as trauma. What ever happened to friends and sharing a good cup of whatta whatta.
I would aim at teaching young adults some of your theories. Thanks.
You’re absolutely right. In the pursuit of money, big pharma ruined the health of masses. When “death” is listed as a side effect, it can’t get clearer than that.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you get some answers in your lifetime. Who knew a little pill could do so much damage? They didn’t even care.
Thank you for that beautiful collaboration. It’s an important reminder to being. I will seek it out because I love the lessons we can learn from books (when we can not have the authors in our community). I watched my daughter take care of a caterpillar one day, all day. She took care of a lovely bug like one would take care of an infant. It reminded me of how far we grow away, we move away, from our child’s self. Why do we require that children fit the adult world when some of us have forgotten what it is to be a child. The occasional tears are a relief, to me. Just as the occasional smile is a welcome.
I’d like to add, that on this new journey, of fighting cancers, which is approaching another decade,I’ve systematically refused psych medications, such as antidepressants and I’m happier for it. I tell everybody to get second opinions and when I hear about people who are confused I always think : “did they get their blood work done and checked. Did they check their urine?” I fear that many people are thrown in the mental band wagon without due diligence and without care. It’s sad for all involved. Easy money for the few and throw away lives for the many.
I applaud all your efforts. That’s how you will save lives. I was given a similar prescription for illness for over a decade only to be told, later, I had bone marrow cancer along with another rare disease, amyloidosis (known to Vietnam veterans). Incredulously, I said to my husband “cancer is easier than what I’ve been through before.”. I hear ya. Those prescriptions end lives.
Remember Big Tobacco? Sold as the Marlboro Man and the liberated woman (I forget her name)? They killed millions of people. What do I tell my young children today? Don’t smoke. I don’t tell them about the crazy crazy business that smoking was. Now, in 2019, although it’s legal, we’re saying “Don’t toke.” And I’m trying to figure out how to convey “don’t poke”…if it’s not opiods, it’s carfentanyl….I mean…these are dangers. Psychiatry is a danger in the same way. Big Tobacco ended prematurely the lives of millions. But fighting psychiatry has to be doable otherwise we’re back in the ages of witchcraft and demons. The psychiatrists I’ve met in my lifetime were pathetic controlling idiots, probably on drugs,….a far cry from insiduous evil beings. They ate spaghetti just like we do.
I refuse to see these human beings as demons. Give me a fair fight.
If I can add something from a Canadian perspective, in the last couple of weeks, one of our Canada Supreme Court Justices retired. In Canada that is our highest court. Well, this justice retired, at 59, I beleive, stating that he had been suffering from depression and anxiety for the last twenty years. Don’t quote me on this. But to me, that is a sign that “things” are getting better when a member of the highest courts can relate to all his personal struggles. Of course, it’s not anti-psychiatry, but it’s a start. The message it sends out, in my perspective, is loud and clear.
Then, earlier this year, over 700 doctors for children, in Quebec, protested against the over prescribing of medications for children (neuroleptics, depressants, etc…) Quebec over prescribes and even the doctors are claiming that.
When I read MIA, I think “alright”…20 000 readers, that’s a mighty big village.
So forgive my optimism.
I agree with your very comprehensive well explained article and yet, disagree with its conclusion. Give yourself some credit.
Your arguments are solid and I predict that psychiatry will lose ground (I think it already has.) Everytime we exercise our individual freedoms (but it what they may…not taking antidepressants, contesting forced therapies, having a conversation with someone needing help), we win.
These articles and comments are not lost on simply survivors, they move on in the collective consciousness. Things will get better because for a lot of us, things are better.
In the psychiatric field, it seems like a rather too symbiotic technology. To the point where the patient becomes the product and the research company becomes the consumer. The gathering of information is a lucrative business and choosing the vulnerable as first recipients is nothing new. GPS technology could accompany that digital technology. Maybe patients could be renumerated for accepting to be tracked. Pay the patients 1000$ per month to be used as a future statistic. However, as a doctor, I’m not, I’m not sure I would derive satisfaction in tracking my patients. And where does the technology end up? In our drinking water? I dunno. My credit card company can define my life more readily than any doctor and I don’t lose sleep over it. I can see pros and cons to it. It seems like a departure from care however.
It’s an idea. Patients have little credibility. Could it deter abusive workers from being so blatant? Maybe. It would be a start. I wish hospitals were subjected to, at least, visual audits. Why not send a person of authority to visit these places, without calling ahead? Have this person talk with the staff and patients. Or, why don’t hospitals ask for surveys for improvement. The secrecy and confidentiality is part of the problem. There are no dialogues, it’s forced submission. Unfortunately, a camera is hard to hide when someone is in a hospital gown.
I knew I forgot something. A crime is not necessary in this institution. They’ll make one up for you (and not tell you.) Just to keep you going.
