I repectfully disagree with those who claim “forgiveness is impossible.” I realize that at times it seems more difficult, but it is absolutely necessary to one’s recovery, health and healing no matter the circumstance. If a person is not quite able to forgive those who did the harm or hurt, it might be necessary to initiate a relationship with a Higher Power to act as the Intermediary. This also assists the individual in the healing process. All of this is very necessary both for the health of the individual and for the health of society. It also represents the growth of the person towards “maturity” in that it is a reflection of the person taking responsibility for his or her life and health, etc. This is not to lessen the horrific impact of what those who do evil to others. The evil-doers must also take responsibility for the evil behaviors, but, of course, sadly they refuse to do that. This is also a major point that assists in defining them as evil. This is not to infer that someone unable to forgive or unable to ask a Higher Power for assistance in the forgiving process is evil; only that it might unnecessarily prolong their suffering. Thank you.
This is “Circular Thinking” which will never win an argument for or against anything including psychiatry. Stronger arguments are needed to win against psychiatry. In my opinion, those may only be found in the context of Biblical Thinking. Thank you.
With all due respect to the opinions and experiences of others, we do not have a right to die. The US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution give us the Right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Actually, these are the Rights given to us by Our Creator and thus granted to us through the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Maybe it is different in other countries, I do not know. As one can see, the Right to Die is not listed as granted to us by Our Creator and thus these two documents of which the foundations of all law and our lifestyle of Freedom in the United States. Thank you.
Well, Well, Well… another study where the researcher determines the results before the results come in and then interprets the results in accordance with his or her own bias. But, then, I heard a study reported through the tv media that stated “picking one’s nose” leads to alzheimers. This is modern medical science today. I realize that I am being sarcastic, but I think it might be high time, we humans stop basing our faith in medical and psychiatric science for our health and go back to good ol’ common sense. Could it be that our grandmas and great-grandmas knew more than present doctors and medical researchers, etc.? Thank you.
All modern medicine is built on a “pseudo-medical model.” Psychiatry is just one portion of it. Thank you.
Marijuana is mania. The idiotic fact that in many states there have either made it legal or are thinking of it only expresses the depravity of the 21st century. I, personally, do not think that even a store that specializes in selling marijuana legally, but at an expensive price can sell “good marijuana.” The old pictures from previous decades, especially, the 60s and 70s showing young people basically so “zoned out” that they are nearly unconscious are not jokes. When I was in college, marijuana, although illegal, was as easy to come about as alcohol. It did nothing, but cause a generation ripe for the dangerously seductive psychiatric drugs like SSRIS and the atypical anti-psychotics. Please do not be deceived. The only reason they want to legalize marijuana is to create a willing and vulnerable market for all their psychiatric drug devilish debauchery and greed. Thank you.
Yes, but please wake up! It’s not just psychiatrists and the mental health system. It is all health care. The only way they see and claim results is through some sort of drug. And health insurance, who desire fast and allegedly quanitifiable results assist mightily in the process. Actually, getting rid of mental health, etc. is not the problem, persay. It is our drug culture. And thus we all become little “Alice in Wonderland” guinea pigs no matter which doctor’s office we walk into, psychiatrist or not. There are a million and one complex issues here and it will take several generations to correct. Thank you.
Like all words, there is nothing wrong with the word, “recovery.” However, like all words, it can be over-used, until it becomes meaningless. When I see the word, “recovery” I also think of the word, “success.” “Success” like “recovery” can be over-used and can also be manipulated against another in both clinical and non-clinical situations. In my stupid but silly opinion, “recovery” like “success” can only be defined by the individual involved. It is NOT a corporate, collective type of word. My “success” and my “recovery” may be different from someone else’s and vice versa. As I have said before, there is “no one size fits all.” Our society rests with the individual and the family uniquely composed of individuals. If there is failure in psychiatry and much of what I read and experienced seems to reflect that, it is because we do not consider the validity of the individual. However, psychiatry only reflects the rest of society and this problem is rampant in education, government, healthcare, etc. Until we begin to treat the individual with dignity, we will “succeed” at little and suffer much. Thank you.
I would say, “Ain’t that the truth? ” or “Duh!” But, honestly, when you treat another person like an object, this is nothing but a form of bullying. Therapists aren’t the only ones who it. Psychiatrists, “Regular doctors,” etc. and other people in alleged places of authority do it, also. As a form of bullying, it is nothing but abuse. But then and sadly, that is how some people view the world and there are some for whom no amount of training, etc. can and will change them. Such people should not work with other people and definitely should not be therapists, etc. So why do these people seem to head towards people oriented jobs and professions? I don’t have an answer at present. Thank you.
I think talking about suicide is helpful for some, but there are those who it is hurtful and counterproductive. We must remember that nothing is a one size fits all. I always hear people now on tv who say we must talk about it. And yes, this article shows that it does help some people. But there are those for whom speaking of suicide is more of like a “PTSD” inducer. I think these people must be respected, too. Thank you.
Please, one does not need to deploy the middle finger to eliminate all medications. One can just walk away, free as a bird, free to be you and me. Free, when you deploy the middle finger, you are still their prisoner; you still belong to them. Even if you never take a drug again or be involved in their therapy. Anger is a natural emotion. Sadness is a natural emotion. Deploying the middle finger takes away all the joy and happiness when the needs of anger and sadness are accomplished. If you want to be free, you must allow yourself to forgive and to love and that begins with oneself, as hard as it can be sometimes… Thank you.
The mental health industry is actually like the canary in the coal mine, indicting the whole medical/pharmacuetical system. Sadly, what we see in the mental health system is running rampant amongst all medical systems in the “developed world.” Yes, it would seem nice to eradicate the mental health system, but we would still have Big Pharma poisoning people through traditional medicine. The healthcare/medical system, including psychiatry and mental health is like your alcoholic out of control uncle in the back seat of your car driving you crazy on a long distance trip across the country. However, like your alcoholic out of control uncle, this system must break down or nearly break down before it can be saved to the point that it benefits people in all the nations. Please remember medicine has been on its downward slope since healthcare tried to become a science, rather than an art practiced by those known as “true healers.” Thank you.
I don’t like cars much, but there are “necessary evils” and if there are those who want to involve themselves in “car culture” well, so what! I have my “Cultures” and others have their “cultures.” And, sadly there are still areas especially in the US, where you can get without a car. Of course, there are a few areas, you can’t get without a boat or ferry, too. Honestly, “let’s just live and let live.” That would help all environments much better and the raging anger of some might dissipate, at least to the point, much of this “climate change” thing might be averted. Oh, one more thing, please learn to stay in your lane (car culture slang) or on your own path/purpose and stop trying to be/do/have what you can not or should not. That would calm things down, too, even the atmosphere (i.e. climate/weather, etc.) Thank you.
I really appreciated your article. I, too, have seen the Dr LadyFreud types, who are supposed to be the best in the business, but are really just “drug-pushers.” I like your balanced approach. I like the fact that you do consider what happened to you as the fault of many causes. That takes a very strong, intelligent, wise and mature person who is able to acknowledge that this is not a “black and white issue.” It exonerates no one. It just tells it like it happened and how you are working to deal with what did happen to you now. The main thing that does come through in your story is that it is the drugging that virtually destroys all else. And, that sadly the psychiatrists and others now rely on these drugs which do harm as “first line treatment” above all. Sadly, psychiatrists are not the only ones who rely on drugs or similar treatments and now shy away from real work with their patients. And after the withdrawal is completed, no change, except the patient is now smart enough to realize if they want to learn something about themselves, they need to stay away from those who only seem to want to push these drugs like candy as easy remedies. Thank you.
Actually, I am not sure if there is even a consensus about what outcomes they are looking for… In the first place, if for instance, you ask ten people what their idea of success, is, you will very probably get ten different responses. I have been in therapy and sometimes, the therapist asks what I would like to get out of the therapy, but the way most therapy is set up, it is usually forgotten, even when they use some sort of “indivualized plan.” No matter the therapy or the drugs utilized when the person stops the treatment, the person will return to who they really are. The idea that drugs and therapy can change a person is like a sad myth. For one thing, if change is to occur, it must come come from within. Drugs and therapy are from the outside. But, then, there are a million things within each of us that can only be temporarily changed at best. Although, I applaud anyone who can overcome challenges and succeed despite the odds (and that is almost everyone) each person and society at large must acknowledge that many of our weaknesses are not meant to be changed, as that would change our strengths. This would change our purpose in the world and our contract with the Creator is to what and why we are here on Earth at this time. I should say that I am talking about most people. I do not include those consumed by evil. Thank you.
Lithium is a problem, too. You have to stay well hydrated, not restrict your salt and not get overheated. When I was taking lithium, if the temperature was over 85 degrees Farenheight I just stayed inside and did nothing. Of course, that is one thing I am good at, but, Lithium can be very dangerous in the heat and should not be taken lightly. Be Lithium Aware! Thank you.
I was reading about getting one’s psychiatric records. Pleasebe aware in many states and places in the US, the only way you can see your records is if you read them in a protected, secure room with a designated employee of the clinic sitting beside you. And there are probably other rules involved, too. Just so you know. That is what I was told upfront many times when I was in the process of obtaining services or a change in services from the clinics of which I was a “patient.” Thank you.
The “left-leaning media” has been bought out by the psychiatry/big-pharma people. Just see the ads on their tv shows and hear them speak of how psychiatry or whatever saved their lives or someone they know and there is no shame speaking to a therapist. Blah… Blah… Blah… Just so you know, the left, the progressives, the socialists or whatever are no friends to anyone who feels that psychiatry has harmed them. Thank you.
Ken Burns as a filmaker is just more suited to history and political science than psychiatry/psychology. I have not see this film, but in my opinion, he has veered off his lane. We all do it at times. But unfortunately, psychiatry/psychology being the convulated subject it is, it might do more harm than good. I know Ken Burns did do something on “cancer.” I did not see that, either, but “cancer” despite its issues still lacks the utter confusion that surrounds the subject of psychiatry/psychology. But, in analysis, Miranda Spencer probably got it right as far as the “mixed messages” aspect. In truth, the “mixed messges” aspect is not only indicative of psychiatry/psychology, etc. but of most all media; which is a reflection of society, etc.
I did not see in Miranda Spencer’s analysis of this film a reeinforcing of some moral defect that some call sin. I just see that “mixed messages” issue which is a million miles distant from sin, but reflects the utter confusion we have in our society about almost everything. Thank you.
As usual, Robert Whittaker, your article is super-excellent! A class-action lawsuit sounds great, but. how do you get enough support so as to prevent all from being “cancelled” as it were in the lexicon of today. Just as I was reading this article, another news report came across the tv about how people should take care of their mental health and it seems the new ploy might be how if you don’t it affects others (i.e. those you love.) Psychiatry has grown so big and has so many friends in the media and I would say Congress, etc. too especially after the Pandemic and these increasing mass shootings, etc. this to me seems like climbing Mt Everest and I’m usually the optimist, not necessarily a realist. But still something must be done and since I trust you, Robert Whitaker and additionally, your book, “Anatomy of an Epidemic” in addition to another strange book that fell into my lap at the right time saved my life. So, please, give us all more information. I always have hope, but I do like it when the hope begins to fly. Thank you.
Please the Bible is not “crap.” If you want to take on Goliath, i.e. Psychiatry, etc. you will need “Bible Believing Christians” too in your fight. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Politics make strange bedfellows.” You never know whom you will need to be your ally in any fight. In my opinion, what you criticize about psychiatry is fine, but, please don’t criticize the religious views of others. That is so wrong! Thank you.
Sadly, much of psychiatry’s diagnosis are like on-line weather forecasts; in that, you try to find out the forecast for your zip code and discover that the weather forecast is for someplace on the other side of the country. Then, you have to reset the weather forecast by finally entering your zipcode. This can, also, happen when you look up one of the many tv channels available either on cable or satellite. What I am trying to say is that psychiatry, is it is, in in step with the world as it is today; which is out of step. Psychiatry’s success actually lies in its ability to market itself. That is what makes it so difficult to defeat. If one wishes to defeat or abolish psychiatry, one must be able to basically outsmart them (not they are geniuses) and think not only out of the box, as they say, but out of the universe. Traditional legal or political stratagies will not work. Fighting them and wishing to prosecute them will only make them stronger, because it is fighting them at their level. Think of this: Psychiatry like the witch in Hansel and Gretel who lured the little children with crumbs and then threw into the boiling pot of water for her dinner. Perhaps, if we didn’t actually fight them, but offer alternative and better ways to help suffering people, we may succeed. People do and will suffer. The way to defeat psychiatry is to offer a viable way to help them realize there really is a way out and then they will not need the pacifying drugs and therapies psychiatry offers. Thank you.
Actually, although convoluted at times, this article gives me hope. And, the hope lies in the fact of those who ask questions. As long as people can ask questions about anything, there is always hope. Never give up. Never give in. Always believe the truth will out itself. And, this article does help to promote the truth. Thank you.
I do not like the words, “serious”, “severe”, “pervasive” “critical” or “crucial.” Sadly, these words have been abused in relationship to others and me. I was once described as having a “severe and pervasive mental illness.” Other than I am having problems with my spelling, I am fine. I had a “friend” in college who believed her educational pursuits were either “critical” or “crucial” above even our friendship, because, basically, I could not achieve “good enough grades, etc.” by her standards. Later, another friend told me that she was being “abusive” and I should leave the friendship. I, think, about two years later, I dissolved the friendship. And, of course, it leaves the word, “serious.” On my first job out of college, I thought almost everything I did was “serious.” Well, one of my co-workers told me that in a one hundred years, it would not matter. It has been a few decades and I can tell, although, I have an excellent long term memory, I have completely forgotten what was worrying me that I called “serious.” I, think, that might be the problem. We have a tendency to label things, and even people as such. It is not just psychiatry, althought they are obviously big offenders, but all medicine, even education, government, etc. And, then, we so easily forget. And, no, we don’t want to forget and repeat horrific behaviors, etc. but most behaviors, etc. that we label such words are really “trivial” in the scheme of things. I am not human beings are trivial, but, I do think we have a tendency to lack proportion. Each day, we need to look at the sky, a mountain, the stars, the ocean, etc. and then see where we are in all this. We need honest perspective and until we achieve that all will be wanting, especially psychiatry, etc. Thank you.
Joshua, Please forgive me but life is absurd, so basically all subjects are patently absurd. Being human is an absurd idea, also. As opposed to almost all other creatures, primates not included, because they walk on both all fours and just the twos, we are the only species that walks on just our legs and feet. So, in the scheme of the planet, we humans are the absurd ones. I do think those who state that our society is basically inharmonious with our human nature are on the right track. I, actually, think it is more so for some than others. Some people seem much more able to adapt to society as it is. Perhaps, that is now why we are beginning to include whether one is neurotypical or neurodivergent in our conversations. However, many who are in the study and advocacy of neurodivergence, do include some “categories” of mental illness, but consider them “acquired neurodivergence” almost like brain damage from say a car accident. However, the Autism spectrum, most learning and developmental disabilities, and even ADHD are not considered “acquired” neurodivergence. But this is an evolving field and these concepts may eventually replace traditional psychiatry, etc. which of course would cause some in psychiatry to might be somewhat nervous or anxious. Thank you.
For some reason, I did not see this article until today (August 6, 2022–Saturday) I truly appreciate your well-written story of your experiences. It has been my opinion, that much of what are called “symptoms of mental illness” can be attributed to toxic chemicals in our environment. I am also of the opinion that many do receive diagnoses of mental illnesses when there are other issues that need to be addressed but subsequently get ignored. And, then we add toxins to toxins on most all acounts by prescribing these psychiatric drugs to the vulnerable. Much of this can, in my thinking, be ascribed not only to laziness but to psychiatrists and others who have that disease described by this statement, “My mind is made up, don’t confuse with the facts.” Talk about epidemics. This is a growing epidemic in our society. However, I do not entirely agree with those who exclusively put psychiatry into the column of a “psuedoscience.” I am not sure about the validity of psychiatry and do believe its validity should be up for debate in our society, but I also believe that no field of medicine or any science should be left out of this debate. Far too long, we have relied on “science” for the answers and then those answers and converted them to “numbers” and say the problem is solved or a whole bunch of etc. that basically denigrates many. Business is not immune and now should be considered a branch of “science” in this manner. Until we break through our “numeric centric” world, what happened to you will tragically continue. Also, until we break through that “number centric” world, “psychiatry” will continue to exist and for those who wish to “abolish” psychiatry, it will make the usual uphill battle seem like a hill in a child’s sandbox. Thank you.
Thank you for your story. It was a book by Robert Whittaker, “The Anatomy of an Epidemic” that truly fell off the bookshelf at the local library that opened my eyes, especially about the “drugs.” Your story and so many others, including mine, illustrate that old axiom, “the cure is worse than the disease.” I know some will debate whether there is such a disease or diseases considered “mental illnesses.” In my opinion, your article does not present itself as the article in which to debate. One of the issues with almost all doctors, psychiatrists are not the only ones, is that they seem to refuse to listen to you about your own body. Anyway, I wish you continued good health and prosperity. Perhaps, you could write an article on what did work for you. That might help some people who are searching for something that might work to help ease them off their distress. Thank you.