I’m sorry you experienced that. It’s a tough situation when someone is looking for a haven and they meet a judge, a witness, an executioner and a drug pusher, all rolled into one. Oh, maybe add to that a few that’ll make you trip on your journey. Where’s an advocate when you need one? In that kind of system…good luck. I think we should get cameras in there. Privacy plays a nasty game when abuse is going on.
I’m releived to read such a well-written well-expressed article. Psychiatry violates the most basic fondamental human rights world-wide – under a cloak of secrecy and superiority. I enjoy a glass of water occasionally and I feel better for it, but I shudder at the thought of anyone forcing a glass of water down my throat or worse, injecting it forcefully in my veins. In that field -informed consent and divulgation of risks are myths. Patients are obliged into treatments. Families are blindsided. The media talk about suicide, homicide and abuse and the relation with psychiatry is not explained. I would like for the industry to tell us how many were on psychiatric drugs. The blood test is problably not expensive and conclusive. I’m happy to read that people are discussing these issues. It validates our objections.
Well that makes too much sense. Thanks for sharing. It’s a ray of sunshine in the sombre shadows of psychiatry. Now if we could add garlic to that.
Thank you for this conversation. You’re not alone in your pleas for less intrusion, less control, less moralization, less secrecy and less abuse. Well written and well said. It is an abusive system to patients. I think we can oppose, object and fight back. A conversation is a good place to start. Thanks.
Great article. I wouldn’t want life without the entire tapestry of emotions, even the ones we can’t define. Thanks for reminding me to go easy on anyone’s angry moments, even mine.
They forgot the end of the saying: “Nice girls don’t get angry, they get even”…
Thank you for sharing your experiences. You are lucky you survived. I applaud your generosity with all of us. I always wonder if there is a correlation between the high suicide rates for veterans and the (over)use of certain medications. After doin’ your time, it’s sad for all to be again involved in chemical warfare. Hiking seems like a much better alternative.
Well said. There’s action there and little inertia. You may get more readers here than at JAMA. I’m always amazed at the sometimes limited number of readers in certain fields, such as orphan diseases, world-wide. Even if the scientific article is spot-on. In regards to opioids, I’m still marking China’s engagement to join the war against fentanyl. Now, how ’bout tapering? OR, not prescribing opioids for general ailments. Even something as simple as aspirin, yet as big as the company making it, recently saw the publication of new recommendations so that the “daily aspirin” be limited to patients who already experienced cardiovascular disease. That was about time. In the same light, I maintain hope for solving the opioid crisis. Articles such as yours are a pleasure to read: they are informative, thought provoking and they expose the effort in the counter-current, if i may say so. It’s a great solution.
Thank you for your informative article. Every parent should read it. I can’t help but see a corollary with the cigarette and the opiod manufacturers (ie. drug pushers needed clients that are alive and consuming the products – if we can get the next generations hooked on the jingle – then great, we’ll have fatter wallets). Eugenics in an era of capitalism.
It’s a tough read, yet necessary. Thank you.
The researchers lost me at “thirty teachers were interviewed”. Seems infinitely insignificant compared to the amount of school age children using medications. I’d like to see this unfortunate trend (at medication) hit with a power swing not a swat.
Great article. I agree, pyschiatry doesn’t fix much and costs a lot. I have an extroverted very old uncle and his GP, years back, gave him a prescription for “socialising”. He told him “Get out there and walk and talk, go get your coffee”. Knowing my uncle, I was impressed with his doctor’s advice. He had “seen and heard him” enough to guide him in the right direction.
Great article…so true about shaming and naming. What a crock.
Now, now…no body or voice be tellin’ Eric that what I wrote was an oxymoron…I meant a good psychiatrist that’s all. You write really well…giving everyone some real rational explanations to choose from. Where you make me laugh or smile or lift up…the answers are in front of you and you go further and further.
What will you write about next?
In your perspective, what do you think about this: a non musical person dreams about listening to Vivaldi’s Four Season’s? or a non smoker inhaling a puff and tasting it? or the person dreaming they are flying?
Damn. Eric is a psychiatrist. Shees besheesh. And a good one at that.
Wonderful canvass and colours. I feel like I went for a walk with a wonderfully funny and sensitive lady.
Joy.
Me too. Outloud.
Very interesting article. When you write:
“On a systemic level, we could acknowledge that much of our work is directed towards the psychological injuries caused or maintained by social inequity and trauma rather than being due to a dehumanised disease process.”
I would go further and add that these injuries are caused by the medical system, the psychiatrists and the pharmaceutical companies.
I am convinced without any doubt that one of the biggest problems in the medical system is caused by big pharma selling and wanting to keep selling billions of neuroleptics and anti-depressants, benzos and opioids. The push is influenced by greed. The labels are inaccurate and studies rushed.
You walk into the door and, yes, they will find a problem for you.