I am not usually a person to agree with a sociologist, as in Max Weber so noted in this article, but I do think there is a certain disenchantment incurred in an industrial society. Of course, now, I believe we have hyper-progressed in this electonic/technological society. However, we are still the same human beings we have always been. My personal opinion about psychadelics is that I am against their use. However, I also believe that it is not my right to interfere in another’s persons choice as to these or any drugs. Most of these drugs have been illegal, as least in the US for many years so that has been a prohibition for some against their use. Now, I am amazed that psychiatry, etc. is trying to utlize these drugs as “chemical therapy.” Perhaps, they intuitively, realize that the traditional they have used cause way too much trouble for so many. But, in my opinion, this, too is a dead end street. Of
course, each person is an individual, but there are those of us who know that you do not necessarily need psychadelic drugs or any drugs for mind-altering experiences. For some, it can be achieved through meditation, ritual, etc. However, I know from experience, there are some who can call up a psychadelic-like experience with just so much as a thought. Just think of those classmates in school, you might have labeled as spacey or space cadets, etc. It’s kind of like the “I want what he/she has.” But the only way they can achieve it is to endanger themselves through the use of these drugs. And what is so odd is how all those “space cadets, etc.” do get bullied, criticized, etc. for behavior that comes naturally to them, but is eventually coveted by others but only achieved through psychadelic drugs. In my opinion, if something to be achieved must only occur through extraordinary methods, even though that could be damaging or dangerous, then it is up to that person to consider strongly his or her reasons for needing to do this. However, I am fearful that many psychiatrists, etc, may be so needful of a “quantifiable” result for insurance or other purposes, that those who are most vulnerable may be sacrifices on the altar not just for money but for our societal/cultural obsession with numbers and not human beings. Thank you.
Nothing surprises me anymore in this world. However, making grief a disorder is more of psychiatry’s reflection of who have come to be. Sadly, we devalue life and thus we devalue “death” and the natural process of grieving that results from it. I, think, that if there are those “patients” who feel empowered by the medicalizing of grief, then, it is their life path and course and would be very wise if I did not interfere. However, it would be wrong to impose this as a disorder upon those who would feel very uncomfortable with it. But, sometimes, when in the passing of someone close, a “well-meaning” friend, family, or even clergy member might urge the grieivng person to seek professional help. Considering that in this time, the individual is very vulnerable and may be unable to entirely think for themselves, they may be caught in something that is not in their best interest. It is important to note there is no time limit on grieving. There can not be. The minds, especially of some people, do not tell time in clock/month/year shape order as we are led to believe. Our concept of modern time is solely based on pre twentieth century train time schedules that we have adopted and adapted to work, school, etc. and now the ultra technology era. In many ways, time is an abstract that doesn’t exist. But, each person is allowed to choose their own life path and each one of us should not interfere unless a “contract” has been made such as in a marriage or in a parent/child relationship, etc. “Contracts” also can’t be breached or interfered with, unless someone’s life is in danger. As someone who lost very important people in my life if someone tried to put a time limit on my grieving, I would ask who really needs the diagnosis; them or me? Thank you.
I think what Peter Gotzshe states here is probably not just concerned with psychiatry textbooks. However, this is a website to basically finding and exposing truth in the subject of psychiatry and related fields. Still, I am afraid that what we are seeing in psychiatry is just the tip of the iceberg and is spreading to fields typically unrelated to psychiatry. On the other hand, “Propaganda and errors” have been common throughout history because those who write the textbooks, which can be considered the history of the people, even when the subject is allegedly “objective” like science or a so-called science related subject are written by the conquerors. I guess you could say that at present, Big Pharma and other such industries have conquered psychiatry. However, there is one thing in this article that really does concern me and I am fearful that this attitude may be a contagion amongst many disciplines and other places is that the Australian social psychologists say that people must be trained to give the “right opinion.” What is the “right opinion” on any subject and how can anyone be trained as such? Each brain is unique and I know those social psychologists would like to accomplish that and they can try; but they will fail. As I said previously, the natural uniqueness of each brain precludes that as a complete impossibility and that is why we are made as individual human beings with individual brains and not as a collective brain. There can be said to be a universal consciousness, but that is basically the consiousness of good. And it acts as a stop valve so despite it all, all humans will not be able to have the “right opinion” although we are still, each one of us, vulnerable and gullible. Thank you.
Sadly, I just feel that most of what is either printed or comes over the television, internet, etc. is more influenced by either sensationalism or if it can cause fear or consternation in the listener. Sometimes, a real human interest story generated by honest caring occurs, but sometimes they can get it well not quite wrong, but slanted in odd ways. And they can really miss out a lot of important details. This means to me that the “journalist” is just reporting a story or feeding to the public what they hear or read. They are not either asking important questions or doing any background research. I am not sure why. I guess someone is trying to take the easy way out. However, I don’t think it is always necessarily the one reporting on the story. But the problem is that there is a lack of thinking before speaking or writing these days. Thank you.
I am not sure about that not voting thing either for those who allegedly have “psychiatric disabilities.” It may be a factor if one is hospitalized or confined to an institution either voluntarily or involuntarily. Of course, incarceration in prison, in most states will be an immediate denial of the voting franchise. If in a hospital and “sick” for any reason, there may not be motivation to vote or one could be too incapacitated to vote. The same could be said for someone in an assisted living facility. On the whole, I have never been asked either voting absentee or in person if I had any kind of “diagnosis” for anything that would prevent me from performing my civic duty. I guess, in some states, this could be used to prevent someone from voting whom you might not want to vote for some reason, probably nefrious. But, it would cause such an outcry or whatever, I doubt if it’s used. Believe it or not, one can usually walk around with an alleged “psychiatric disability” or whatever and no one will know or care, unless that person exhibits strange or seemingly dangerous behavior. Thank you.
As far as liquid tapering versus crushing one’s pills, I wouldn’t know. Except for one time with Lithium, I went “cold turkey”. Actually, on most of the drugs, the doctors took me off of them “cold turkey.” And, I did taper Lithium, however, eventually, I did go back on Lithium a few years later. Therefore, at least in my case, I am very skeptical of tapering, as “cold turkey” seems to produce a better outcome. This, happened, for me with alcohol, also. I went “cold turkey” on alcohol when I was in my twenties and have never drank again (alcohol, that is.) Also, please note, if you are sensitive to alcohol for any reason or if you taking any drugs that would cause problems with combined with alcohol, it is much better to stay away from any foods cooked with alcohol. It is untrue that when you cook the alcohol burns off, so you don’t need to worry. From personal experience, I know this is not true, as I did eat some food that had been cooked with wine and got sick. This fact has been confirmed by a some scientifically motivated chefs, etc. Thank you.
On the whole, the best thing for most childrens’ mental health is to let children be children. The other best thing is to recognize each one of them as a very worthwhile individual. The other other best thing is for all those involved with children to lessen the adults’ obsession with weaknesses and failures and concentrate more on the successes and strengths. Even to this day, I am amazed about how much energy, my math teacher put into making the “x’s” next to my wrong answers and completely ignoring the very few right answers I had, although I worked harder than many in the class to obtain those few right answers. When I asked why she thought telling me how rotten I was at math by emphasizing my incorrect answers through those great big red “x’s” on my paper, she looked at me and basically said, “How dare you question me? I’m the teacher and it’s more important to point out your mistakes than your right answers.” In my opinion, if we want to improve “mental health” we really need to stop obsessing about the weaknesses shortcomings, etc. of our children and ourselves, too. As a society and culture, we are so hung up with what we do wrong, that we are so programmed, if you ask someone about their successes, they will begin with their failures. Additionally, if you ask someone what they want in life, they will probably start with what they don’t want. We are a culture focused on the negative. Until we change our focus, we will not be truly successful in anything and good people will suffer needlessly, as many do now; children and adults. Thank you.
I am neither moderately or radically enlightened about anything, much less psychiatry.
I could try to utilize profanity to will them away. I could do some sort of magical spell to make them go away. But, at the present time, it would not do any good, as all it would do is cause psychiatry to return in a different form, which could be better or could be worse. I have no ability to decipher the future. A lot of times, people repeaty the same things over and over again about psychiatry, but like much of medicine there is no “cure.” How come there is no mention of insurane and how’s its major influence and needing quantifiable results, they affect the treatment, outcome for the patient. Not only is there influence from Big Pharma on the psychiatrists and the mental health industry, but all the healthcare industry. Many times, a person, only concerned with numbers and the bottom line and knows little to nothing about anything related to health care makes decisions about a person’s healthcare. We need more research, articles and discussion about how health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid and “ObamaCare” affect the decisions made in mental health, et
Njinsky, What if deers talked in the forest like Bambi? That would be nice, but maybe they do. We just stop listening to them or hearing them. Once, at SeaWorld, I talked to a dolphin and we had a wonderful conversation. I talk to my cat everyday… And, if someone does believe in original sin, is that wrong, if it helps them to be a better person and conversely, if not believing in original sin, helps them to a better person. And, whether we like it or not, each person has the right to discuss their personal affairs with whomever they wis. Some people talk to barstenders. Others talk to their hair stylists. Some people talk to trees. I try not to judge others, but I am only human. And there is the paradox that is soon as I choose not to judge, I am judging myself or others. I really like the idea of “Live and Let Be.” Even I know all psychiatrists or psychotherapists are not bad or even evil, even though for me personally, it is not in my best interest for me avail myself of their services. However, I can only speak for myself. I can not speak for another. If it works for them, what can I say? I only ask that all viewpoints be respected. Personally, I prefer to share my secrets with cats or dolphins. “Animals” do not condemn others for their decisions, no matter what we silly humans think and try to impose on others. Thank you.
Joshua, With all due respect, if that is what you want to do, who is to stop you? However, before you take on such an tremendous feat, of which at the present moment, I doubt if all the armies in the world can do, I suggest you watch the old 1954 movie, “The Caine Mutiny.” Yes, I know Humphrey Bogart masterfully plays the ship’s commander “going insane” (which must be impossible, according to you) but then war does do strange things to people. But the important thing is the part played by Fred MacMurray. His character was the one who began the whole process which ended up in the court marshall. It was his character who basically agitated the whole thing to conclusion. However, at the end, at the celebration party, Fred MacMurray’s character was shunned. and the naval lawyer inquired of MacMurray’s character, “Was it worth it?” As pivotal as the court marshall scene was with Bogart, this scene may be even more pivotal. In my opinion, this shows that if we choose to “bring someone or something down” even it is deserved, we may suffer and the suffering may be worse than what happens to those we try to take down. So, that means in my opinion, it is better to think before choosing such an action and even more importantly, it is better to let nature take its course, rather us mere humans as they always ends up in disaster for many people, including and especially the person who began the process. In my opinion, “Only fools go where Angels fear to tread.” I have been a fool too many times in my life and despite everything that happened to me, I am going to defer to the Angels and let them take care of all issues with the Mental Health System or any system, etc. Thank you.
Birdsong, Thank you. I still have my days. I may have been able to that because I am getting near “retirement age.” Our society, somehow, seems to accept “crazy old ladies.” However, no matte what the calendar says I will never ever consider myself “old.” In fact, my neighbors and friends, etc. consider me “that child that never actually grew up.” But, despite, that I do do my best to keep up my adult obligations—now that can be “real insanity” at times. Thank you.
I would say very probably, but as Diaphanous Weeping noted, there are lots of drugs out there and of course alcohol that cause people to get into accidents. I know when I was still on the psych drugs, I was more likely to bump into cars in small parking lots. And, there were times, when I was so heavily drugged that I did not drive at all. I just took the bus. I have stopped driving now for different reasons because now I am drug free. Thank you.
Nijinsky, You state very important points again of which I have been trying to say. But you have said much better than I can or could. If my words have endangered anyone inside or outside the mental health system, it was not my intention. I do have my own personal opinions, of which are based on my experience with the system. I do not expect everyone to agree with everything I write because each person’s experience may be not the same. But, I do know one thing, the point you made about “militant inflexibility” is correct. “Militant inflexibility” or “Militant Radicalism” only tragically means that there will be many innocent casualties, such as the children of those who work in mental health. Children are and should be unable to dictate to their parents where to work. Actually, it does not do anyone any good to dictate or force your will upon another for any reason. It only causes heartbreak, resentment and worse for all concerned. Thank you, Njinisky for you thoughtful, intelligent response. Thank you.
L.E. Cox and Birdsong, I agree, in that, part of life’s lessons is to learn to handle disagreements amicably. Of course, sometimes, it is a bigger challenge than other times, so, it is a constant and consistent learning experience and challenge. And, I agree with L.E. Cox, about the “failures” of psychiatry, etc. in regards to “things of the SPIRIT.” I have had similar enlightening experiences. First, I studied psychology and thought it was the answer. But, then I graduated, got my degree, and was still dissatisfied. Thus, I turned to “things more of the SPIRIT.” Then, as life’s challenges got greater and still dissatisfied, I fell into the clutches of psychiatry, etc. twice. Both times, actually, “pushed” into it by “vocational rehabilitation.” But, then, in 2013, psychiatry, etc. due to the extensive drugging, etc. almost killed me. It then took me about two years later before I finally walked away from it. I did have to go through a “withdrawal” period from the drugs, etc. But, now I realize several things; “things of the SPIRIT” supecedes all and is the basis of all the answers (but, of course, it is a challenge to get there and it probably takes several lifetimes,etc.) and when you stop all that incessant drugging and psychiatry, etc.’s present versions of therapy and complete most of the withdrawal period, you return to who you were before all that psychiatry, etc. This is to say, my strengths and weaknesses didn’t change, my character and personality didn’t change. Who I was in the beginning and who I am now is without change, except for the “normal” changes that go with the experience and years of life, etc. It is very difficult to explain. I do not condemn psychology outright or even psychiatry, etc. per say. I can only speak from my limited personal experience. It is not my place to judge others personal experiences, but being only human, I do do it from time to time. As usual, in the wheel of life, there are millions and millions of spokes and each person must uniquely fit them into the wheel of life as it so befits them, not someone else. There is one thing I have learned and that is you can not live someone else’s life. You must live your own or you might be subject to misery and suffering. I think, psychiatry, etc. as it is now presented in the world, etc. does take advantage of that and then seems very reluctant to help people get back to themselves to live their own life and not someone else’s life. Thank you.
Joshua, You can do what you think is right. I shall do what I think is right and I shall NOT be forced to do what I do NOT feel comfortable doing. Otherwise, I will be in the same boat as I was when in involved in psychiatry, etc. And, boats make sick and nauseous, etc. You may have good intentions, but, I full well, know that you can not force others to think or do like you think or do in anything. It can be quite repulsive to someone else. Each person is a unique being with unique needs, etc. In my personal opinion, if something is not good for the world, only SPIRIT can judge and take care of it. Humans just don’t have that capability. We are put on the earth to do other things. Also, in my personal, unique opinion and with all due respect, this post. along with many of the other posts, are doing the VERY EXACT SAME THING PSYCHIATRY, ETC. IS DOING AND HAS BEEN DOING. Sadly, “when you fight fire with fire you are liable to get burned.” Thank you.
Birdsong, With all due respect, that is the very least of my concerns about psychiarty, although this does have effects on the economy. And, it would be better to assist people, if possible, to find “meaningful work” that would allegedly preclude the need for psychiatry, etc. The biggest issue, in my opinion, that psychiatry needs to face is the “drugging”—prescribing drugs like they were penny candy. Therapy, also, as at is practiced, as basically, an adjunct to this “drugging” is also highly suspect, in my opinion. However, until we can find a healthier replacement that treats everyone as individuals with unique individual brains, although we must remember that there are “certain groups” who seem to share similar charateristics, etc. we are basically stuck in this pattern, as it were. Sadly, on this site, in posts, especially, from many who do post, I see much criticism of psychiatry, etc. but very little thoughtful alternatives that could truly help people. As they say, nature abhors a vacuum. Getting rid of psychiatry, etc. without a thoughtful, helpful alternative only leads to the very real probability that something much worse than present day psychiatry could result. The other prospect is that unless thoughtful, helpful alternatives can be made available, just criticizing psychiatry, so vehemently, as some do and yes, it’s very understandable, will only lead to psychiatry strengthening its position, perhaps, if we are not careful with our vehement criticism, a more dangerous version of psychiatry. In my opinion, blaming capitalism for psychiatry is useless, as the rise of psychiatry, really began in the post-capitalistic world we now have in the US and other places in the Western World. Thank you.
Birdsong, I read what you wrote. I apologize, if you think I msiunderstood you. I might say we are at “cross-purposes.” This, to me, means, that for some reason, our brains seem to be on “different wavelengths.” I could go and say how much of psychiatry does not understand or even refuses to understand that brains work differently, understand each other differently, etc. However, still, I believe there are some enlightened minds out there, even amongs the psychiatrists, etc. (I am an optimist.) So, please forgive me. Thank you.
Nijinsky, You are “spot on.” You said what has been going on in my mind better than I could have. You say what I have been trying to say, but couldn’t put words to… You make so much sense. Thank you so very much.
Birdsong, With all due respect, feudalism is not capitalism. According to wikipedia, feudalism is “broadly defined…as the holding of land for service or labor.” It was the main practice of economy in the medieval period. At various times in the history of many countries, since then, including America, variations of feudalism have been practiced, but capitalism and feudalism are not the same and should not be classified as such. Also, it is not capitalism, it is not psychiatry that necessarily “labels those who are unable or unwilling to compete in the workplace.” Allegedly labeling those unable or unwilling to compete in the workplace would require more than just psychiatry. It needs the assistance of other institutions, also. Additionally, the phrase “unwilling or unable to compete in the workplace” to me signifies that psychiatry would be the cause of the alleged character traits that might lead to unemployment. This, in my opinion, is giving psychiatry way too much power that it doesn’t deserve. “Labeling those unwilling or unable to compete in the workplace” is a societal issue that deals with the morals, etc. of a society and culture that would be far beyond the scope of psychiatry. Psychiatry, may, at times, provide assistance to accomplish this, but this whole issue belongs to a society well steeped in some sort of “work ethic” but that too is changing. The concept of “neurodivergence” is partly assisting with that; in addition to technology, and the ups and downs of an economy that has gone through much since the 1970s and before. Thank you.
Joshua, With all due respect, as long as you use the phrase, “gets the middle finger” then no matter how compelling your references are they fall on dead water. And people feel compelled or forced to believe something, which is what psychiatry does. Therefore the tragic irony in much of these post is that similar tactics are being used to obtain dissimilar results. However, the ends never ever justify the means. Thus, when attempting to dislodge any thing, idea, system, one must always consider how it is to be done. If one uses the same means, as many describe as psychiatric tactics, then, psychiatry, etc. no matter how bad or evil it might be always wins. With all due respect, in almost every post you make, psychiatry still wins. Thank you.