Polypharmacy. Yikes…what kind of medicine is that? Push a pill, pop a pill, put a patch…yippee, let’s all make a ton of money. We’ve got lifers.
Where has the scientific method gone? I wish doctors would practice poly lab tests. Let’s test for Parkinson’s, for vitamin D deficiency…so on and so forth.
It’s easier for a shrink to say “You’re depressed. You need some medication.”
Next.
Next.
We have to make our own decisions and stop letting doctors breath down our throats with their delusions.
How about talking with patients? Could that make things betters (without drugging them first?)
It’s like the consumer drink RedBull. I wouldn’t touch that stuff with a ten foot pole. It doesn’t matter though what I think – because millions of people will buy that drink. But if a young person came to the ER with a RedBull induced pyschosis, I wouldn’t put the person on anti-pyschotics for the rest of his or her life for that injury.
People have been injured by the forced medicating that doctors have done. Especially in the psychiatric wards (but also at gp’s offices, clinics…).
The numbers don’t lie. Everyone is selling this crap.
We’re dealing with systemic abuse. It is systemic abuse to label and to coerce. Anyone who’s been in a ward knows it’s like being in jail.
I find that shrinks use the DSM like a chart. Check this and check that. Yes, for this, no for that. Then their buddies check yes for this and no for that.
The bland leading the bland.
Meanwhile, the patient gets no lab tests. He/she gets a good DSM report but no lab tests.
Makes no sense.
I apologize – I am rambling.
The other point I wanted to make is about grief, for example. Every person will experience grief. Why does that get labelled “depression”. There seems to be a huge over lap with every day experiences in one’s lifetime and the use of the DSM.
That’s where I find big pharma is at fault. They want to sell their stuff at large, for everything. And if it INJURES the consumer/client/patient – well, prove it. It’s a reversal of the burden of proof. Try and find an expert willing to go against big pharma.
They are the Al Capone of yesterday yet they don’t go to jail and get syphilis. The push of pills is a huge factor in the health system. It’s not just altruism for the big guys.
I agree with most of your article but I would add that doctors, universities, the FDA, etc…have to become more diligent, vigilant and with more integrity.
It’s a shame of sham that we have right now.
Your article reminds me of the Bob Dylan classic:
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
How many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
How many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
How many years must some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
And how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see – the answer
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
How many times can a man look up
Before he sees the sky?
How many ears must one person have
Before he can hear people cry?
And how many deaths will it take ’till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friends, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Oh, the answer, my friends, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Thank you for that post – interesting, well written, supported by easy-to-understand examples, optimistic and creative. Wonderful.
Milan, do you sometimes have a group of children come over and play? When I do, I ask them if they want to bake cookies and decorate them…OR if they want to go play outside…OR…if they want to listen to music…OR play legos….Sometimes they will moan that painting is boring or that they don’t feel like playing school “on their vacation day”. Sometimes, they will start playing school and go for hours.
My point? The reading club or the choice of the book – for your group doesn’t sound like it succeeded. It didn’t sound “fun”. No biggie, change the situation.
Great story. Thanks for sharing that with us. Could it be a chapter in a more lengthy book? I would encourage you to keep writing (and smiling). Smiling is like sunshine, ocasionnally it’s “too hot” but on most days, it is welcomed. In passing, I spend 4 to 5 days a week, every week, in hospitals, for: immunotherapy, chemotherapy and dialysis. Everyone has their nose in their phones: from doctors, nurses to other workers. In the hallways, elevators, and rooms.
We patients still smile amongst ourselves and so do the volonteers. The world has changed.
Interesting article. What I understand is that you’re also using a chair as a medium to improve your dialogue with patients, or your understanding of the patients’ perspectives. It reminds me of the puppet and doll use with children. I can imagine that the patients focus on physically changing places also has an impact on the session. The fact that patients can move around and change perspective must be positive.
You could also use writing or theatre as a medium where the patient creates actors and archytypes for whatever ails them.
What surprises me is the more than hint of direction on your part. Where you’re preconceived notions, or questions, may stir you and your patients unto a too usual path instead of on uncharted terrain. It reads, by your framework, as you may have more influence on your patients’ sessions than I am comfortable with.
I’d like to add the the various class action suits against the pharmaceutical companies speak a lot louder than this survey. At first glance, it’s seems like a waste of ressources, energy, man hours, and so on and so forth. Why report it? Unless you’re doing a survey yourself. People have to stand up to the institutions and say “no”.
Forgive me, I love BBQs.
Read Nietzsche or eat delicious succulent ribs and chicken wings, without utensils, outdoors? Discuss a book in a circle or voraciously feed a hungry stomach? Let’s ask NFL fans what they prefer. Why hypothesize that patients are different than the average american? I find the book club kinda heavy as an activity.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn the lesson and move on. Personally, nothing beats a BBQ. Even talking about a BBQ and BBQ recipes, nothing beats that. Cooking classes, that’s an idea….not so philosophical, yet then again…there could be a philosophy twist to a BBQ recipe that I cherish. Just kidding.