Birdsong, With all due respect to your comment and to the author of the article in which you cited. In my opinion, it’s definitely NOT capitalism that is the problem; but that we are now a “technocracy” that is the problem. The problems the author cites and that you quote in your post are actually more representative of our growing reliance on technology, i. e. computer based solutions for everything. This coupled with increasing urbanization make it a hotbed for what really brought us here. Computers, technology, etc. do have their place and can assist so many in leading happier, easier lives but that seems to forgotten in the desire to be bigger, better, the best, etc. This is NOT capitalism. This is human weakness. To the best at anything is not just related to capitalism. How many times we make that mistake, therefore how many times there is no improvement in peoples’ lives. Perhaps, we need to return to the words of the Declaration of Independence, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Independence.” All of this misguided talk about capitalism and our growing independence on techology as we sink into a technocracy causes a lot of the problems discussed. Thank you.
Steve McCrea. Thank you.
Nijinsky, I might not agree with everything you write, but this I agree with one trillion million percent and I’m lousy at math, also. Thank you.
Actually the “mechanism” itself is “amoral” and without any real emotion attached to it. It is a “mechanism” about as “mechanical” as humans can be. It is when we humans make decisions about that “mechanism” either right or wrong or the judgment we attach to the emotion that it becomes problematical. One of the issues that most humans face is the vulnerabilty to suggestion. We are all naturally gullible. Take the old story. You go to sick feeling quite well, but for some reason, a co-worker sees you and then asks you if your are sick? (Maybe you wore the wrong color for you that day.) And then over and over you are asked if you feel okay until you start feeling sick and then ask your boss if you can leave because you feel sick. In fact before the end of the day you may end up in the doctor’s office with a diagnosis and a prescription. The most manipulative of the psychiatrists and therapists take advantage of this. Of course, there are those who do it unknowingly too. The main thing, in my opinion, to remember is that we are born with a lot; innate strengths and weaknesses (the mechanism) but whether we use them for good or bad and the emotion or emotions we attach to them only seems to come later after we after interacted with our family, our culture, our society, etc. Thank you.
Calvin May, Your story is very interesting. First, when I read your post and you mentioned carbeminezine; that was the first drug I had real trouble with because it lowered my white blood count so much it affected my immunity and they took me off it. This second post about being in a job, albeit in the military, of which you had no aptitude for and endured constant “screaming” is similar to somethings I went through, although not in the military. I am looking forward to your article on the VA Voc Rehab to see how it might parallel the State Voc Rehab that I was involved in. What I see continually in your story that bears some similarity to my story is how both of us seemed to almost “forced” into jobs into which we did not belong because we had no aptitude for… It seems far worse than putting the “peg” in the wrong hole…Since, I freed myself from psychiatry, etc. I have been thinking about this and how it has affected my life. I am not giving up. I have just been seeking answers and seeking ways to “structure” my life now, despite it all. I am not one to cry sour grapes. I just want to understand, so I can make my life happier and better from now on… Thank you.
Joshua, I am concerned less about what the “state” licenses as many states will license almost anything, than what each individual gives their power to; rather keep it themselves or leave it in the hands of God; the latter being the religious alternative. It is a matter of not giving power away to someone who may not deserve it or should have it. Thank you.
Joshua, I would say that, perhaps, yes, in a perfect world the burden of proof would be on those who claim there is “mental illness.” But this is definitely not a perfect world, so if one wants to contend there is no “mental illness” they must be willing to back that statement up…. Thank you.
Steve McCrea, Please be aware that there are people who no matter how hard they try, they will never ever be able to drive a clutch car (some call it a straight shift car) and other things, too. For lack of a better metaphor, it is the way some peoples’ brains are “hard-wired.” I, definitely, include myself amongst those… But, the problem with much of psychiatry has been to try change people, who can’t do certain things (and those things vary, depending on the individual, and do not just include the car thing) and then drug them, therapize them, i.e. treat them, etc. trying to make them change and then when they don’t or rather are definitely unable to do that, “make them feel guilty or defective, etc. ” I would use the word, “can’t” but just the use of that word can elicit damaging responses that try to make someone appear lazy or careless or worse, which is very far from the truth. The person is probably trying to work harder than all those so mentioned… Thank you.
Richard D. Lewis, Yes, there are those who do break out of their addictions without Twelve Step Programs, but there are those who need them and feel comfortable with them. So, I ask, why not let them be available to the people who do feel comfortable with them? Why do we just have to one or two options available? Also, the phrase, “Let Go and Let God” is NOT moralizing. It is a gentle statement that can release tension and anxiety in people. Not only that, the concept of “surrendering to God” can be quite freeing and healing for many. Please don’t take this type of help away from those who need it. In my opinion, that too, is a form of moralizing. Thank you.
Emceejc, At the end of your post, you use the word, “salutogenic.” I looked that word up. The gist of the meaning, as I read it, is that it seeks to concentrate on the wholistic health of the individual rather than just the disease or disease model. With all due respect, that is not what I read when I read your post. From what I have read on this site and even my own experience, there are about as many experiences of psychosis as there are individuals who experience it. In my opinion, it would seem there is validity in all experiences. I would also say there are cultural and societal determinants in psychosis. Additionally, there is the belief of the person who experiences the psychosis as to whether it might be a negative or a positive event. It is in the experience of each person and their relating of that experience, if we are willing to truly listen that we learn something. However, sadly, when I read your post and in my opinion, there is more a glorification to a disease or medical model of psychosis and of all of mental health. This keeps most people sick, rather than assist them to wellness. I am betting on a world that accentuates the positive of almost any experience rather than the negative and even in the most traumatic experiences, what one can glean from them to make their lives happier and healthier. Thank you.
I agree with AnnaB. Therapy could be useful, but all they want to do is rehash traumatic or painful experiences, or if they feel you have got any that meets their “approval” they try to hack into your brain to allegedly find some. Then they try to make you think something happened to you that never did or how horrible it is that you’re repressing something. I think it is a total misunderstanding of the brain and mind and its purpose. Also, the fact that if everything that happened in our lives was immediately available to us, we would “go mad” as there would be super information overload. In most cases, our brains and minds do a very good job of protecting us so that we can go on with our lives and live them as we are meant to do. I wish that therapists would try to learn to work with the brain and mind, rather than struggling, fighting, and working against it. Thank you.
l.e. cox The problem with all creatures and even plants is that, in so many cases, that which would lead to survival, both of the individual and of the species, can also lead to death and demise. One only need look at the salmon or the lemmings. And think of the flowers that bloom once or twice and then die, the whole plant, that is. Not all species do this. Not all individuals within a species do this. The other problem is that what was adaptive, either in previous generations or actually in the present generation or even in one individual can become maladaptive. One example of this is someone who, previously had no allergies and then, say at age 40, develops an allergy to something. Sometimes, this can be caused by an illness, such as those who have been bitten by a particular tick and then develop an allergy to beef and pork products. One of the errors in our educational and other systems is that we do not guide the individual in discovering what has become maladaptive in one’s life and seeking ways to change it. But that could be because we almost worship all of the maladaptive in an individual’s life, rather than look for the adaptive and its positive effects. Simply, put, it is the negative, rather than the positive we praise daily. So no wonder, we have so many issues to confront in our society and culture. Thank you.
Diaphanous Weeping, I always cry at Disney Cartoons especially when the Prince awakens Aurora from her sleep. There are many cultures who do value Psychosis as a spiritual thing reserved for priests, priestess, and shamans, etc. In many ways, it is impossible to engage in creative work without tapping into psychosis. And of course, there are the psychadelic drugs that people take to get to psychosis. Then, for some running and like activities can lead to psychosis. Also, in religious services, psychosis can occur. All of these do lead to some sort of “altered states” as one of the participants described as her experience. Maybe what we really need to do is acknowledge that “altered states” or “psychosis” is as normal as apple pie. And perhaps rethink the use of drugs to suppress it. I am not going to speak against those who choose drugs, as it is a personal choice. But, for many, drugs are not a good choice as to their suppression and possible synthetic factors. So what we really need to do is accept and acknowledge the uniqueness that allows some, for whatever reason, so predispose to “altered states” or a different way of looking at the world have every right to live their world as they so choose. The world will be a richer place. Thank you.
The question might be how do you define “psychosocial disabilities?” Is it a valid definition that helps or hurts people? What “disabilities” are included? I think the concept of “psychosocial disabilities” might be so vague that inclusiveness might be next to impossible and thus those who disabilities might need to be considered in all areas, especially public spaces are left out. These people suffer, as does the entire population of the city. Thank you.
LivingPast27, That is interesting if they are really anti-inflammatory drugs. I have no science education, really, but I have been concerned, lately, that many of the problems associated with these drugs is that they are using synthetic ingredients that only mimic the brain and instead of giving people these drugs we need to find out individually what would bring, for instance, the serotonin in the brain up without drugs. But then the question might be is it the same for everyone. Could increasing the serotonin, for instance, in one person’s brain actually be harmful, while in another person’s brain, it might be helpful. I don’t know, but, it seems the researchers are not challenged to find the answer. Thank you.
I am sorry Joshua, with all due respect, you repeat the same thing over and over again. It is impossible to convince a doubting public without proof. It is impossible to make your case without proof. Yes, mental illness might be a fallacy, but is a fallacy of syntax; is it a fallacy of the mind; it is a fallacy a business. Yes, all could be truth but just stating it as a fallacy will get you nowhere. You say, “it is used as an excuse to make people doubt their own experience.” There might very well be truth in that, but you will need to prove it. You will need to study it; its pros and cons. Just stating it as a fallacy will hurt as many people as your claims that mental illness is a fallacy that has hurt people. I say all this as someone who has been hurt and who almost died because of the mental illness system (mostly the drugs, etc.) but, I know there are as many interpretations of almost anything that has to do with the brain and mind as there are people. Sadly, right now, I am NOT convinced and in fact, the statements that are continually made in your posts make me wonder if the reality of mental illness is more true than I previously thought even before I received my BA degree in psychology and then my experiences in the system. Thank you.
Joshua, This would depend on the state. California has many laws based on Spanish Law, as does Arizona and several other states that were Spanish before they were basically bought by America. The police in those states may be less likely to assist the property owner in regards to trespassing. In states on the East Coast which are Basically English law states, some being the original 13 colonies, the police are more likely to assist the property owners in regards to trespassers. Although, Americans are much more mobile now and move from state to state as they choose, there are still a multitude of variations in laws, etc. This can be important for some in choosing where to live. For instance, in most Spanish Law states, the police will not respond to an accident on private property unless there is a terrible injury or a death. In an English Law state, they will. Of course, unless there is a terrible injury or death, especially on private property it is usually up to those involved in the accident if they choose to call the police. Not every state in the Union is like California. Thank you.
jvalusek, I am sorry what happened to your daughter. It is a tragedy beyond any words and I appreciate your ability to share it with us. It must have been difficult to do so. When I was in college, we had the university police that we called “kiddie cops.” Actually, they were more like the “keystone cops,” the want-to-be cops who basically who couldn’t qualify for either the local police force or the county sheriff’s department, but still wanted to be “law enforcement.” Once they harassed us on a weekend night, but it was off campus. They didn’t arrest us or anything and this was probably due to the questions of their jurisdiction, as they seem to be out of it. In the US, if you are on private property and the owner does not want you there, you can get arrested for “trespassing” however the owner must make the complaint, not the police—unless it a capital crime or felony. I am not sure about a misdemeanor. I don’t know about Canada, but in the States, jurisdictions carry a lot of weight. But University Police, in most cases, are rarely ever bona fide police officers. They should not have harrassed your daughter. What they did is unconscionable, if not maybe unconstitutional. Thank you.
Joshua, with all due respect, I have read many times your comments such as this one; “there being no such thing as mental illness.” There are many who post on this site who would agree with you and of course, there are those who post on this site who don’t. However, may question as I have read this repeatedly from you, what is your justification. If you were in a debate with someone who took the opposite position, what would you say that would solidify your position to help you win the debate. Thank you.
Actually, I mostly agree with you. I remember when I was in the hospital about nine years ago. It was not a psychiatric hospital, but a traditional hospital. Some of the nurses and doctorw were quite rude and close to bullying behavior. There were two or three people were quite nice to me; a volunteer and a physical therapist who would take me for a walk each morning. Oh did I mention the food! Later, our neighbor said that that particular hospital is where you go to die. I was thinking as he said that, how did I survive? Of course, when I was in what is considered the “mental hospital” the staff would lie to my mother. They told her that I had a contagious disease that I did not have. And, yes, I have known many psychiatrists were either quite rude or just terribly disorganized or disoriented. Still, it is very wrong to just criticize psychiatrists when much of the behavior exists across the whole health care spectrum, especially in the United States. Additionally, it might get worse as now after Covid, most areas are facing nursing shortages and shortages of other health care workers and professionals. In my opinion, psychiatry does not live in a vacuum. It is affected by the other health care specialities and as those specialities are affected by psychiatry. One can not speak about one without the other. When we acknowledge that, and in actually, the whole big picture, changes can be made. Right now, just zeroing on psychiatry, etc. accomplishes nothing, but maybe more pain and anguish. Thank you.
Richard D. Lewis, With all due respect, you think what you think and I will think what I think. There are those who have actually studied history and have come to the determination that there are different ages of humans and the political is only one of them. The Indian Chakra system actually places the political aspect of humans on a lower level than say the spiritual, intuitive, or creative. I just see it a different way and yes I do consider the political more of an addiction than anything else. This doesn’t make me better or worse than anyone else. It is just how I look at the world. In my personal experience, politics is like a dead end street and as both society and culture, we will never progress until we basically leave the political and embrace SPIRIT to a much greater degree. In my opinion, politics of all human affairs is the one most subject to greed and other of the so-called seven sins. I don’t know. Politics is a dirty affair and I would hope we would not sink that low in our desire to either reform, conquer or abolish psychiatry. Thank you.
This is the first artcle that questions “screening” for depression or other mental illnesses. The subjectivity and bias of the questioner will automatically affect the results of those being screened. Additionally, the person being screened might not feel comfortable being honest. Please remember we are talking about “feelings.” For many, putting one’s feeling into words can be difficult, if not impossible. In adolescents, as in actually anyone being screened the desire to please the screener may far outweigh any worthwhile results. So, why do? Of course, money is the easiest answer. Additionally, the preoccupation of our culture and society with both numbers and their related quantifiable results. But, no matter what, from the beginning the bias of the the whole tool of screening invalidates it. But it sounds so good to those who only consider the statistics, the bottom line, and that etc. they’ll just keep doing, even if all it does is nothing. I wish this type of “behavior” was just confined to psychiatry. Dare I say, it is almost like both an obsession and a compulsion. It would be easier to stop, but it is really an epidemic of sorts in all types of institutions. Thank you.
I am not sure why just pick on psychiatrists when this type of behavior is rampant at present throughout the health care system. We have to acknowledge that it is not just the psychiatrists who are not ethical. When we do that, perhaps, things could change across the spectrum of all health care and we might be a healthier nation. Thank you.
Richard D. Lewis, Thank you for your reply. I did expect a rebuttal and a deconstruction of my comments. As for the “utopia”, I will say, in my opinion, it was implied by your statements, as in your description of “socialism” it appeared that “socialism” would be the answer to most all problems. If I read it incorrectly, I am sorry. I still think it does all begin with the individual, not some alleged “collective society.” I, also think, that each person has the right to decide whether or not they wish to “become political” in regards to the issues we face. In my experience, what is “political” can be as “addictive” as any other “mind-altering drug.” With all due respect, any kind of politics is as risky as any kind of psychiatry, etc. Thank you.
Daiphanous Weeping, I am not sure about the Hoover Dam exploding. I pray it doesn’t. It would be beyond disaster. However, you are completely correct about the “babckbiting.” It has sadly gotten nearly out of hand. I saw a book advertised on Amazon about a very controversial topic that advertised a “balanced” look at the “pros and cons.” Sometimes, each of us is very guilty of not making their goal to be one of “balance.” This is not about those who have trouble maintaining balance for whatever reason. This is about willing to accept that there are as many ways to look at an issue as there are people and not all are wrong because they seem to be in disagreement with my opinion or life story. And I confess, sometimes, I too am guilty of this and get unfortunately caught up in the moment. Perhaps, we all need more forbearance even those who do see a different side to psychiatry, than just the “anti” side which is valid. However, all sides are valid and no matter your side, you can learn from the other side. Also, no matter your side, by learning from the other side, you might learn something that could truly boost your position. Diaphanous weeping, Thank you for your perspective. Thank you.
Katel, Please forgive me. I will not comment any more about your situation. It does sound awful. Each person does have the right to respond to what life has dealt them in their own way. But I do hope things improve for you at some point. Thank you.
With all due respect, “theoreticality is not practicality.” The comments made speak almost of “genuine socialism” as a “utopia.” Sadly, “utopias” are just that “utopias” and exist only in fiction and fantasy. In my opinion, there is no “ism” that can save us from anything, including psychiatry, etc. In my way of thinking, it seems almost delusional to even consider that “socialism” can do it either. Yes, our society has millions of problems and psychiatry, as it is now, is a definite contributing cause. However, until we see less of what is wrong with a person and more of what is right with a person, which has been epidemic in our educational system and of course, psychiatry, we will have nothing but pain. The answer always resides in each individual and his or her relationship to Spirit. Thank you.
This is an interesting concept, however, dare I say, not entirely new. However, the author has done some excellent thinking about this. I think back to the 1970s when Transactional Analysis was all the rage and people were trying to identify their parent, adult and child. I have seen other self-help books which invite the reader to distinguish and identify different parts and roles within themselves. What is best about this is its basically non-drug approach. As with all theories, I think it may not work for everyone, but also as they the “patient” must also want it to work. But then, what I have noticed lately is that there seem to be many psychiatrists and therapists who really don’t want their patients to improve and their patients basically “buy” into that. But then, sometimes, some people use excuses so they can maintain their diagnosis.However, their are others who feel their diagnosis fits them as completely correct. Thus, I say, this seems to be not for everyone. Thank you.
Steve McCrea is right, “there is no way to be a failure at being a psychiatric survivor.” Also, sdaly, it does take more than a year to go through the withdrawal period from these drugs and at times it can be a little rocky. But there are good times, too. During most of the worst of it, I chose to isolate myself for my own protection. In many cases, traditional medical doctors and other health related professionals lack the understanding and knowledge to help you. This is basically uncharted territory. In many ways, you are a pioneer, but many have gone before you and survived and thrived to a better life. I can not tell you exactly what happens when you get to the other side. Each person’s experience is a little different. Luckily, I had my mother and still have my mother and despite some occassional issues between us, she has helped me greatly. I did have to explain things to help her understand, but when she saw that I was thinking and acting a little “clearer” and more like myself, she began to understand completely. All I can tell you is stick with it, it will get better. Thank you.
Daiphanous Weeping, Thank you for your comment. We have issues in the States, like your “egg issue.” Sometimes, it’s a brand of peanut butter or even dog food. Each week, it is usually something, we must check our pantry, refrigerator or freezer for and either throw out or take back to the store and get a refund. And I heard on tv, they are worried now that they say about 40% of the food becomes waste. I think they are just probably trying to “mess with our minds.” On all those points about the drugs, etc. you are correct. Actually, everything we do or don’t do affects our brain from what we eat, to what we read, watch on tv, the movies, etc, how we use our skills, etc. The list is endless. I will say that much of modern psychiatry ignores this, but so also does education, traditional health care, the government, etc. I am not necessarily for psychiatry, but utilizing the system is a person’s choice. Children, yes, are in many respects a different manner, altogether. But, it is the parents’ responsibility, legally, still to raise the child appropriately. But, in my opinion, there is the “anti” thing that bothers me, because being “anti” anything without a corresponding “pro” will have a tendency to boomerang on a person in a negative way. I definitely understand the “anti-psychiatry movement” as I have my own issues regarding psychiatry. However, each day, I realize that one can not seriously and substantially be “anti-psychiatry” unless one is also, not only against “capitalism” but also, “socialism” “communism” “feminism” (all the “isms”) and much of the current and popular thinking about many subjects that were “hush-hush” years ago. Psychiatry is part of all that too. But, still, in my opinion, it is far better to live one’s life “pro” something good, rather than “anti” anything. And like Robert Louis Stevenson said in his poem, “Happy Thought.” “The world is so full of a number of things,/I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.” In my opinion, that is the only way to win against anything, including psychiatry. Thank you.
You are an excellent writer. I think what struck me the most is when you went to the psychiatrist who wisely saw that you had no mental illness diagnosis, it was the psych drugs and you needed to stop taking the thorazine and move to California away from your family. Whoa! What a rare psychiatrist! And, it seems you are still in California and happy. I don’t know, but sadly, there are some who are convinced they have a “mental illness” maybe by the mental health system, maybe by family, or who knows… and then almost get stuck in it. I would say many times there are other issues. It is just much easier to call the person “crazy” and subject them to the darker side of the system, when all they really needed is affirmation and love that it is just alright to be who you are even it is not “like us” or whatever. In my personal opinion, I think for some, the concept of ” being neurodivergent” helps. But of course, for others it does not. No matter what, the uneven and even dangerous treatment, including the psychiatric drugs of the alleged mentally ill is very disconcerting. I was in a “mental hospital” for about eleven days about nine years ago. It was cleaner and nicer in appearance, but it was alienating. From all reports, most who went there came out worse than when they went in…I think that included me. Some people were quite angry when they left there and just considered a waste of time. I haven’t got an any real answers, except kindness, understanding, respect and dignity for everyone no matter who they are—goes a long way… Additionally, wishing ill on those who hurt you is sometimes understandable, but as they be careful what you wish for… It may come back to haunt you in ways you never thought of… As for your story, it is wonderful, informative, and compelling. Thank you.
Katel says “It’s absolutely hilarious…” and “no joke…” Yes, psychiatry has hurt people. I would say some thought, maybe mistakenly, they were doing good. Others had probably evil plans from the start. Some were actually involved in the “eugenics” movement. All of this is true. But, in my own, obviously stupid opinion, as some seem to consider it as such and by God, I must get more stupid every day by some of the comments, I will tell anyone that anger will get anyone nowhere. If we want to get somewhere, we will need to practice love and forgiveness and that includes loving and forgiving ourselves for our involvement in psychiatry. We will, also, need to be open to the fact that some think psychiatry has helped them, whether true or not. We can not solve the world’s problem through being angry. As difficult as it is at times, we must learn to practice peace. Space is no longer the final frontier, except for some, peace is. Each one of us needs to work on peace within ourselves, before we can even think of confronting psychiatry for all its ills and evils. Otherwise, we run the risk of turning into the monster that psychiatry is now. Thank you.
Any statistics on AA’s long or short term success might be skethy or questionable as due to the “anonymity factor” “enforced” in the AA meetings and philosophy, etc. I am not sure about the “predatory males” that you mention, so I will not comment on that. However, total abstinence and public confession are very good things. Total Abstinence is very healthy and assists the individual in staying away from alcohol. As far as public confesssion, it seems a lot of MIA posts are the public confession stories of those who unfortunately became involved with psychiatry and are now suffering from it. Implicit religiosity—for many that is truly their “saving grace.” I realize that not everyone is comfortable with religion or spirituality, but for many, it has been the difference between living and dying. Right now, AA might be the only alternative, especially in small town America and other places, other than a residential addiction treatment facility which can be costly, might not be covered by insurance or other and could, depending on the facility, lead to further issues later. The good thing about AA is that it basically costs little to nothing and the AA member does not have to tell anyone, unless they choose or are bound by legal issues. In my opinion, I am not sure why people bash AA when the other alternatives, at present, seem to lead to the psychiatry, etc. of which we are already criticizing, some to most with good reason. I would also suggest that for some “psychiatric survivors”, an AA type “group” or “philosophy” might help them in their recovery from psychiatry, etc. In my opinion, we only fool ourselves if we have been harmed by psychiatry in any way that we are not in some form of recovery from psychiatry. However, as each person is an individual with a unique brain, one’s recovery is always a personal issue. Thank you.
This is a very interesting expose of psychiatry. Actually, it is a tragic expose and it shows psychiatry, at times, as a monster, but more so as that ugly stepsister who only wished it could be Cinderella. In my opinion, this article reflects that psychiatry itself is more to be pitied than anything else. We have spent way too much time in a enraging anger against such this institution when it really needs our condolences. In this way, I slightly disagree with the author of this well-researched expose. I, personally, see a dying profession grasping at its last straw as in the infinite drugging of its patients. It has gotten so awful, that it now resorts to ketamine, a date-rape drug, and the psychadelics, the “counter-culture drugs” of the bygone hippie era. Psychiatry does need to be “replaced” in some manner, but what we need to do is pay more attention to the unique differences in how we both learn and are unable to learn. One of the issues of psychiatry is that it runs itself into the overblown effects of a “system” that has disregarded the unique gifts and challenges of the person and the very brain that runs it. Their solution has always been to neutralize the “problem” with lobotomies, ect, and especially drugs. The question may be does cbt and dbt do similar things. We can no longer live in a world where brains can be neutralized and also falsely blame it on capitalism. If our country was instead a country of socialism or communism, psychiatry would have gone to bed with them. The same is true for Big Pharma. Changing the political/economic system will not change psychiatry. If we think that we are only fooling ourselves. Actually, in a way, psychiatry will eventually die of its own accord, but what we must look out for with vigilance is what will replace it. Right now, one thing of hope on the horizon the continued availability of the Alcoholics Anonymous Model. One of the good things about this model is it does allow alcoholics to get together and talk and share their experiences. A variation of this occurs when Military Veterans get together and share their experiences. That seems to be one of the most productive ways in their healing and recovery. There are more than a million and one variations to a theme, as many variations as there are people with brains. In my opinion, psychiatry, like many other institutions, has totally forgotten that each person’s brain may share some “traits” with other person’s brains, but in the end it is individually created. Raging anger against psychiatry will not fix these problems. Raging anger against psychiatry will only make it grow stronger and more tragic. LOVE and FORGIVENESS, really are the ONLY answers. Thank you.
! appreciate your story. I can tell that despite it all, you still have a wry sense of humor. That is commendable, because actually, it is humor, joking, cartoons, comics, etc. that wake people up to the truth. Dire warnings and foreful activism only seek to either bore people or act as a boomerang. When a sense of humor is maintained, no matter what happens, good reigns. I talk a lot and say nothing, but I am familiar with the drugs you mention. Carbemezapine was the first psychiatric drug that gave me trouble because it lowered my white blood count to dangerously low levels making me less resistant to infection. Still, I kept trying the drugs. Perhaps, for some they work. I, also see, that you were involved in the VA VR program. I was not involved in the VA version of VR, because I am not a veteran, but I was involved in the regular version associated with state government. In my experience, I wish it could be better and really help people. But then there is so much more I know about myself now that could be useful. But they have all these wierd rules and close their eyes to information, etc. that could truly help their clients. Anyway, who says I or anyone need to be rehabilitated. We just need a little assistance to help us in adaptions to our lives in our areas of “weakness” and also, assistance in how to parlay our “strengths” however unusual they might be. May the Force Be with you. Thank you.
Bullying, sadly, happens. Many people, of all ages, are victims of such bullying. Some have had to move, change schools, get homeschooled, get new jobs, etc. due to such bullying. Yes, bullying has probably happened since we, humans, became humans, but it’s still there. And now we have technology, the social media, the internet to make bullying even easier. And we even have those tragic souls who champion the bullying of others. Yes, there are those in the mental health field who bully their patients and there are traditional doctors who bully their patients. There are teachers who bully their students or who help to contribute to the bullying of their students. And there are supervisors and managers who bully those who work for them. And of course there are others who bully others in all kinds of situations. Bullying is ever-present. I wish it would disappear, but right now I don’t have a clue. All I know is bullying in any form is wrong. No one deserves being bullied for any reason. The person who does the bullying does have some very major issues. But the damage done to the bullied can last a lifetime. We need ways to stop this bullying now. We do need to stop reward the bullies no matter where they show up. Thank you.
With all due respect to the author of this piece and to those who see “activism” as the answer, in my opinion, “activism” is a still an “ism.” Also, in my opinion, “isms” are just another type of drug. To consider “activism” against psychiatry is just exchanging the drug or drugs usually prescribed by a psychiatrist, etc. for the drug of “activism.” Sadly, it is, therefore, doomed to failure. One more point, although and this may be the most ironic thing of all, my online name here is “rebel”, I do not advocate rebelling against anything. I believe that one never be against anything; for success, happiness, and prosperity, one must, to the best of one’s ability, be “for” something. To live one’s life “against” something, sadly, usually results in unnecessary pain. Even if one thinks psychiatryis the worst thing in the world and I do have very legitimate questions from my own life experiences about psychiatry, I have learned that to just be against psychiatry does not do anyone any good, especially me. Thus, I am working to develop my self to be “for something.” In this way, I will be free of psychiatry and any other thing that has bothered me in the past. When we live our lives “for something” we are more able to fortify ourselves to the point that we may not need psychiatry in its present form. Otherwise, we become as we say psychiatry is— and that does not do anyone any good at all, especially the person who is harboring these concepts. Thank you.
Miranda Spencer, I appreciate your interview. I would like to see some research on how the climate changes such as increased warmth, storms, etc. affect not only “mental health” but all health. I would say, yes, there are issues with the concept of “mental health” in that when we speak of “mental health” we are usually speaking of “emotional health.” Many times, we don not even discuss “cognitive health” which is very important. And, yes, in all issues of health, not just the “mental health fields” but all “health fields” everything is “medicalized.” So, it seems like there is no way anymore to not be sick or going to be sick with something. Additionally, every single phase of life has become a “sickness” of some sort. But this is pervasive now everywhere, helped along by “mass media,” “social media” and others. The use of drugs and the expectation of the use of drugs as “remedies” for everything is also an issue for both the providers and the “patients.” I am concerned in regards to these drugs is that they are made of synthetics and seek to replicate the normal, natural activiities of the brain and the body. Additionally, there is the consideration that the drugs have entered the soil, the water table, and the air. Thus, they could be considered pollution and might very well be affecting the population (all ages included) in adverse ways we might not have even thought of in previous years. The other problem is when we close our minds to the point we can not entertain even the slightest notion that outside forces may even affect our emotions and or our minds and brains. “Nit-picking” constantly against even the concepts of psychology, mental health, etc. will only reinforce the negative side of psychology, etc. Not only that if the desire is to advocate against psychiatry, etc. psychiatry, etc. in it worst version only becomes stronger. It is better to keep an open mind and learn and love and work together to the best of our unique, individual abilities to solve the issues of the day. Thank you.
I agree with you again Bradford. Autism, Aspergers, etc are not “hoaxers.” Neither are learning disorders like Dyslexia and others. The Neurodivergent Movement has its issues. There is the idea of “Neurodivergent versus Neurotypical” which can cause unfortunate divides amongs people if pushed to extremes, etc. However the idea of “neurodivergence” is very useful and helps a lot of people deal with their “differences” that might have impeded their progress in school, work, relationships, etc. Sadly, those who are “Neurodivergent” can be taken advantage of by the psych industry in their attempts to drug and therapize them out of their “neurodivergent uniqueness.” This can be tragic because although “neurodivergence” does entail difficulties and challenges for each particular “neurodivergent disability”, there are also special and specific unique gifts and talents which can be attributable to each “neurodivergent disability.” However, it must always be remembered that within each “neurodivergent difficulty” there are still particular gifts and challenges that are specific to each individual. Also, if you really think about it, the damage to the brain caused by the unfortunate use of psychiatric drugs might be considered an “acquired form of “neurodiversity.” Only that which are hoaxes are that of which we do not open our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Thank you.
I agree with Bradford. The 12 Step Movement is surely an improvement over the drugged movement exploited today by psychiatry, etc. Actually a book about the 12 Step assisted in getting me away from the barage of psych drugs which were basically killing me. Thank you.
Although, I definitely want to be treated with dignity and respect by anyone I come in contact with for any reason, whether we agree or not or on the same “wavelength” etc. or not, I do not ever need to rejoin the ranks of the living. This is because no matter how I am treated and there are many times I do not like the way I am treated; past, present and future, I am alive! No matter what happened to me in the past, I absolutely never ever ever left the ranks of the living. At times, I was asleep to myself and the psych drugs, etc. actually made me asleep to myself and otherwise, but I was still alive. At times, I just forgot. Yes, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect always from everyone, but we do not need to wait to join the ranks of the living until we are. If we wait to rejoin the ranks of the living based on whether or not others treat us with dignity and respect, we will be freely giving away our power rather than keeping lawfully to ourselves, that is, they will retain the power and second, why do that? Why torture ourselves? In all due respect, this is the most absurd thing I have heard to date. I may have been asleep at times, but I have always been alive and in the ranks of the living no matter what people have and have done to me. I could go on, but I won’t. Thank you.
Lookingup, You speak a lot of truth in your comments. I am of the opinion that the “isms” are basically like drugs, designed to to what drugs do; i. e. psychiatric drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs– numb the mind, the brain, the body. In many ways, “socialism” is the worst because it seems both innocent and alluring to a population who have become disgusted with present circumstances, i.e. capitalism. But we no longer really have capitalism now. We are beginning to border on an “oligarchy” which is what Russia and China have gone to— after their bouts of communism. The other thing we must be extremely careful about is our continuing criticism of psychiatry in negative ways. Psychiatry is no institution of angels, but sometimes we can so easily become guilty of the same behavior they exhibit. This is neither helpful or fruitful and in the end we lose—super bigtime. I applaud your no drug life of thirty years and that you live in a nice cottage with birds singing nearby. It is when we shead our anger, forgive our tormenters (psychiatry, etc.) and ourselves for our involvement in psychiatry that we can be free and hear the birds singing again. Not everyday do the birds sing for me outside, but they are beginning to sing more and more. Thank you.
Thank you. Actually, anything can be taken to the extreme to the detriment of either the individual or society or both. I am just uncomfortable with the word, “collective.” In my way of thinking, it is reminscent of “communism” and as a child of the “Cold War” I guess I must resist. Yes, individuals do need other people. We, as humans, can not survive alone. We are not meant to survive alone. But, it is my opinion, that we must meet each other as “individuals.” It is only when I am an individual and respect myself as such and I respect you as an individual, that a true relationship can really result. Thank you.
What you describe is just laziness on the part of the psychiatrist. As a “patient” I have seen that too many times and not just “psychiatrists.” Unfortunately, in some instances the only time a patient gets to see the doctor, either a “psychiatrist” or otherwise, it is to get criticized because you are not doing/acting like the psychiatrist, etc. thinks you should. Thank you.
Although, I agree that love is basically the antidote to the current mental illness system, in my opinion, love originates in the concept of individuality. We must realize that each person has a unique brain/mind, soul, spirit, body and each person has a unique mission, purpose, ideal, etc. to fulfill. One of the main problems with our present systms of psychiatry/mental health-illness and especially our education, government, and even healthcare system is that it completely disregards the individual in favor of some sort of fictionalized average or most to one size fits all. Until we realy begin to value the individual for what he or she is and the contributions that person is to make to society and the world, we will fai, be in distress and have many of the societal problems we have. No, it is not a panacea, but it is an excellent start. In fact, I can say that much of my recovery from what I experienced as a “patient” in the system has occurred when I have acknowledged and accepted my uniqueness and individuality. Much of my pain and backsliding has occurred when I think of myself as part of some sort of “collective.” In my opinion, each of one of us is meant to live and be as individuals and from that point we freely share and give our love. If we refuse our uniqueness and individuality, all we have is pain and anguish and are subject to any fad or trend that may be ill-concieved and painful to the body, mind, brain and spirit of each person. Although I may disagree with the Dr. on much, I do agree the solution does and will always rely with the individual. Thank you.