As a parent, I would get a second opinion, before ever giving neuroleptics to my children. In fact, I wouldn’t put those pills in my cat’s dish either. We have to be more assertive in front of professionals that are too quick to prescribe. It’s so much easier to write a prescription than it is to practice common sense, I mean, medicine.
I don’t understand that neuroleptics are a multiple billion dollar industry in the USA…and that a 650 person survey is more than a rain drop in that ocean. How many people use these drugs in the States? I heard they were being prescribed for insomia and weight loss.
Thanks Robert for clarifying the matter. When I read the obituary I was pleasantly surprised to see her mentioned and then, I thought the NYT lacked a lot of class in their comments. It’s not the first time the NYT expresses a more pharmaceutically driven point of view. Are any of us surprised? Watch out Robert…you’ll be blamed for suicides, homocides, enfanticides and pesticides. That’s why it’s good idea to write your own obits.
Dear Michael, Thank you for sharing your story. You’re lucky you got out of it alive. It sounds more than awful. It reads like another horror movie yet for once, the ending is atypical. It takes courage to face such hardships, if not then, for the rest of your life. Thanks again for sharing some of that darkness. If only the psych system could end.
That’s funny.
None taken. Thanks for broadening my understanding of your position (your previous article on lithium was also an eye-opener). Let’s agree we disagree – about labels.
Never more well said. You brought a lot home to me. Thanks to both of you for that enlightment.
Sam, I am a lawyer, since the 90’s. The psychiatric system has to be reformed. The legal system has to be reformed as well. The rules in the psychiatric system violates human rights and the abuse is concealed. It’s not an easy problem to solve. I’ve met doctors who refused to hand over records for patients…I never saw it as a financial issue. I’ve always felt that the psychiatric system was convoluted. They abide by their own ways. The judges don’t even know. The awareness is limited. And I’ve met doctors that were very helpful and very human. I find that the systems quash the individual who wants changes and it becomes very difficult. What’s the solution – one person at a time or legislative changes? I wouldn’t be so open about my disdain for the medical system if I were not dying. But I am. I still look at both systems in the optic that improvements can be made. Now I can’t walk anymore, I started dialysis last week, and I’m still trying to figure out how to make things better. I guess I just wanted to say both professions are not cut from the same cloth – not even close, in my opinion.
I thought about your article some more. I agree with Mr. Ungers comments about dreams. People have complex detailed dreams where a sleeping mind creates actors, stages, music, dialogue, content, context, architechture…basically the same things we encounter in real life. And more. These sleeping minds are fantastic, amazing and creative. Dreams are great.
Now you may have a dream that has a plot fit for the movies. I could never take the time, as you did, to write about the very complicated and original dream that I experienced. If you have the talent to put on paper your thoughts, I applaud you. Yet, I don’t agree with the label you yourself choose. I hope you don’t find that insulting. Why wouldn’t your label be “writer” or “author” or “creative mind”. You choose what you want it to be not them.
Eric, I’m amazed that you can write that much. I wish I could write as much. A lot of people don’t write. They just don’t.
I hope you enjoy it and that it provides pleasure and/or relief. Why not write a book or a few? Do what you like. Do what you enjoy.
I may share your point of view on certain issues.
The general use of terms relating to “madness” has become diluted.
What is it really? What is “madness”? It’s a manufactured term that propels people to act – medication must be given to thwart “madness”.
I don’t know. I’ve seen people blow a fuse and not get labelled “psychotic” and I’ve seen people sneer at a certain angle and they’ve been labelled “psychotic”.
What’s the difference?
The intent of the person wanting to medicate or forcibly treat? I hate to bring up the concept of “rape” but wasn’t that deemed therapeutic, ages back?
Violating patients rights is a horror. I refuse to get caught up in the labelling used to justify these violations. He is this – so we do that.
At the same time, there are people on the street that I would not get close to because they could harm and there’s no chances to be taken, with people on crack for example. So, I don’t beleive in labelling but I don’t get close to a nut on the run. I wouldn’t generalise to either extreme.
It’s what I hate about the psychiatric system – they don’t let up. Once you’ve got that label – you’re branded. AND you have to end up on your knees and thank them for their services. You have to be compliant or they don’t let you go. Then they want to get the parents and the sibblings envolved. It’s every thing else analysed rather than – FORCED TREATMENT. The system provokes fear to control. Hence – scary labels. Very scary scary words.
I don’t know a lot of companies that would tie me up and force me to wear their clothes, so why do that with medications?
It’s archaic. Their methods are dark, aged and cruel. If I don’t wear a t-shirt, no company will force me to wear their t-shirt. But at a hospital, if you don’t tie your hospital gown properly (and there are more than one way to skin a cat) you’ll be noted for an incapacity to take care of yourself (or labelled “psychotic” because you’re underwear is showing). It never ends.