I don’t think that I will ever be convinced that political action is the answer to the problem of psychiatry. Also, it seems to me that socialism will be no better than capitialism, it just changes the locus of power; however, in my opinion, the power will be even less, as they say, in the hands of the people. The problem with all this is that there are as many variables as there are people. In my opinion, though, we do need to speak more about the damage that the drugs can do. However, we do face the problem that no matter what we say many won’t or can’t hear us. Right now, this world is full of discordant cacophany and sadly there are lots of angry people around about this and that. At this point in time, it is very difficult to be heard above the noise. But nothing lasts forever. Our time will come. We just need to develop a calm heart and patient mind. Cultivating peace and thinking in love and forgiveness wouldn’t hurt either. Thank you.
I am not sure if anyone is aware that back in the 1970s, at least, lithium, was kept under “lock and key, in a cage” nonetheless, almost like they keep the “opiates” now. That means, that although they thought then that lithium was helpful, it was also considered dangerous. Thank you.
Sometimes, I think the discussions get a little cloudy because laws and morays can vary from nation to nation and even within a nation from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This has a tendency to complicate interpretations and responses. And when you add on the layer that each one of us possesses our own unique belief system, education, talents, skills, etc. that can really complicate matters even more so. I don’t know the answer, but we need to realize that we all come from different places, as it were and may respond differently. So, I guess the answer is patience, understanding and kindness. No matter what, we sure do need a lot more kindness in this world. Thank you.
Diaphonous Weeping, I tend to agree with you. Maybe for some people, “logic” and “reason” are the answers. But for me, they make my head spin. I do wish people would respect those who do not necessarily think and act out of “logic” and/or “reason.” There are so many ways to process the world and so many solutions, etc. as there are people in the world. Thank you.
I am sorry about what happened to your husband. Maybe I am saying the wrong thing but I appreciate your story. What I appreciate about is that is a real story with probable evidence of the effects of these drugs on an innocent person, your husband.
Sadly, many times, some commenters just reiterate the same thing over and over about the illegitimacy of psychiatry (which could be true as much of their practices are definitely questionable) and even worse disparaging those who do believe in the legitimacy of at least portions of psychiatry. Each person does have a right to make his or her own decisions as to how to live their life and what to accept or disregard in that life. But unfortunately with your husband, due to his illness, he was unable to make the appropriate decisions and even more tragic was that the doctors, etc. refused to listen to you, his closest advocate as per the concept of marriage, and even refuse to discuss your questions. This is clear but tragic evidence of the misuse and tragic effects of these drugs. This is what is really needed, not constant reiteration of this and that than can hurt people or even bring up past hurtful memories to someone. Thank you for your story. I do hope things do begin to improve with your husband. In my case, after some of the drugs you noted prescribed for me, I did improve. Of course to improve, I needed to discontinue taking these drugs forever. I hope that that can happen with your husband. I know that you must miss your husband terribly, even though he is still here. I can only say that my heart goes out to you and that, despite circumstances, I wish both you and your husband well and complete recovery. Thank you.
What a lot of comments here! First, I agree with Diaphonous Weeping, in how can you prove that we exist? We could be a mirage or in my opinion, I could be just a figment of my imagination.
Second, In my opinion, just accusing capitilism and the right wing is probably no solution to the problem. Yes, there is something going on between Big Pharma and Psychiatry, but also between Big Pharma and Traditional Medicine. We, so easily forget how much the liberals and the left wing actively promote “mental health values.” And, this is increasing, especially after covid. And, like most everything else, the mass media is assisting. I am not here to vindicate either capitilism or the right wing, but it is always a big mistake to not realize the influence of liberals and the left wing. I can’t see how socialism would be any better in dealing with this issue, except that maybe Big Pharma, Psychiatry, and Traditional Medicine would all probably be “arms of the government” which is a frightening thought.
Fourth, it is true that each person has the right to choose the best way to live their life. It is each person’s right to make a path for him or herself and to make their own mistakes. (And I don’t like saying this truth, “even it kills them.”) That also means each person has the right to believe whatever they want to about their condition or non-condition. Not one of us knows or should know the path or purpose of another or interfere in that path or purpose. Each person must come to his or her own as to his or her own self-knowledge.
Finally, in my personal opinion, the political solution is no solution. Activism and grass-roots and all that related stuff brings nothing. If we honestly feel this is an issue we must dispense with all this stuff outside of ourselves and look within ourselves. That is my opinion and that is why we continue to spin our wheels and everything either stays the same or gets outside. I don’t care what they said in that old TV Show, “The X-Files” “The Truth is not Out there.” “The Truth is In There.” that is inside each one of us. Thank you.
Number One: What the author of this study says about Lithium is very interesting. The only thing he didn’t mention is that for some people at least, lithium, can be built up to a level of dangerous toxicity. At first, this is avoided through blood tests where the lithium level is monitored. But, eventually, the body seems to decide it has enough lithium and rebels against it. The other thing he didn’t mention is how scrupulous when on lithium to avoid salt-restriced diets, keep hydrated, avoid heat, and make sure you alwys have something like Gatorade available.
Number Two: I have a purely unscientific theory about one of the reasons that these antipsychotics and antidepressants do no good and can be dangerous. I think that it might be because they use “synthetic ingredients” to copy the natural chemicals in the brain. Perhaps, instead of drugging people like they want to do, maybe the psychiatrists and their ilk need to discover what might bring on what Maslow used to call “peak experiences” or basically what makes a person happy for each individual person. That would change the brain chemistry naturally, rather than poison it synthectically. But then the psychiatrist might not holdany longer the illusion of being a Medical Doctor, because he or she is no longer writing prescriptions for these drugs. Thank you.
Recovery is the answer to the problems of psychiatry and psychotherapy and all the etc. such as the drugs, etc. Recovery is that which will free us from psychiatry, etc. and help us to see the light of the SPIRIT which is TRUTH. And when we see that light or if we are just working towards seeing that light, we will have recovered our TRUE SELF and that is the one and only real and true recovery that we need, because for so many, psychiatry has attempted to steal it. Light, Spirit, Truth, Recovery, Healing, Forgiveness—That’s what we need to do to free us from Psychiatry and recover our TRUE SELVES. I, must confess,that I do not look forward to your disagreement. Thank you
I repectfully disagree with those who claim “forgiveness is impossible.” I realize that at times it seems more difficult, but it is absolutely necessary to one’s recovery, health and healing no matter the circumstance. If a person is not quite able to forgive those who did the harm or hurt, it might be necessary to initiate a relationship with a Higher Power to act as the Intermediary. This also assists the individual in the healing process. All of this is very necessary both for the health of the individual and for the health of society. It also represents the growth of the person towards “maturity” in that it is a reflection of the person taking responsibility for his or her life and health, etc. This is not to lessen the horrific impact of what those who do evil to others. The evil-doers must also take responsibility for the evil behaviors, but, of course, sadly they refuse to do that. This is also a major point that assists in defining them as evil. This is not to infer that someone unable to forgive or unable to ask a Higher Power for assistance in the forgiving process is evil; only that it might unnecessarily prolong their suffering. Thank you.
This is “Circular Thinking” which will never win an argument for or against anything including psychiatry. Stronger arguments are needed to win against psychiatry. In my opinion, those may only be found in the context of Biblical Thinking. Thank you.
With all due respect to the opinions and experiences of others, we do not have a right to die. The US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution give us the Right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Actually, these are the Rights given to us by Our Creator and thus granted to us through the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Maybe it is different in other countries, I do not know. As one can see, the Right to Die is not listed as granted to us by Our Creator and thus these two documents of which the foundations of all law and our lifestyle of Freedom in the United States. Thank you.
Well, Well, Well… another study where the researcher determines the results before the results come in and then interprets the results in accordance with his or her own bias. But, then, I heard a study reported through the tv media that stated “picking one’s nose” leads to alzheimers. This is modern medical science today. I realize that I am being sarcastic, but I think it might be high time, we humans stop basing our faith in medical and psychiatric science for our health and go back to good ol’ common sense. Could it be that our grandmas and great-grandmas knew more than present doctors and medical researchers, etc.? Thank you.
All modern medicine is built on a “pseudo-medical model.” Psychiatry is just one portion of it. Thank you.
Marijuana is mania. The idiotic fact that in many states there have either made it legal or are thinking of it only expresses the depravity of the 21st century. I, personally, do not think that even a store that specializes in selling marijuana legally, but at an expensive price can sell “good marijuana.” The old pictures from previous decades, especially, the 60s and 70s showing young people basically so “zoned out” that they are nearly unconscious are not jokes. When I was in college, marijuana, although illegal, was as easy to come about as alcohol. It did nothing, but cause a generation ripe for the dangerously seductive psychiatric drugs like SSRIS and the atypical anti-psychotics. Please do not be deceived. The only reason they want to legalize marijuana is to create a willing and vulnerable market for all their psychiatric drug devilish debauchery and greed. Thank you.
Yes, but please wake up! It’s not just psychiatrists and the mental health system. It is all health care. The only way they see and claim results is through some sort of drug. And health insurance, who desire fast and allegedly quanitifiable results assist mightily in the process. Actually, getting rid of mental health, etc. is not the problem, persay. It is our drug culture. And thus we all become little “Alice in Wonderland” guinea pigs no matter which doctor’s office we walk into, psychiatrist or not. There are a million and one complex issues here and it will take several generations to correct. Thank you.
Like all words, there is nothing wrong with the word, “recovery.” However, like all words, it can be over-used, until it becomes meaningless. When I see the word, “recovery” I also think of the word, “success.” “Success” like “recovery” can be over-used and can also be manipulated against another in both clinical and non-clinical situations. In my stupid but silly opinion, “recovery” like “success” can only be defined by the individual involved. It is NOT a corporate, collective type of word. My “success” and my “recovery” may be different from someone else’s and vice versa. As I have said before, there is “no one size fits all.” Our society rests with the individual and the family uniquely composed of individuals. If there is failure in psychiatry and much of what I read and experienced seems to reflect that, it is because we do not consider the validity of the individual. However, psychiatry only reflects the rest of society and this problem is rampant in education, government, healthcare, etc. Until we begin to treat the individual with dignity, we will “succeed” at little and suffer much. Thank you.
I would say, “Ain’t that the truth? ” or “Duh!” But, honestly, when you treat another person like an object, this is nothing but a form of bullying. Therapists aren’t the only ones who it. Psychiatrists, “Regular doctors,” etc. and other people in alleged places of authority do it, also. As a form of bullying, it is nothing but abuse. But then and sadly, that is how some people view the world and there are some for whom no amount of training, etc. can and will change them. Such people should not work with other people and definitely should not be therapists, etc. So why do these people seem to head towards people oriented jobs and professions? I don’t have an answer at present. Thank you.
I think talking about suicide is helpful for some, but there are those who it is hurtful and counterproductive. We must remember that nothing is a one size fits all. I always hear people now on tv who say we must talk about it. And yes, this article shows that it does help some people. But there are those for whom speaking of suicide is more of like a “PTSD” inducer. I think these people must be respected, too. Thank you.
Please, one does not need to deploy the middle finger to eliminate all medications. One can just walk away, free as a bird, free to be you and me. Free, when you deploy the middle finger, you are still their prisoner; you still belong to them. Even if you never take a drug again or be involved in their therapy. Anger is a natural emotion. Sadness is a natural emotion. Deploying the middle finger takes away all the joy and happiness when the needs of anger and sadness are accomplished. If you want to be free, you must allow yourself to forgive and to love and that begins with oneself, as hard as it can be sometimes… Thank you.
The mental health industry is actually like the canary in the coal mine, indicting the whole medical/pharmacuetical system. Sadly, what we see in the mental health system is running rampant amongst all medical systems in the “developed world.” Yes, it would seem nice to eradicate the mental health system, but we would still have Big Pharma poisoning people through traditional medicine. The healthcare/medical system, including psychiatry and mental health is like your alcoholic out of control uncle in the back seat of your car driving you crazy on a long distance trip across the country. However, like your alcoholic out of control uncle, this system must break down or nearly break down before it can be saved to the point that it benefits people in all the nations. Please remember medicine has been on its downward slope since healthcare tried to become a science, rather than an art practiced by those known as “true healers.” Thank you.
I don’t like cars much, but there are “necessary evils” and if there are those who want to involve themselves in “car culture” well, so what! I have my “Cultures” and others have their “cultures.” And, sadly there are still areas especially in the US, where you can get without a car. Of course, there are a few areas, you can’t get without a boat or ferry, too. Honestly, “let’s just live and let live.” That would help all environments much better and the raging anger of some might dissipate, at least to the point, much of this “climate change” thing might be averted. Oh, one more thing, please learn to stay in your lane (car culture slang) or on your own path/purpose and stop trying to be/do/have what you can not or should not. That would calm things down, too, even the atmosphere (i.e. climate/weather, etc.) Thank you.
I really appreciated your article. I, too, have seen the Dr LadyFreud types, who are supposed to be the best in the business, but are really just “drug-pushers.” I like your balanced approach. I like the fact that you do consider what happened to you as the fault of many causes. That takes a very strong, intelligent, wise and mature person who is able to acknowledge that this is not a “black and white issue.” It exonerates no one. It just tells it like it happened and how you are working to deal with what did happen to you now. The main thing that does come through in your story is that it is the drugging that virtually destroys all else. And, that sadly the psychiatrists and others now rely on these drugs which do harm as “first line treatment” above all. Sadly, psychiatrists are not the only ones who rely on drugs or similar treatments and now shy away from real work with their patients. And after the withdrawal is completed, no change, except the patient is now smart enough to realize if they want to learn something about themselves, they need to stay away from those who only seem to want to push these drugs like candy as easy remedies. Thank you.
Actually, I am not sure if there is even a consensus about what outcomes they are looking for… In the first place, if for instance, you ask ten people what their idea of success, is, you will very probably get ten different responses. I have been in therapy and sometimes, the therapist asks what I would like to get out of the therapy, but the way most therapy is set up, it is usually forgotten, even when they use some sort of “indivualized plan.” No matter the therapy or the drugs utilized when the person stops the treatment, the person will return to who they really are. The idea that drugs and therapy can change a person is like a sad myth. For one thing, if change is to occur, it must come come from within. Drugs and therapy are from the outside. But, then, there are a million things within each of us that can only be temporarily changed at best. Although, I applaud anyone who can overcome challenges and succeed despite the odds (and that is almost everyone) each person and society at large must acknowledge that many of our weaknesses are not meant to be changed, as that would change our strengths. This would change our purpose in the world and our contract with the Creator is to what and why we are here on Earth at this time. I should say that I am talking about most people. I do not include those consumed by evil. Thank you.
Lithium is a problem, too. You have to stay well hydrated, not restrict your salt and not get overheated. When I was taking lithium, if the temperature was over 85 degrees Farenheight I just stayed inside and did nothing. Of course, that is one thing I am good at, but, Lithium can be very dangerous in the heat and should not be taken lightly. Be Lithium Aware! Thank you.
I was reading about getting one’s psychiatric records. Pleasebe aware in many states and places in the US, the only way you can see your records is if you read them in a protected, secure room with a designated employee of the clinic sitting beside you. And there are probably other rules involved, too. Just so you know. That is what I was told upfront many times when I was in the process of obtaining services or a change in services from the clinics of which I was a “patient.” Thank you.
The “left-leaning media” has been bought out by the psychiatry/big-pharma people. Just see the ads on their tv shows and hear them speak of how psychiatry or whatever saved their lives or someone they know and there is no shame speaking to a therapist. Blah… Blah… Blah… Just so you know, the left, the progressives, the socialists or whatever are no friends to anyone who feels that psychiatry has harmed them. Thank you.
Ken Burns as a filmaker is just more suited to history and political science than psychiatry/psychology. I have not see this film, but in my opinion, he has veered off his lane. We all do it at times. But unfortunately, psychiatry/psychology being the convulated subject it is, it might do more harm than good. I know Ken Burns did do something on “cancer.” I did not see that, either, but “cancer” despite its issues still lacks the utter confusion that surrounds the subject of psychiatry/psychology. But, in analysis, Miranda Spencer probably got it right as far as the “mixed messages” aspect. In truth, the “mixed messges” aspect is not only indicative of psychiatry/psychology, etc. but of most all media; which is a reflection of society, etc.
I did not see in Miranda Spencer’s analysis of this film a reeinforcing of some moral defect that some call sin. I just see that “mixed messages” issue which is a million miles distant from sin, but reflects the utter confusion we have in our society about almost everything. Thank you.
As usual, Robert Whittaker, your article is super-excellent! A class-action lawsuit sounds great, but. how do you get enough support so as to prevent all from being “cancelled” as it were in the lexicon of today. Just as I was reading this article, another news report came across the tv about how people should take care of their mental health and it seems the new ploy might be how if you don’t it affects others (i.e. those you love.) Psychiatry has grown so big and has so many friends in the media and I would say Congress, etc. too especially after the Pandemic and these increasing mass shootings, etc. this to me seems like climbing Mt Everest and I’m usually the optimist, not necessarily a realist. But still something must be done and since I trust you, Robert Whitaker and additionally, your book, “Anatomy of an Epidemic” in addition to another strange book that fell into my lap at the right time saved my life. So, please, give us all more information. I always have hope, but I do like it when the hope begins to fly. Thank you.
Please the Bible is not “crap.” If you want to take on Goliath, i.e. Psychiatry, etc. you will need “Bible Believing Christians” too in your fight. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Politics make strange bedfellows.” You never know whom you will need to be your ally in any fight. In my opinion, what you criticize about psychiatry is fine, but, please don’t criticize the religious views of others. That is so wrong! Thank you.
Sadly, much of psychiatry’s diagnosis are like on-line weather forecasts; in that, you try to find out the forecast for your zip code and discover that the weather forecast is for someplace on the other side of the country. Then, you have to reset the weather forecast by finally entering your zipcode. This can, also, happen when you look up one of the many tv channels available either on cable or satellite. What I am trying to say is that psychiatry, is it is, in in step with the world as it is today; which is out of step. Psychiatry’s success actually lies in its ability to market itself. That is what makes it so difficult to defeat. If one wishes to defeat or abolish psychiatry, one must be able to basically outsmart them (not they are geniuses) and think not only out of the box, as they say, but out of the universe. Traditional legal or political stratagies will not work. Fighting them and wishing to prosecute them will only make them stronger, because it is fighting them at their level. Think of this: Psychiatry like the witch in Hansel and Gretel who lured the little children with crumbs and then threw into the boiling pot of water for her dinner. Perhaps, if we didn’t actually fight them, but offer alternative and better ways to help suffering people, we may succeed. People do and will suffer. The way to defeat psychiatry is to offer a viable way to help them realize there really is a way out and then they will not need the pacifying drugs and therapies psychiatry offers. Thank you.
Actually, although convoluted at times, this article gives me hope. And, the hope lies in the fact of those who ask questions. As long as people can ask questions about anything, there is always hope. Never give up. Never give in. Always believe the truth will out itself. And, this article does help to promote the truth. Thank you.
I do not like the words, “serious”, “severe”, “pervasive” “critical” or “crucial.” Sadly, these words have been abused in relationship to others and me. I was once described as having a “severe and pervasive mental illness.” Other than I am having problems with my spelling, I am fine. I had a “friend” in college who believed her educational pursuits were either “critical” or “crucial” above even our friendship, because, basically, I could not achieve “good enough grades, etc.” by her standards. Later, another friend told me that she was being “abusive” and I should leave the friendship. I, think, about two years later, I dissolved the friendship. And, of course, it leaves the word, “serious.” On my first job out of college, I thought almost everything I did was “serious.” Well, one of my co-workers told me that in a one hundred years, it would not matter. It has been a few decades and I can tell, although, I have an excellent long term memory, I have completely forgotten what was worrying me that I called “serious.” I, think, that might be the problem. We have a tendency to label things, and even people as such. It is not just psychiatry, althought they are obviously big offenders, but all medicine, even education, government, etc. And, then, we so easily forget. And, no, we don’t want to forget and repeat horrific behaviors, etc. but most behaviors, etc. that we label such words are really “trivial” in the scheme of things. I am not human beings are trivial, but, I do think we have a tendency to lack proportion. Each day, we need to look at the sky, a mountain, the stars, the ocean, etc. and then see where we are in all this. We need honest perspective and until we achieve that all will be wanting, especially psychiatry, etc. Thank you.
Joshua, Please forgive me but life is absurd, so basically all subjects are patently absurd. Being human is an absurd idea, also. As opposed to almost all other creatures, primates not included, because they walk on both all fours and just the twos, we are the only species that walks on just our legs and feet. So, in the scheme of the planet, we humans are the absurd ones. I do think those who state that our society is basically inharmonious with our human nature are on the right track. I, actually, think it is more so for some than others. Some people seem much more able to adapt to society as it is. Perhaps, that is now why we are beginning to include whether one is neurotypical or neurodivergent in our conversations. However, many who are in the study and advocacy of neurodivergence, do include some “categories” of mental illness, but consider them “acquired neurodivergence” almost like brain damage from say a car accident. However, the Autism spectrum, most learning and developmental disabilities, and even ADHD are not considered “acquired” neurodivergence. But this is an evolving field and these concepts may eventually replace traditional psychiatry, etc. which of course would cause some in psychiatry to might be somewhat nervous or anxious. Thank you.
For some reason, I did not see this article until today (August 6, 2022–Saturday) I truly appreciate your well-written story of your experiences. It has been my opinion, that much of what are called “symptoms of mental illness” can be attributed to toxic chemicals in our environment. I am also of the opinion that many do receive diagnoses of mental illnesses when there are other issues that need to be addressed but subsequently get ignored. And, then we add toxins to toxins on most all acounts by prescribing these psychiatric drugs to the vulnerable. Much of this can, in my thinking, be ascribed not only to laziness but to psychiatrists and others who have that disease described by this statement, “My mind is made up, don’t confuse with the facts.” Talk about epidemics. This is a growing epidemic in our society. However, I do not entirely agree with those who exclusively put psychiatry into the column of a “psuedoscience.” I am not sure about the validity of psychiatry and do believe its validity should be up for debate in our society, but I also believe that no field of medicine or any science should be left out of this debate. Far too long, we have relied on “science” for the answers and then those answers and converted them to “numbers” and say the problem is solved or a whole bunch of etc. that basically denigrates many. Business is not immune and now should be considered a branch of “science” in this manner. Until we break through our “numeric centric” world, what happened to you will tragically continue. Also, until we break through that “number centric” world, “psychiatry” will continue to exist and for those who wish to “abolish” psychiatry, it will make the usual uphill battle seem like a hill in a child’s sandbox. Thank you.
Thank you for your story. It was a book by Robert Whittaker, “The Anatomy of an Epidemic” that truly fell off the bookshelf at the local library that opened my eyes, especially about the “drugs.” Your story and so many others, including mine, illustrate that old axiom, “the cure is worse than the disease.” I know some will debate whether there is such a disease or diseases considered “mental illnesses.” In my opinion, your article does not present itself as the article in which to debate. One of the issues with almost all doctors, psychiatrists are not the only ones, is that they seem to refuse to listen to you about your own body. Anyway, I wish you continued good health and prosperity. Perhaps, you could write an article on what did work for you. That might help some people who are searching for something that might work to help ease them off their distress. Thank you.
I am not usually a person to agree with a sociologist, as in Max Weber so noted in this article, but I do think there is a certain disenchantment incurred in an industrial society. Of course, now, I believe we have hyper-progressed in this electonic/technological society. However, we are still the same human beings we have always been. My personal opinion about psychadelics is that I am against their use. However, I also believe that it is not my right to interfere in another’s persons choice as to these or any drugs. Most of these drugs have been illegal, as least in the US for many years so that has been a prohibition for some against their use. Now, I am amazed that psychiatry, etc. is trying to utlize these drugs as “chemical therapy.” Perhaps, they intuitively, realize that the traditional they have used cause way too much trouble for so many. But, in my opinion, this, too is a dead end street. Of
course, each person is an individual, but there are those of us who know that you do not necessarily need psychadelic drugs or any drugs for mind-altering experiences. For some, it can be achieved through meditation, ritual, etc. However, I know from experience, there are some who can call up a psychadelic-like experience with just so much as a thought. Just think of those classmates in school, you might have labeled as spacey or space cadets, etc. It’s kind of like the “I want what he/she has.” But the only way they can achieve it is to endanger themselves through the use of these drugs. And what is so odd is how all those “space cadets, etc.” do get bullied, criticized, etc. for behavior that comes naturally to them, but is eventually coveted by others but only achieved through psychadelic drugs. In my opinion, if something to be achieved must only occur through extraordinary methods, even though that could be damaging or dangerous, then it is up to that person to consider strongly his or her reasons for needing to do this. However, I am fearful that many psychiatrists, etc, may be so needful of a “quantifiable” result for insurance or other purposes, that those who are most vulnerable may be sacrifices on the altar not just for money but for our societal/cultural obsession with numbers and not human beings. Thank you.
Nothing surprises me anymore in this world. However, making grief a disorder is more of psychiatry’s reflection of who have come to be. Sadly, we devalue life and thus we devalue “death” and the natural process of grieving that results from it. I, think, that if there are those “patients” who feel empowered by the medicalizing of grief, then, it is their life path and course and would be very wise if I did not interfere. However, it would be wrong to impose this as a disorder upon those who would feel very uncomfortable with it. But, sometimes, when in the passing of someone close, a “well-meaning” friend, family, or even clergy member might urge the grieivng person to seek professional help. Considering that in this time, the individual is very vulnerable and may be unable to entirely think for themselves, they may be caught in something that is not in their best interest. It is important to note there is no time limit on grieving. There can not be. The minds, especially of some people, do not tell time in clock/month/year shape order as we are led to believe. Our concept of modern time is solely based on pre twentieth century train time schedules that we have adopted and adapted to work, school, etc. and now the ultra technology era. In many ways, time is an abstract that doesn’t exist. But, each person is allowed to choose their own life path and each one of us should not interfere unless a “contract” has been made such as in a marriage or in a parent/child relationship, etc. “Contracts” also can’t be breached or interfered with, unless someone’s life is in danger. As someone who lost very important people in my life if someone tried to put a time limit on my grieving, I would ask who really needs the diagnosis; them or me? Thank you.
I think what Peter Gotzshe states here is probably not just concerned with psychiatry textbooks. However, this is a website to basically finding and exposing truth in the subject of psychiatry and related fields. Still, I am afraid that what we are seeing in psychiatry is just the tip of the iceberg and is spreading to fields typically unrelated to psychiatry. On the other hand, “Propaganda and errors” have been common throughout history because those who write the textbooks, which can be considered the history of the people, even when the subject is allegedly “objective” like science or a so-called science related subject are written by the conquerors. I guess you could say that at present, Big Pharma and other such industries have conquered psychiatry. However, there is one thing in this article that really does concern me and I am fearful that this attitude may be a contagion amongst many disciplines and other places is that the Australian social psychologists say that people must be trained to give the “right opinion.” What is the “right opinion” on any subject and how can anyone be trained as such? Each brain is unique and I know those social psychologists would like to accomplish that and they can try; but they will fail. As I said previously, the natural uniqueness of each brain precludes that as a complete impossibility and that is why we are made as individual human beings with individual brains and not as a collective brain. There can be said to be a universal consciousness, but that is basically the consiousness of good. And it acts as a stop valve so despite it all, all humans will not be able to have the “right opinion” although we are still, each one of us, vulnerable and gullible. Thank you.
Sadly, I just feel that most of what is either printed or comes over the television, internet, etc. is more influenced by either sensationalism or if it can cause fear or consternation in the listener. Sometimes, a real human interest story generated by honest caring occurs, but sometimes they can get it well not quite wrong, but slanted in odd ways. And they can really miss out a lot of important details. This means to me that the “journalist” is just reporting a story or feeding to the public what they hear or read. They are not either asking important questions or doing any background research. I am not sure why. I guess someone is trying to take the easy way out. However, I don’t think it is always necessarily the one reporting on the story. But the problem is that there is a lack of thinking before speaking or writing these days. Thank you.
I am not sure about that not voting thing either for those who allegedly have “psychiatric disabilities.” It may be a factor if one is hospitalized or confined to an institution either voluntarily or involuntarily. Of course, incarceration in prison, in most states will be an immediate denial of the voting franchise. If in a hospital and “sick” for any reason, there may not be motivation to vote or one could be too incapacitated to vote. The same could be said for someone in an assisted living facility. On the whole, I have never been asked either voting absentee or in person if I had any kind of “diagnosis” for anything that would prevent me from performing my civic duty. I guess, in some states, this could be used to prevent someone from voting whom you might not want to vote for some reason, probably nefrious. But, it would cause such an outcry or whatever, I doubt if it’s used. Believe it or not, one can usually walk around with an alleged “psychiatric disability” or whatever and no one will know or care, unless that person exhibits strange or seemingly dangerous behavior. Thank you.
As far as liquid tapering versus crushing one’s pills, I wouldn’t know. Except for one time with Lithium, I went “cold turkey”. Actually, on most of the drugs, the doctors took me off of them “cold turkey.” And, I did taper Lithium, however, eventually, I did go back on Lithium a few years later. Therefore, at least in my case, I am very skeptical of tapering, as “cold turkey” seems to produce a better outcome. This, happened, for me with alcohol, also. I went “cold turkey” on alcohol when I was in my twenties and have never drank again (alcohol, that is.) Also, please note, if you are sensitive to alcohol for any reason or if you taking any drugs that would cause problems with combined with alcohol, it is much better to stay away from any foods cooked with alcohol. It is untrue that when you cook the alcohol burns off, so you don’t need to worry. From personal experience, I know this is not true, as I did eat some food that had been cooked with wine and got sick. This fact has been confirmed by a some scientifically motivated chefs, etc. Thank you.
On the whole, the best thing for most childrens’ mental health is to let children be children. The other best thing is to recognize each one of them as a very worthwhile individual. The other other best thing is for all those involved with children to lessen the adults’ obsession with weaknesses and failures and concentrate more on the successes and strengths. Even to this day, I am amazed about how much energy, my math teacher put into making the “x’s” next to my wrong answers and completely ignoring the very few right answers I had, although I worked harder than many in the class to obtain those few right answers. When I asked why she thought telling me how rotten I was at math by emphasizing my incorrect answers through those great big red “x’s” on my paper, she looked at me and basically said, “How dare you question me? I’m the teacher and it’s more important to point out your mistakes than your right answers.” In my opinion, if we want to improve “mental health” we really need to stop obsessing about the weaknesses shortcomings, etc. of our children and ourselves, too. As a society and culture, we are so hung up with what we do wrong, that we are so programmed, if you ask someone about their successes, they will begin with their failures. Additionally, if you ask someone what they want in life, they will probably start with what they don’t want. We are a culture focused on the negative. Until we change our focus, we will not be truly successful in anything and good people will suffer needlessly, as many do now; children and adults. Thank you.
I am neither moderately or radically enlightened about anything, much less psychiatry.
I could try to utilize profanity to will them away. I could do some sort of magical spell to make them go away. But, at the present time, it would not do any good, as all it would do is cause psychiatry to return in a different form, which could be better or could be worse. I have no ability to decipher the future. A lot of times, people repeaty the same things over and over again about psychiatry, but like much of medicine there is no “cure.” How come there is no mention of insurane and how’s its major influence and needing quantifiable results, they affect the treatment, outcome for the patient. Not only is there influence from Big Pharma on the psychiatrists and the mental health industry, but all the healthcare industry. Many times, a person, only concerned with numbers and the bottom line and knows little to nothing about anything related to health care makes decisions about a person’s healthcare. We need more research, articles and discussion about how health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid and “ObamaCare” affect the decisions made in mental health, et
Njinsky, What if deers talked in the forest like Bambi? That would be nice, but maybe they do. We just stop listening to them or hearing them. Once, at SeaWorld, I talked to a dolphin and we had a wonderful conversation. I talk to my cat everyday… And, if someone does believe in original sin, is that wrong, if it helps them to be a better person and conversely, if not believing in original sin, helps them to a better person. And, whether we like it or not, each person has the right to discuss their personal affairs with whomever they wis. Some people talk to barstenders. Others talk to their hair stylists. Some people talk to trees. I try not to judge others, but I am only human. And there is the paradox that is soon as I choose not to judge, I am judging myself or others. I really like the idea of “Live and Let Be.” Even I know all psychiatrists or psychotherapists are not bad or even evil, even though for me personally, it is not in my best interest for me avail myself of their services. However, I can only speak for myself. I can not speak for another. If it works for them, what can I say? I only ask that all viewpoints be respected. Personally, I prefer to share my secrets with cats or dolphins. “Animals” do not condemn others for their decisions, no matter what we silly humans think and try to impose on others. Thank you.
Joshua, With all due respect, if that is what you want to do, who is to stop you? However, before you take on such an tremendous feat, of which at the present moment, I doubt if all the armies in the world can do, I suggest you watch the old 1954 movie, “The Caine Mutiny.” Yes, I know Humphrey Bogart masterfully plays the ship’s commander “going insane” (which must be impossible, according to you) but then war does do strange things to people. But the important thing is the part played by Fred MacMurray. His character was the one who began the whole process which ended up in the court marshall. It was his character who basically agitated the whole thing to conclusion. However, at the end, at the celebration party, Fred MacMurray’s character was shunned. and the naval lawyer inquired of MacMurray’s character, “Was it worth it?” As pivotal as the court marshall scene was with Bogart, this scene may be even more pivotal. In my opinion, this shows that if we choose to “bring someone or something down” even it is deserved, we may suffer and the suffering may be worse than what happens to those we try to take down. So, that means in my opinion, it is better to think before choosing such an action and even more importantly, it is better to let nature take its course, rather us mere humans as they always ends up in disaster for many people, including and especially the person who began the process. In my opinion, “Only fools go where Angels fear to tread.” I have been a fool too many times in my life and despite everything that happened to me, I am going to defer to the Angels and let them take care of all issues with the Mental Health System or any system, etc. Thank you.
Birdsong, Thank you. I still have my days. I may have been able to that because I am getting near “retirement age.” Our society, somehow, seems to accept “crazy old ladies.” However, no matte what the calendar says I will never ever consider myself “old.” In fact, my neighbors and friends, etc. consider me “that child that never actually grew up.” But, despite, that I do do my best to keep up my adult obligations—now that can be “real insanity” at times. Thank you.
I would say very probably, but as Diaphanous Weeping noted, there are lots of drugs out there and of course alcohol that cause people to get into accidents. I know when I was still on the psych drugs, I was more likely to bump into cars in small parking lots. And, there were times, when I was so heavily drugged that I did not drive at all. I just took the bus. I have stopped driving now for different reasons because now I am drug free. Thank you.
Nijinsky, You state very important points again of which I have been trying to say. But you have said much better than I can or could. If my words have endangered anyone inside or outside the mental health system, it was not my intention. I do have my own personal opinions, of which are based on my experience with the system. I do not expect everyone to agree with everything I write because each person’s experience may be not the same. But, I do know one thing, the point you made about “militant inflexibility” is correct. “Militant inflexibility” or “Militant Radicalism” only tragically means that there will be many innocent casualties, such as the children of those who work in mental health. Children are and should be unable to dictate to their parents where to work. Actually, it does not do anyone any good to dictate or force your will upon another for any reason. It only causes heartbreak, resentment and worse for all concerned. Thank you, Njinisky for you thoughtful, intelligent response. Thank you.