As for what you are …I don’t know what to say. Who cares what I think.
Personally, I’ve got no intent in labelling you. You have written a lengthy original article and I enjoyed reading it and I thank you for it.
Thank you for your article. It’s important to be reminded we’ve evolved since then. Some have anyways. We need to talk about myths because sometimes we forget they are myths. What sells today and poisons tomorrow.
My sympathies to all who knew and loved her. She is another priceless bead in a string of deaths that much saddens me.
Is this article intended to be funny? I’ve read it three times and I keep wondering if it’s a joke? I’ll have to take out my 4 question help list to figure this out.
I have to add – none of my requests for information and change were met with a response or with an appropriate response. I was simply asking the school to divulge their screening projects to parents, as is required by law, instead of insiduously involving children without parental authorisation. This is ABC’s to me like pre-K is to them. But enough to rip out my hair when I was already losing it. I definetely have to choose my battles. I ain’t no spring chicken no more.
I think the first school was targeted because of socio-economic factors: poverty, low education level, single parent families, etc. etc. We were told verbatim “parents don’t read so we don’t give them too much information.” They were testing every and all the kids from teeth hygiene to asking children to write to volonteers about problems at home (without asking parental consent and aimed at under aged children). There was maybe 100 students total in the school.
I like your suggestion of getting the word out. I filed a few complaints at various professional orders and before the Human Rights’ Commission. I filed a few complaints here and there and wrote an article or two.
You’re right about the parents getting together. Your idea is broader than what we’ve been able to do. Changing schools solved the problem for our family but the situation remains for others.
I recently met a farmer mom who sends her young son there and she told me quite emotionally “My son has been working on the farm since he was born, not much internet for him, and his teacher is telling me “your son don’t talk right.” The teacher probably doesn’t know a hoe from a digger.
I kidd you not…the city monkies driving their dees to the country school where all of us country bumpkin’ farmers so poor we don’t know how to read. Sheesh.
Seriously, I’ll think about that sneaky suggestion idea.
That’s funny. I never heard that before. That’s a funny thought to me…pyschiatrists complaining about us.
A psychiatric ward is not a happy place. I dare imagine what it is like at Christmas or New Years. The smell that taints every object in those establishments can’t be overcome by the smell of a Christmas turkey dinner and the sound of bubbly. Not that that occurs. I’m sure they have candy canes.
But I can imagine the lonely patient opening one of your beautiful cards and reading the hope and trust and kindess that you send through your words.The novelty of your cards must be very appreciated. I say novelty because everything is old there – the puzzles, the magazines, the books, the crayons. I would imagine your card would be like a message in a bottle.
Can I say something that may surprise you? I agree that your name and coordinates should not appear on your cards. I’m speaking from experience. That is for your own protection (from the people who work there). Now, now, don’t exaggerate my comment here…my personal experience is that you may think twice about volonteering your services…I’ll leave it at that.
I think it’s great what you do. Cards means so much sometimes.
“Research has suggested that there is a divergence between scientific understandings of depression and the way that depression is experienced by those diagnosed.”
Where is this scientific understanding of depression? I have never met a person who talked to me about a scientific understanding of depression. That’s one of the problems regarding the over prescribing of antidepressants and other medications. No scientific assessments are made. It’s a lot easier to write a prescription than it is to practice medecine.
If I have an accident and fall into a coma – is there a nut that will say “oh, she is depressed, obviously”. Sometimes, it seems to boil down to that. If I’m experiencing kidney failure and the doctor simply concludes to depression – you’ll reply – I exagerate.
Well, I’ve lived more than half a decade and I find every professional is able to guess “depression”. Only a few have the intellectual curiosity to look further and assess scientifically the ailment.
How did this happen? A pill for every problem. A scientific assessment of depression. Don’t make me gag. How ’bout a little bait and switch. Or in this field, gait and twitch, all for the price of one. I’ll stop here before I get too upset.
Dear Will,
If you kick down that wall of fear, from vertical to horizontal, you’ll be able to dance on it.
Is fear all that bad? I’ll give you my take on that…..I hate hospitals. I’m a lifer because of incurable disease, people call it cancer. Anyways, I hate hate hate hospitals. I know, I’m repeating myself. My point is that I’m ready to crawl a mile before I go to an emergency ward. I like that fear. It’s knowlegeable fear. It keeps me safer.
I also have a very weak immune system and I fear bacteria and viruses. Thank goodness I fear that. Now, if I have other health issues, I may fear neuro-toxins. That’s healthy in my mind. So on and so forth.
I’m not minimizing what you experience. But, did you really want to keep the same job for 40 years? Do you really want to surround yourself with people who judge? What’s in their closet. Probably some weird things too. We’re actually more similar than we are different. But you know, I wouldn’t want to hang around people who are coercive. People I fear, that’s called something else. There’s what 7 billion people on the planet? Why hang out with “we know better than thou”.
I apologize for my ramble. Enjoy the New Year. I think you’re doing OK. You’ve definetly got more ressources than inititially. You ain’t no novice, tell the nay sayers to f-o (well, in your mind anyways).
I am so delighted to read your article concerning systemic abuse. I am relieved that you are warning parents about these insidious methods. The damages are very real and long term and parents should keep “en eye out”.
I’m a cancer patient in more ways than one who decided to send her children to the “closest” school, for practical reasons. That little French school enticed my children under the age of six to meet every imaginable professional for x reasons.
Now, I’m a professional. I’m a lawyer. Even after I told the school that my children had their own ressources (after all, I spend a lot of time in hospitals, unfortunately and I’ve worked for over 25 years) – the school insisted that my children meet with professionals anyways (you name it).
What did I do? I sent my children to a bilingual school where they are thriving in all subjects, including sports and music. And when I say “thriving”…I mean, they are enjoying school and learning. That’s all – they are enjoying being kids.
I’ve noticed that different schools utilize differents tools. Some use the hammers and some use teaching. My mom, grand-mother, great-grandmother were teachers. They never used a hammer.
Again, thanks so much for your article. I hope many parents read it.
Dear kindred spirit, be free. My sympathies to her loved ones.
To Michael: in regards to drug addiction, I don’t know anyone who is happy being dependant on any substance, that’s all I can say. In regards to being caught in the system, what are your options (not that I’m versed in the matter). 1) fight the system, win or lose 2) leave the system, as one leaves an abusive relationship 3) stay in the system, learn its ropes, first hand, and then, try to change the system 4) study the system and accept the risks of doing same 5) be a victim 6) take a survey in regards to your labelling (good luck….new internet forum….how many yays, how many nays?) 7) deny the system, take it out of the psychiatric courts 8) move 9) invent a new reality acceptable to you…..sounds crazy? What do you want to do? We all soil our diapers when we’re two, do we have to discuss that for the rest of our lives? Ok…bad example. Good luck.
Income security? Really? What planet do some people live on? No money in the world is worth labelling another human being erroneously – forcing treatment and medications on another human being and then implying that these people “have it good”. They have been destroyed by an archaic view of humanity and as a society, we throw peanuts at them to hide and remain quiet. They’re so scary. Let’s demonize them and make some movies. Who wants popcorn?
Well, I’m really an enabler with my two young children. In our home the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus exist. Oh, I forgot Pixie the elf that does tricks while the children sleep and teleports to the North Pole to report. We even, I don’t know if we can say this….we even read books outloud and make beleive that we are aliens (who dance)…..children bipolarity – hell ya! Make them delirous too and whatever you want to. Call them what you want. But leave the pills and your simplistic boring view of humanity out of their learning. There’s playtime and funtime, they’re kids. Doesn’t mean it’s crazy. The day my children are quiet all day is the day I’ll be checking a fever. Do shrinks have kids or are they too busy pushing dope? (My apologies for my general use of terms…I find the weather very bipolar in Canada.)
I’ll contribute. Simply put, when I’m having a “bad day”, I come here and read a few articles and comments and usually, I feel better. Simple as that. No drugs, no dope, no booze, no soda, no cigarettes….just a little reading. It’s worth it. Thanks for your great sight.
Dear Sam,
I think 11 years is a long time to be committed in love and in loyalty to your wife. For anyone. Congrats. There’s no competition from anyone. You don’t have to convince me that you’re the frontline, we all are the frontline. Even the teller is the frontline. And that’s part of the solution to erasing the stigma that’s been created (just to sell more solutions, billions). MIA is for everyone. Can I be forward? I’m impressed that you, as a SO, can enumerate the different symptoms of your SO’s distress, as occasional or as permanent as it may be. Just the fact you can name them tells me you know a little bit more than I do, for example. You could probably teach me – if you know what I mean. Why don’t you consider that. Maybe you know a little bit more than a few bozos (on benzos). A few years ago, when I was way young, I read a book called “Don’t Panic” by Reid Wilson and it changed my life. I don’t know what the person I have become would read today in the same book but when I was young – it changed my life. My point is: this site does mention a lot of alternatives to traditional North American care. Use teh “search” tool. It doesn’t even have to be open dialogue. I’m sorry I took so much of your time. I think I wanted to say “I applaud what you do”. Buy a surf board too because the wave is moving to a town near you Ohio. Take care. (Written with respect.)
Beautifully written. I read your well versed post as I would read a poem. I remain hopeful that forced therapy will cease to be administered. Articles such as yours confirms the devastation yet conveys hope to me.
A survey is a good start.