L.E. Cox and Birdsong, I agree, in that, part of life’s lessons is to learn to handle disagreements amicably. Of course, sometimes, it is a bigger challenge than other times, so, it is a constant and consistent learning experience and challenge. And, I agree with L.E. Cox, about the “failures” of psychiatry, etc. in regards to “things of the SPIRIT.” I have had similar enlightening experiences. First, I studied psychology and thought it was the answer. But, then I graduated, got my degree, and was still dissatisfied. Thus, I turned to “things more of the SPIRIT.” Then, as life’s challenges got greater and still dissatisfied, I fell into the clutches of psychiatry, etc. twice. Both times, actually, “pushed” into it by “vocational rehabilitation.” But, then, in 2013, psychiatry, etc. due to the extensive drugging, etc. almost killed me. It then took me about two years later before I finally walked away from it. I did have to go through a “withdrawal” period from the drugs, etc. But, now I realize several things; “things of the SPIRIT” supecedes all and is the basis of all the answers (but, of course, it is a challenge to get there and it probably takes several lifetimes,etc.) and when you stop all that incessant drugging and psychiatry, etc.’s present versions of therapy and complete most of the withdrawal period, you return to who you were before all that psychiatry, etc. This is to say, my strengths and weaknesses didn’t change, my character and personality didn’t change. Who I was in the beginning and who I am now is without change, except for the “normal” changes that go with the experience and years of life, etc. It is very difficult to explain. I do not condemn psychology outright or even psychiatry, etc. per say. I can only speak from my limited personal experience. It is not my place to judge others personal experiences, but being only human, I do do it from time to time. As usual, in the wheel of life, there are millions and millions of spokes and each person must uniquely fit them into the wheel of life as it so befits them, not someone else. There is one thing I have learned and that is you can not live someone else’s life. You must live your own or you might be subject to misery and suffering. I think, psychiatry, etc. as it is now presented in the world, etc. does take advantage of that and then seems very reluctant to help people get back to themselves to live their own life and not someone else’s life. Thank you.
Joshua, You can do what you think is right. I shall do what I think is right and I shall NOT be forced to do what I do NOT feel comfortable doing. Otherwise, I will be in the same boat as I was when in involved in psychiatry, etc. And, boats make sick and nauseous, etc. You may have good intentions, but, I full well, know that you can not force others to think or do like you think or do in anything. It can be quite repulsive to someone else. Each person is a unique being with unique needs, etc. In my personal opinion, if something is not good for the world, only SPIRIT can judge and take care of it. Humans just don’t have that capability. We are put on the earth to do other things. Also, in my personal, unique opinion and with all due respect, this post. along with many of the other posts, are doing the VERY EXACT SAME THING PSYCHIATRY, ETC. IS DOING AND HAS BEEN DOING. Sadly, “when you fight fire with fire you are liable to get burned.” Thank you.
Birdsong, With all due respect, that is the very least of my concerns about psychiarty, although this does have effects on the economy. And, it would be better to assist people, if possible, to find “meaningful work” that would allegedly preclude the need for psychiatry, etc. The biggest issue, in my opinion, that psychiatry needs to face is the “drugging”—prescribing drugs like they were penny candy. Therapy, also, as at is practiced, as basically, an adjunct to this “drugging” is also highly suspect, in my opinion. However, until we can find a healthier replacement that treats everyone as individuals with unique individual brains, although we must remember that there are “certain groups” who seem to share similar charateristics, etc. we are basically stuck in this pattern, as it were. Sadly, on this site, in posts, especially, from many who do post, I see much criticism of psychiatry, etc. but very little thoughtful alternatives that could truly help people. As they say, nature abhors a vacuum. Getting rid of psychiatry, etc. without a thoughtful, helpful alternative only leads to the very real probability that something much worse than present day psychiatry could result. The other prospect is that unless thoughtful, helpful alternatives can be made available, just criticizing psychiatry, so vehemently, as some do and yes, it’s very understandable, will only lead to psychiatry strengthening its position, perhaps, if we are not careful with our vehement criticism, a more dangerous version of psychiatry. In my opinion, blaming capitalism for psychiatry is useless, as the rise of psychiatry, really began in the post-capitalistic world we now have in the US and other places in the Western World. Thank you.
Birdsong, I read what you wrote. I apologize, if you think I msiunderstood you. I might say we are at “cross-purposes.” This, to me, means, that for some reason, our brains seem to be on “different wavelengths.” I could go and say how much of psychiatry does not understand or even refuses to understand that brains work differently, understand each other differently, etc. However, still, I believe there are some enlightened minds out there, even amongs the psychiatrists, etc. (I am an optimist.) So, please forgive me. Thank you.
Nijinsky, You are “spot on.” You said what has been going on in my mind better than I could have. You say what I have been trying to say, but couldn’t put words to… You make so much sense. Thank you so very much.
Birdsong, With all due respect, feudalism is not capitalism. According to wikipedia, feudalism is “broadly defined…as the holding of land for service or labor.” It was the main practice of economy in the medieval period. At various times in the history of many countries, since then, including America, variations of feudalism have been practiced, but capitalism and feudalism are not the same and should not be classified as such. Also, it is not capitalism, it is not psychiatry that necessarily “labels those who are unable or unwilling to compete in the workplace.” Allegedly labeling those unable or unwilling to compete in the workplace would require more than just psychiatry. It needs the assistance of other institutions, also. Additionally, the phrase “unwilling or unable to compete in the workplace” to me signifies that psychiatry would be the cause of the alleged character traits that might lead to unemployment. This, in my opinion, is giving psychiatry way too much power that it doesn’t deserve. “Labeling those unwilling or unable to compete in the workplace” is a societal issue that deals with the morals, etc. of a society and culture that would be far beyond the scope of psychiatry. Psychiatry, may, at times, provide assistance to accomplish this, but this whole issue belongs to a society well steeped in some sort of “work ethic” but that too is changing. The concept of “neurodivergence” is partly assisting with that; in addition to technology, and the ups and downs of an economy that has gone through much since the 1970s and before. Thank you.
Joshua, With all due respect, as long as you use the phrase, “gets the middle finger” then no matter how compelling your references are they fall on dead water. And people feel compelled or forced to believe something, which is what psychiatry does. Therefore the tragic irony in much of these post is that similar tactics are being used to obtain dissimilar results. However, the ends never ever justify the means. Thus, when attempting to dislodge any thing, idea, system, one must always consider how it is to be done. If one uses the same means, as many describe as psychiatric tactics, then, psychiatry, etc. no matter how bad or evil it might be always wins. With all due respect, in almost every post you make, psychiatry still wins. Thank you.
Birdsong, With all due respect to your comment and to the author of the article in which you cited. In my opinion, it’s definitely NOT capitalism that is the problem; but that we are now a “technocracy” that is the problem. The problems the author cites and that you quote in your post are actually more representative of our growing reliance on technology, i. e. computer based solutions for everything. This coupled with increasing urbanization make it a hotbed for what really brought us here. Computers, technology, etc. do have their place and can assist so many in leading happier, easier lives but that seems to forgotten in the desire to be bigger, better, the best, etc. This is NOT capitalism. This is human weakness. To the best at anything is not just related to capitalism. How many times we make that mistake, therefore how many times there is no improvement in peoples’ lives. Perhaps, we need to return to the words of the Declaration of Independence, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Independence.” All of this misguided talk about capitalism and our growing independence on techology as we sink into a technocracy causes a lot of the problems discussed. Thank you.
Steve McCrea. Thank you.
Nijinsky, I might not agree with everything you write, but this I agree with one trillion million percent and I’m lousy at math, also. Thank you.
Actually the “mechanism” itself is “amoral” and without any real emotion attached to it. It is a “mechanism” about as “mechanical” as humans can be. It is when we humans make decisions about that “mechanism” either right or wrong or the judgment we attach to the emotion that it becomes problematical. One of the issues that most humans face is the vulnerabilty to suggestion. We are all naturally gullible. Take the old story. You go to sick feeling quite well, but for some reason, a co-worker sees you and then asks you if your are sick? (Maybe you wore the wrong color for you that day.) And then over and over you are asked if you feel okay until you start feeling sick and then ask your boss if you can leave because you feel sick. In fact before the end of the day you may end up in the doctor’s office with a diagnosis and a prescription. The most manipulative of the psychiatrists and therapists take advantage of this. Of course, there are those who do it unknowingly too. The main thing, in my opinion, to remember is that we are born with a lot; innate strengths and weaknesses (the mechanism) but whether we use them for good or bad and the emotion or emotions we attach to them only seems to come later after we after interacted with our family, our culture, our society, etc. Thank you.
Calvin May, Your story is very interesting. First, when I read your post and you mentioned carbeminezine; that was the first drug I had real trouble with because it lowered my white blood count so much it affected my immunity and they took me off it. This second post about being in a job, albeit in the military, of which you had no aptitude for and endured constant “screaming” is similar to somethings I went through, although not in the military. I am looking forward to your article on the VA Voc Rehab to see how it might parallel the State Voc Rehab that I was involved in. What I see continually in your story that bears some similarity to my story is how both of us seemed to almost “forced” into jobs into which we did not belong because we had no aptitude for… It seems far worse than putting the “peg” in the wrong hole…Since, I freed myself from psychiatry, etc. I have been thinking about this and how it has affected my life. I am not giving up. I have just been seeking answers and seeking ways to “structure” my life now, despite it all. I am not one to cry sour grapes. I just want to understand, so I can make my life happier and better from now on… Thank you.
Joshua, I am concerned less about what the “state” licenses as many states will license almost anything, than what each individual gives their power to; rather keep it themselves or leave it in the hands of God; the latter being the religious alternative. It is a matter of not giving power away to someone who may not deserve it or should have it. Thank you.
Joshua, I would say that, perhaps, yes, in a perfect world the burden of proof would be on those who claim there is “mental illness.” But this is definitely not a perfect world, so if one wants to contend there is no “mental illness” they must be willing to back that statement up…. Thank you.
Steve McCrea, Please be aware that there are people who no matter how hard they try, they will never ever be able to drive a clutch car (some call it a straight shift car) and other things, too. For lack of a better metaphor, it is the way some peoples’ brains are “hard-wired.” I, definitely, include myself amongst those… But, the problem with much of psychiatry has been to try change people, who can’t do certain things (and those things vary, depending on the individual, and do not just include the car thing) and then drug them, therapize them, i.e. treat them, etc. trying to make them change and then when they don’t or rather are definitely unable to do that, “make them feel guilty or defective, etc. ” I would use the word, “can’t” but just the use of that word can elicit damaging responses that try to make someone appear lazy or careless or worse, which is very far from the truth. The person is probably trying to work harder than all those so mentioned… Thank you.
Richard D. Lewis, Yes, there are those who do break out of their addictions without Twelve Step Programs, but there are those who need them and feel comfortable with them. So, I ask, why not let them be available to the people who do feel comfortable with them? Why do we just have to one or two options available? Also, the phrase, “Let Go and Let God” is NOT moralizing. It is a gentle statement that can release tension and anxiety in people. Not only that, the concept of “surrendering to God” can be quite freeing and healing for many. Please don’t take this type of help away from those who need it. In my opinion, that too, is a form of moralizing. Thank you.
Emceejc, At the end of your post, you use the word, “salutogenic.” I looked that word up. The gist of the meaning, as I read it, is that it seeks to concentrate on the wholistic health of the individual rather than just the disease or disease model. With all due respect, that is not what I read when I read your post. From what I have read on this site and even my own experience, there are about as many experiences of psychosis as there are individuals who experience it. In my opinion, it would seem there is validity in all experiences. I would also say there are cultural and societal determinants in psychosis. Additionally, there is the belief of the person who experiences the psychosis as to whether it might be a negative or a positive event. It is in the experience of each person and their relating of that experience, if we are willing to truly listen that we learn something. However, sadly, when I read your post and in my opinion, there is more a glorification to a disease or medical model of psychosis and of all of mental health. This keeps most people sick, rather than assist them to wellness. I am betting on a world that accentuates the positive of almost any experience rather than the negative and even in the most traumatic experiences, what one can glean from them to make their lives happier and healthier. Thank you.
I agree with AnnaB. Therapy could be useful, but all they want to do is rehash traumatic or painful experiences, or if they feel you have got any that meets their “approval” they try to hack into your brain to allegedly find some. Then they try to make you think something happened to you that never did or how horrible it is that you’re repressing something. I think it is a total misunderstanding of the brain and mind and its purpose. Also, the fact that if everything that happened in our lives was immediately available to us, we would “go mad” as there would be super information overload. In most cases, our brains and minds do a very good job of protecting us so that we can go on with our lives and live them as we are meant to do. I wish that therapists would try to learn to work with the brain and mind, rather than struggling, fighting, and working against it. Thank you.
l.e. cox The problem with all creatures and even plants is that, in so many cases, that which would lead to survival, both of the individual and of the species, can also lead to death and demise. One only need look at the salmon or the lemmings. And think of the flowers that bloom once or twice and then die, the whole plant, that is. Not all species do this. Not all individuals within a species do this. The other problem is that what was adaptive, either in previous generations or actually in the present generation or even in one individual can become maladaptive. One example of this is someone who, previously had no allergies and then, say at age 40, develops an allergy to something. Sometimes, this can be caused by an illness, such as those who have been bitten by a particular tick and then develop an allergy to beef and pork products. One of the errors in our educational and other systems is that we do not guide the individual in discovering what has become maladaptive in one’s life and seeking ways to change it. But that could be because we almost worship all of the maladaptive in an individual’s life, rather than look for the adaptive and its positive effects. Simply, put, it is the negative, rather than the positive we praise daily. So no wonder, we have so many issues to confront in our society and culture. Thank you.
Diaphanous Weeping, I always cry at Disney Cartoons especially when the Prince awakens Aurora from her sleep. There are many cultures who do value Psychosis as a spiritual thing reserved for priests, priestess, and shamans, etc. In many ways, it is impossible to engage in creative work without tapping into psychosis. And of course, there are the psychadelic drugs that people take to get to psychosis. Then, for some running and like activities can lead to psychosis. Also, in religious services, psychosis can occur. All of these do lead to some sort of “altered states” as one of the participants described as her experience. Maybe what we really need to do is acknowledge that “altered states” or “psychosis” is as normal as apple pie. And perhaps rethink the use of drugs to suppress it. I am not going to speak against those who choose drugs, as it is a personal choice. But, for many, drugs are not a good choice as to their suppression and possible synthetic factors. So what we really need to do is accept and acknowledge the uniqueness that allows some, for whatever reason, so predispose to “altered states” or a different way of looking at the world have every right to live their world as they so choose. The world will be a richer place. Thank you.
The question might be how do you define “psychosocial disabilities?” Is it a valid definition that helps or hurts people? What “disabilities” are included? I think the concept of “psychosocial disabilities” might be so vague that inclusiveness might be next to impossible and thus those who disabilities might need to be considered in all areas, especially public spaces are left out. These people suffer, as does the entire population of the city. Thank you.
LivingPast27, That is interesting if they are really anti-inflammatory drugs. I have no science education, really, but I have been concerned, lately, that many of the problems associated with these drugs is that they are using synthetic ingredients that only mimic the brain and instead of giving people these drugs we need to find out individually what would bring, for instance, the serotonin in the brain up without drugs. But then the question might be is it the same for everyone. Could increasing the serotonin, for instance, in one person’s brain actually be harmful, while in another person’s brain, it might be helpful. I don’t know, but, it seems the researchers are not challenged to find the answer. Thank you.
I am sorry Joshua, with all due respect, you repeat the same thing over and over again. It is impossible to convince a doubting public without proof. It is impossible to make your case without proof. Yes, mental illness might be a fallacy, but is a fallacy of syntax; is it a fallacy of the mind; it is a fallacy a business. Yes, all could be truth but just stating it as a fallacy will get you nowhere. You say, “it is used as an excuse to make people doubt their own experience.” There might very well be truth in that, but you will need to prove it. You will need to study it; its pros and cons. Just stating it as a fallacy will hurt as many people as your claims that mental illness is a fallacy that has hurt people. I say all this as someone who has been hurt and who almost died because of the mental illness system (mostly the drugs, etc.) but, I know there are as many interpretations of almost anything that has to do with the brain and mind as there are people. Sadly, right now, I am NOT convinced and in fact, the statements that are continually made in your posts make me wonder if the reality of mental illness is more true than I previously thought even before I received my BA degree in psychology and then my experiences in the system. Thank you.
Joshua, This would depend on the state. California has many laws based on Spanish Law, as does Arizona and several other states that were Spanish before they were basically bought by America. The police in those states may be less likely to assist the property owner in regards to trespassing. In states on the East Coast which are Basically English law states, some being the original 13 colonies, the police are more likely to assist the property owners in regards to trespassers. Although, Americans are much more mobile now and move from state to state as they choose, there are still a multitude of variations in laws, etc. This can be important for some in choosing where to live. For instance, in most Spanish Law states, the police will not respond to an accident on private property unless there is a terrible injury or a death. In an English Law state, they will. Of course, unless there is a terrible injury or death, especially on private property it is usually up to those involved in the accident if they choose to call the police. Not every state in the Union is like California. Thank you.
jvalusek, I am sorry what happened to your daughter. It is a tragedy beyond any words and I appreciate your ability to share it with us. It must have been difficult to do so. When I was in college, we had the university police that we called “kiddie cops.” Actually, they were more like the “keystone cops,” the want-to-be cops who basically who couldn’t qualify for either the local police force or the county sheriff’s department, but still wanted to be “law enforcement.” Once they harassed us on a weekend night, but it was off campus. They didn’t arrest us or anything and this was probably due to the questions of their jurisdiction, as they seem to be out of it. In the US, if you are on private property and the owner does not want you there, you can get arrested for “trespassing” however the owner must make the complaint, not the police—unless it a capital crime or felony. I am not sure about a misdemeanor. I don’t know about Canada, but in the States, jurisdictions carry a lot of weight. But University Police, in most cases, are rarely ever bona fide police officers. They should not have harrassed your daughter. What they did is unconscionable, if not maybe unconstitutional. Thank you.
Joshua, with all due respect, I have read many times your comments such as this one; “there being no such thing as mental illness.” There are many who post on this site who would agree with you and of course, there are those who post on this site who don’t. However, may question as I have read this repeatedly from you, what is your justification. If you were in a debate with someone who took the opposite position, what would you say that would solidify your position to help you win the debate. Thank you.