In one of our South shore Quebec hospitals, an attendant in a psych ward from 2011 until 2017, took photos of the patients hospitalized there, amongst other behaviours. The hospital attendant is presently in jail. Did the hospital send letters to the patients informing them of these violations to their privacy? NO. The hospital can send letters to patients asking for donations, every six months and yet when they are asked to communicate with these patients informing them of these violations….they respond they are doing enough. How do patients find out about this? If, per chance, they see an article in the newspaper, concerning the criminal attendant. When I asked the police why patients were not being notified, they replied “they had enough victims for a conviction”. The hospital isn’t sure they should start doing background checks on employees.
Yes, a survey. A wonderful start.
Everytime there is a mass shooting, I ask myself: “I wonder what kind of medication the murderer was taking?” That information usually does not make the news. Strange how we don’t all think alike.
I’m sorry for your loss. You did the best you knew how with the information that you were given. Neuroleptics and antidepressants can cause suicide. It may be as simple as one pill. I would take solace in knowing that your daughter was not lonely. To love as she did is a beautiful sentiment. As I am sure you love her more every day. That’s not crazy.
Sometimes I read articles on MIA and I’m so “intimidated” by the writer or interviewer that I don’t comment. I make an exception in your case and will just wing it, because you really look like my aunt. Thank you for this wonderful interview and example of the silver lining of anger. I’m happy you were angry, that it helped you survive and that you shared all that with us. I can’t beleive they treat human beings as they do and I pray that we can stop that abuse by institutions (without resorting to bombs). I’m also grateful that you have a better typewriter. “Thanks” isn’t enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed the article. It reminded me of a stream leading to a river where there is a canoe or a rowboat available for use to reach the other shore. I really enjoyed the article. As I get older I tend to think that life involves trauma. Period. Abuse and violence. That’s the common thread of societies. The flip side to that is all the “good stuff” that we also carry with us and make our heart beat and eyes sparkle. I abhor the push of pharma as a solution to natural life experiences such as trauma. What ever happened to friends and sharing a good cup of whatta whatta.
I would aim at teaching young adults some of your theories. Thanks.
You’re absolutely right. In the pursuit of money, big pharma ruined the health of masses. When “death” is listed as a side effect, it can’t get clearer than that.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you get some answers in your lifetime. Who knew a little pill could do so much damage? They didn’t even care.
Thank you for that beautiful collaboration. It’s an important reminder to being. I will seek it out because I love the lessons we can learn from books (when we can not have the authors in our community). I watched my daughter take care of a caterpillar one day, all day. She took care of a lovely bug like one would take care of an infant. It reminded me of how far we grow away, we move away, from our child’s self. Why do we require that children fit the adult world when some of us have forgotten what it is to be a child. The occasional tears are a relief, to me. Just as the occasional smile is a welcome.
I’d like to add, that on this new journey, of fighting cancers, which is approaching another decade,I’ve systematically refused psych medications, such as antidepressants and I’m happier for it. I tell everybody to get second opinions and when I hear about people who are confused I always think : “did they get their blood work done and checked. Did they check their urine?” I fear that many people are thrown in the mental band wagon without due diligence and without care. It’s sad for all involved. Easy money for the few and throw away lives for the many.
I applaud all your efforts. That’s how you will save lives. I was given a similar prescription for illness for over a decade only to be told, later, I had bone marrow cancer along with another rare disease, amyloidosis (known to Vietnam veterans). Incredulously, I said to my husband “cancer is easier than what I’ve been through before.”. I hear ya. Those prescriptions end lives.
Remember Big Tobacco? Sold as the Marlboro Man and the liberated woman (I forget her name)? They killed millions of people. What do I tell my young children today? Don’t smoke. I don’t tell them about the crazy crazy business that smoking was. Now, in 2019, although it’s legal, we’re saying “Don’t toke.” And I’m trying to figure out how to convey “don’t poke”…if it’s not opiods, it’s carfentanyl….I mean…these are dangers. Psychiatry is a danger in the same way. Big Tobacco ended prematurely the lives of millions. But fighting psychiatry has to be doable otherwise we’re back in the ages of witchcraft and demons. The psychiatrists I’ve met in my lifetime were pathetic controlling idiots, probably on drugs,….a far cry from insiduous evil beings. They ate spaghetti just like we do.
I refuse to see these human beings as demons. Give me a fair fight.
If I can add something from a Canadian perspective, in the last couple of weeks, one of our Canada Supreme Court Justices retired. In Canada that is our highest court. Well, this justice retired, at 59, I beleive, stating that he had been suffering from depression and anxiety for the last twenty years. Don’t quote me on this. But to me, that is a sign that “things” are getting better when a member of the highest courts can relate to all his personal struggles. Of course, it’s not anti-psychiatry, but it’s a start. The message it sends out, in my perspective, is loud and clear.
Then, earlier this year, over 700 doctors for children, in Quebec, protested against the over prescribing of medications for children (neuroleptics, depressants, etc…) Quebec over prescribes and even the doctors are claiming that.
When I read MIA, I think “alright”…20 000 readers, that’s a mighty big village.
So forgive my optimism.
I agree with your very comprehensive well explained article and yet, disagree with its conclusion. Give yourself some credit.
Your arguments are solid and I predict that psychiatry will lose ground (I think it already has.) Everytime we exercise our individual freedoms (but it what they may…not taking antidepressants, contesting forced therapies, having a conversation with someone needing help), we win.
These articles and comments are not lost on simply survivors, they move on in the collective consciousness. Things will get better because for a lot of us, things are better.
In the psychiatric field, it seems like a rather too symbiotic technology. To the point where the patient becomes the product and the research company becomes the consumer. The gathering of information is a lucrative business and choosing the vulnerable as first recipients is nothing new. GPS technology could accompany that digital technology. Maybe patients could be renumerated for accepting to be tracked. Pay the patients 1000$ per month to be used as a future statistic. However, as a doctor, I’m not, I’m not sure I would derive satisfaction in tracking my patients. And where does the technology end up? In our drinking water? I dunno. My credit card company can define my life more readily than any doctor and I don’t lose sleep over it. I can see pros and cons to it. It seems like a departure from care however.
It’s an idea. Patients have little credibility. Could it deter abusive workers from being so blatant? Maybe. It would be a start. I wish hospitals were subjected to, at least, visual audits. Why not send a person of authority to visit these places, without calling ahead? Have this person talk with the staff and patients. Or, why don’t hospitals ask for surveys for improvement. The secrecy and confidentiality is part of the problem. There are no dialogues, it’s forced submission. Unfortunately, a camera is hard to hide when someone is in a hospital gown.
I knew I forgot something. A crime is not necessary in this institution. They’ll make one up for you (and not tell you.) Just to keep you going.
I’m sorry you experienced that. It’s a tough situation when someone is looking for a haven and they meet a judge, a witness, an executioner and a drug pusher, all rolled into one. Oh, maybe add to that a few that’ll make you trip on your journey. Where’s an advocate when you need one? In that kind of system…good luck. I think we should get cameras in there. Privacy plays a nasty game when abuse is going on.
I’m releived to read such a well-written well-expressed article. Psychiatry violates the most basic fondamental human rights world-wide – under a cloak of secrecy and superiority. I enjoy a glass of water occasionally and I feel better for it, but I shudder at the thought of anyone forcing a glass of water down my throat or worse, injecting it forcefully in my veins. In that field -informed consent and divulgation of risks are myths. Patients are obliged into treatments. Families are blindsided. The media talk about suicide, homicide and abuse and the relation with psychiatry is not explained. I would like for the industry to tell us how many were on psychiatric drugs. The blood test is problably not expensive and conclusive. I’m happy to read that people are discussing these issues. It validates our objections.
Well that makes too much sense. Thanks for sharing. It’s a ray of sunshine in the sombre shadows of psychiatry. Now if we could add garlic to that.
Thank you for this conversation. You’re not alone in your pleas for less intrusion, less control, less moralization, less secrecy and less abuse. Well written and well said. It is an abusive system to patients. I think we can oppose, object and fight back. A conversation is a good place to start. Thanks.
Great article. I wouldn’t want life without the entire tapestry of emotions, even the ones we can’t define. Thanks for reminding me to go easy on anyone’s angry moments, even mine.
They forgot the end of the saying: “Nice girls don’t get angry, they get even”…
Thank you for sharing your experiences. You are lucky you survived. I applaud your generosity with all of us. I always wonder if there is a correlation between the high suicide rates for veterans and the (over)use of certain medications. After doin’ your time, it’s sad for all to be again involved in chemical warfare. Hiking seems like a much better alternative.
Well said. There’s action there and little inertia. You may get more readers here than at JAMA. I’m always amazed at the sometimes limited number of readers in certain fields, such as orphan diseases, world-wide. Even if the scientific article is spot-on. In regards to opioids, I’m still marking China’s engagement to join the war against fentanyl. Now, how ’bout tapering? OR, not prescribing opioids for general ailments. Even something as simple as aspirin, yet as big as the company making it, recently saw the publication of new recommendations so that the “daily aspirin” be limited to patients who already experienced cardiovascular disease. That was about time. In the same light, I maintain hope for solving the opioid crisis. Articles such as yours are a pleasure to read: they are informative, thought provoking and they expose the effort in the counter-current, if i may say so. It’s a great solution.
Thank you for your informative article. Every parent should read it. I can’t help but see a corollary with the cigarette and the opiod manufacturers (ie. drug pushers needed clients that are alive and consuming the products – if we can get the next generations hooked on the jingle – then great, we’ll have fatter wallets). Eugenics in an era of capitalism.
It’s a tough read, yet necessary. Thank you.
The researchers lost me at “thirty teachers were interviewed”. Seems infinitely insignificant compared to the amount of school age children using medications. I’d like to see this unfortunate trend (at medication) hit with a power swing not a swat.