Actually, I mostly agree with you. I remember when I was in the hospital about nine years ago. It was not a psychiatric hospital, but a traditional hospital. Some of the nurses and doctorw were quite rude and close to bullying behavior. There were two or three people were quite nice to me; a volunteer and a physical therapist who would take me for a walk each morning. Oh did I mention the food! Later, our neighbor said that that particular hospital is where you go to die. I was thinking as he said that, how did I survive? Of course, when I was in what is considered the “mental hospital” the staff would lie to my mother. They told her that I had a contagious disease that I did not have. And, yes, I have known many psychiatrists were either quite rude or just terribly disorganized or disoriented. Still, it is very wrong to just criticize psychiatrists when much of the behavior exists across the whole health care spectrum, especially in the United States. Additionally, it might get worse as now after Covid, most areas are facing nursing shortages and shortages of other health care workers and professionals. In my opinion, psychiatry does not live in a vacuum. It is affected by the other health care specialities and as those specialities are affected by psychiatry. One can not speak about one without the other. When we acknowledge that, and in actually, the whole big picture, changes can be made. Right now, just zeroing on psychiatry, etc. accomplishes nothing, but maybe more pain and anguish. Thank you.
Richard D. Lewis, With all due respect, you think what you think and I will think what I think. There are those who have actually studied history and have come to the determination that there are different ages of humans and the political is only one of them. The Indian Chakra system actually places the political aspect of humans on a lower level than say the spiritual, intuitive, or creative. I just see it a different way and yes I do consider the political more of an addiction than anything else. This doesn’t make me better or worse than anyone else. It is just how I look at the world. In my personal experience, politics is like a dead end street and as both society and culture, we will never progress until we basically leave the political and embrace SPIRIT to a much greater degree. In my opinion, politics of all human affairs is the one most subject to greed and other of the so-called seven sins. I don’t know. Politics is a dirty affair and I would hope we would not sink that low in our desire to either reform, conquer or abolish psychiatry. Thank you.
This is the first artcle that questions “screening” for depression or other mental illnesses. The subjectivity and bias of the questioner will automatically affect the results of those being screened. Additionally, the person being screened might not feel comfortable being honest. Please remember we are talking about “feelings.” For many, putting one’s feeling into words can be difficult, if not impossible. In adolescents, as in actually anyone being screened the desire to please the screener may far outweigh any worthwhile results. So, why do? Of course, money is the easiest answer. Additionally, the preoccupation of our culture and society with both numbers and their related quantifiable results. But, no matter what, from the beginning the bias of the the whole tool of screening invalidates it. But it sounds so good to those who only consider the statistics, the bottom line, and that etc. they’ll just keep doing, even if all it does is nothing. I wish this type of “behavior” was just confined to psychiatry. Dare I say, it is almost like both an obsession and a compulsion. It would be easier to stop, but it is really an epidemic of sorts in all types of institutions. Thank you.
I am not sure why just pick on psychiatrists when this type of behavior is rampant at present throughout the health care system. We have to acknowledge that it is not just the psychiatrists who are not ethical. When we do that, perhaps, things could change across the spectrum of all health care and we might be a healthier nation. Thank you.
Richard D. Lewis, Thank you for your reply. I did expect a rebuttal and a deconstruction of my comments. As for the “utopia”, I will say, in my opinion, it was implied by your statements, as in your description of “socialism” it appeared that “socialism” would be the answer to most all problems. If I read it incorrectly, I am sorry. I still think it does all begin with the individual, not some alleged “collective society.” I, also think, that each person has the right to decide whether or not they wish to “become political” in regards to the issues we face. In my experience, what is “political” can be as “addictive” as any other “mind-altering drug.” With all due respect, any kind of politics is as risky as any kind of psychiatry, etc. Thank you.
Daiphanous Weeping, I am not sure about the Hoover Dam exploding. I pray it doesn’t. It would be beyond disaster. However, you are completely correct about the “babckbiting.” It has sadly gotten nearly out of hand. I saw a book advertised on Amazon about a very controversial topic that advertised a “balanced” look at the “pros and cons.” Sometimes, each of us is very guilty of not making their goal to be one of “balance.” This is not about those who have trouble maintaining balance for whatever reason. This is about willing to accept that there are as many ways to look at an issue as there are people and not all are wrong because they seem to be in disagreement with my opinion or life story. And I confess, sometimes, I too am guilty of this and get unfortunately caught up in the moment. Perhaps, we all need more forbearance even those who do see a different side to psychiatry, than just the “anti” side which is valid. However, all sides are valid and no matter your side, you can learn from the other side. Also, no matter your side, by learning from the other side, you might learn something that could truly boost your position. Diaphanous weeping, Thank you for your perspective. Thank you.
Katel, Please forgive me. I will not comment any more about your situation. It does sound awful. Each person does have the right to respond to what life has dealt them in their own way. But I do hope things improve for you at some point. Thank you.
With all due respect, “theoreticality is not practicality.” The comments made speak almost of “genuine socialism” as a “utopia.” Sadly, “utopias” are just that “utopias” and exist only in fiction and fantasy. In my opinion, there is no “ism” that can save us from anything, including psychiatry, etc. In my way of thinking, it seems almost delusional to even consider that “socialism” can do it either. Yes, our society has millions of problems and psychiatry, as it is now, is a definite contributing cause. However, until we see less of what is wrong with a person and more of what is right with a person, which has been epidemic in our educational system and of course, psychiatry, we will have nothing but pain. The answer always resides in each individual and his or her relationship to Spirit. Thank you.
This is an interesting concept, however, dare I say, not entirely new. However, the author has done some excellent thinking about this. I think back to the 1970s when Transactional Analysis was all the rage and people were trying to identify their parent, adult and child. I have seen other self-help books which invite the reader to distinguish and identify different parts and roles within themselves. What is best about this is its basically non-drug approach. As with all theories, I think it may not work for everyone, but also as they the “patient” must also want it to work. But then, what I have noticed lately is that there seem to be many psychiatrists and therapists who really don’t want their patients to improve and their patients basically “buy” into that. But then, sometimes, some people use excuses so they can maintain their diagnosis.However, their are others who feel their diagnosis fits them as completely correct. Thus, I say, this seems to be not for everyone. Thank you.
Steve McCrea is right, “there is no way to be a failure at being a psychiatric survivor.” Also, sdaly, it does take more than a year to go through the withdrawal period from these drugs and at times it can be a little rocky. But there are good times, too. During most of the worst of it, I chose to isolate myself for my own protection. In many cases, traditional medical doctors and other health related professionals lack the understanding and knowledge to help you. This is basically uncharted territory. In many ways, you are a pioneer, but many have gone before you and survived and thrived to a better life. I can not tell you exactly what happens when you get to the other side. Each person’s experience is a little different. Luckily, I had my mother and still have my mother and despite some occassional issues between us, she has helped me greatly. I did have to explain things to help her understand, but when she saw that I was thinking and acting a little “clearer” and more like myself, she began to understand completely. All I can tell you is stick with it, it will get better. Thank you.
Daiphanous Weeping, Thank you for your comment. We have issues in the States, like your “egg issue.” Sometimes, it’s a brand of peanut butter or even dog food. Each week, it is usually something, we must check our pantry, refrigerator or freezer for and either throw out or take back to the store and get a refund. And I heard on tv, they are worried now that they say about 40% of the food becomes waste. I think they are just probably trying to “mess with our minds.” On all those points about the drugs, etc. you are correct. Actually, everything we do or don’t do affects our brain from what we eat, to what we read, watch on tv, the movies, etc, how we use our skills, etc. The list is endless. I will say that much of modern psychiatry ignores this, but so also does education, traditional health care, the government, etc. I am not necessarily for psychiatry, but utilizing the system is a person’s choice. Children, yes, are in many respects a different manner, altogether. But, it is the parents’ responsibility, legally, still to raise the child appropriately. But, in my opinion, there is the “anti” thing that bothers me, because being “anti” anything without a corresponding “pro” will have a tendency to boomerang on a person in a negative way. I definitely understand the “anti-psychiatry movement” as I have my own issues regarding psychiatry. However, each day, I realize that one can not seriously and substantially be “anti-psychiatry” unless one is also, not only against “capitalism” but also, “socialism” “communism” “feminism” (all the “isms”) and much of the current and popular thinking about many subjects that were “hush-hush” years ago. Psychiatry is part of all that too. But, still, in my opinion, it is far better to live one’s life “pro” something good, rather than “anti” anything. And like Robert Louis Stevenson said in his poem, “Happy Thought.” “The world is so full of a number of things,/I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.” In my opinion, that is the only way to win against anything, including psychiatry. Thank you.
You are an excellent writer. I think what struck me the most is when you went to the psychiatrist who wisely saw that you had no mental illness diagnosis, it was the psych drugs and you needed to stop taking the thorazine and move to California away from your family. Whoa! What a rare psychiatrist! And, it seems you are still in California and happy. I don’t know, but sadly, there are some who are convinced they have a “mental illness” maybe by the mental health system, maybe by family, or who knows… and then almost get stuck in it. I would say many times there are other issues. It is just much easier to call the person “crazy” and subject them to the darker side of the system, when all they really needed is affirmation and love that it is just alright to be who you are even it is not “like us” or whatever. In my personal opinion, I think for some, the concept of ” being neurodivergent” helps. But of course, for others it does not. No matter what, the uneven and even dangerous treatment, including the psychiatric drugs of the alleged mentally ill is very disconcerting. I was in a “mental hospital” for about eleven days about nine years ago. It was cleaner and nicer in appearance, but it was alienating. From all reports, most who went there came out worse than when they went in…I think that included me. Some people were quite angry when they left there and just considered a waste of time. I haven’t got an any real answers, except kindness, understanding, respect and dignity for everyone no matter who they are—goes a long way… Additionally, wishing ill on those who hurt you is sometimes understandable, but as they be careful what you wish for… It may come back to haunt you in ways you never thought of… As for your story, it is wonderful, informative, and compelling. Thank you.
Katel says “It’s absolutely hilarious…” and “no joke…” Yes, psychiatry has hurt people. I would say some thought, maybe mistakenly, they were doing good. Others had probably evil plans from the start. Some were actually involved in the “eugenics” movement. All of this is true. But, in my own, obviously stupid opinion, as some seem to consider it as such and by God, I must get more stupid every day by some of the comments, I will tell anyone that anger will get anyone nowhere. If we want to get somewhere, we will need to practice love and forgiveness and that includes loving and forgiving ourselves for our involvement in psychiatry. We will, also, need to be open to the fact that some think psychiatry has helped them, whether true or not. We can not solve the world’s problem through being angry. As difficult as it is at times, we must learn to practice peace. Space is no longer the final frontier, except for some, peace is. Each one of us needs to work on peace within ourselves, before we can even think of confronting psychiatry for all its ills and evils. Otherwise, we run the risk of turning into the monster that psychiatry is now. Thank you.
Any statistics on AA’s long or short term success might be skethy or questionable as due to the “anonymity factor” “enforced” in the AA meetings and philosophy, etc. I am not sure about the “predatory males” that you mention, so I will not comment on that. However, total abstinence and public confession are very good things. Total Abstinence is very healthy and assists the individual in staying away from alcohol. As far as public confesssion, it seems a lot of MIA posts are the public confession stories of those who unfortunately became involved with psychiatry and are now suffering from it. Implicit religiosity—for many that is truly their “saving grace.” I realize that not everyone is comfortable with religion or spirituality, but for many, it has been the difference between living and dying. Right now, AA might be the only alternative, especially in small town America and other places, other than a residential addiction treatment facility which can be costly, might not be covered by insurance or other and could, depending on the facility, lead to further issues later. The good thing about AA is that it basically costs little to nothing and the AA member does not have to tell anyone, unless they choose or are bound by legal issues. In my opinion, I am not sure why people bash AA when the other alternatives, at present, seem to lead to the psychiatry, etc. of which we are already criticizing, some to most with good reason. I would also suggest that for some “psychiatric survivors”, an AA type “group” or “philosophy” might help them in their recovery from psychiatry, etc. In my opinion, we only fool ourselves if we have been harmed by psychiatry in any way that we are not in some form of recovery from psychiatry. However, as each person is an individual with a unique brain, one’s recovery is always a personal issue. Thank you.
This is a very interesting expose of psychiatry. Actually, it is a tragic expose and it shows psychiatry, at times, as a monster, but more so as that ugly stepsister who only wished it could be Cinderella. In my opinion, this article reflects that psychiatry itself is more to be pitied than anything else. We have spent way too much time in a enraging anger against such this institution when it really needs our condolences. In this way, I slightly disagree with the author of this well-researched expose. I, personally, see a dying profession grasping at its last straw as in the infinite drugging of its patients. It has gotten so awful, that it now resorts to ketamine, a date-rape drug, and the psychadelics, the “counter-culture drugs” of the bygone hippie era. Psychiatry does need to be “replaced” in some manner, but what we need to do is pay more attention to the unique differences in how we both learn and are unable to learn. One of the issues of psychiatry is that it runs itself into the overblown effects of a “system” that has disregarded the unique gifts and challenges of the person and the very brain that runs it. Their solution has always been to neutralize the “problem” with lobotomies, ect, and especially drugs. The question may be does cbt and dbt do similar things. We can no longer live in a world where brains can be neutralized and also falsely blame it on capitalism. If our country was instead a country of socialism or communism, psychiatry would have gone to bed with them. The same is true for Big Pharma. Changing the political/economic system will not change psychiatry. If we think that we are only fooling ourselves. Actually, in a way, psychiatry will eventually die of its own accord, but what we must look out for with vigilance is what will replace it. Right now, one thing of hope on the horizon the continued availability of the Alcoholics Anonymous Model. One of the good things about this model is it does allow alcoholics to get together and talk and share their experiences. A variation of this occurs when Military Veterans get together and share their experiences. That seems to be one of the most productive ways in their healing and recovery. There are more than a million and one variations to a theme, as many variations as there are people with brains. In my opinion, psychiatry, like many other institutions, has totally forgotten that each person’s brain may share some “traits” with other person’s brains, but in the end it is individually created. Raging anger against psychiatry will not fix these problems. Raging anger against psychiatry will only make it grow stronger and more tragic. LOVE and FORGIVENESS, really are the ONLY answers. Thank you.
! appreciate your story. I can tell that despite it all, you still have a wry sense of humor. That is commendable, because actually, it is humor, joking, cartoons, comics, etc. that wake people up to the truth. Dire warnings and foreful activism only seek to either bore people or act as a boomerang. When a sense of humor is maintained, no matter what happens, good reigns. I talk a lot and say nothing, but I am familiar with the drugs you mention. Carbemezapine was the first psychiatric drug that gave me trouble because it lowered my white blood count to dangerously low levels making me less resistant to infection. Still, I kept trying the drugs. Perhaps, for some they work. I, also see, that you were involved in the VA VR program. I was not involved in the VA version of VR, because I am not a veteran, but I was involved in the regular version associated with state government. In my experience, I wish it could be better and really help people. But then there is so much more I know about myself now that could be useful. But they have all these wierd rules and close their eyes to information, etc. that could truly help their clients. Anyway, who says I or anyone need to be rehabilitated. We just need a little assistance to help us in adaptions to our lives in our areas of “weakness” and also, assistance in how to parlay our “strengths” however unusual they might be. May the Force Be with you. Thank you.
Bullying, sadly, happens. Many people, of all ages, are victims of such bullying. Some have had to move, change schools, get homeschooled, get new jobs, etc. due to such bullying. Yes, bullying has probably happened since we, humans, became humans, but it’s still there. And now we have technology, the social media, the internet to make bullying even easier. And we even have those tragic souls who champion the bullying of others. Yes, there are those in the mental health field who bully their patients and there are traditional doctors who bully their patients. There are teachers who bully their students or who help to contribute to the bullying of their students. And there are supervisors and managers who bully those who work for them. And of course there are others who bully others in all kinds of situations. Bullying is ever-present. I wish it would disappear, but right now I don’t have a clue. All I know is bullying in any form is wrong. No one deserves being bullied for any reason. The person who does the bullying does have some very major issues. But the damage done to the bullied can last a lifetime. We need ways to stop this bullying now. We do need to stop reward the bullies no matter where they show up. Thank you.
With all due respect to the author of this piece and to those who see “activism” as the answer, in my opinion, “activism” is a still an “ism.” Also, in my opinion, “isms” are just another type of drug. To consider “activism” against psychiatry is just exchanging the drug or drugs usually prescribed by a psychiatrist, etc. for the drug of “activism.” Sadly, it is, therefore, doomed to failure. One more point, although and this may be the most ironic thing of all, my online name here is “rebel”, I do not advocate rebelling against anything. I believe that one never be against anything; for success, happiness, and prosperity, one must, to the best of one’s ability, be “for” something. To live one’s life “against” something, sadly, usually results in unnecessary pain. Even if one thinks psychiatryis the worst thing in the world and I do have very legitimate questions from my own life experiences about psychiatry, I have learned that to just be against psychiatry does not do anyone any good, especially me. Thus, I am working to develop my self to be “for something.” In this way, I will be free of psychiatry and any other thing that has bothered me in the past. When we live our lives “for something” we are more able to fortify ourselves to the point that we may not need psychiatry in its present form. Otherwise, we become as we say psychiatry is— and that does not do anyone any good at all, especially the person who is harboring these concepts. Thank you.
Miranda Spencer, I appreciate your interview. I would like to see some research on how the climate changes such as increased warmth, storms, etc. affect not only “mental health” but all health. I would say, yes, there are issues with the concept of “mental health” in that when we speak of “mental health” we are usually speaking of “emotional health.” Many times, we don not even discuss “cognitive health” which is very important. And, yes, in all issues of health, not just the “mental health fields” but all “health fields” everything is “medicalized.” So, it seems like there is no way anymore to not be sick or going to be sick with something. Additionally, every single phase of life has become a “sickness” of some sort. But this is pervasive now everywhere, helped along by “mass media,” “social media” and others. The use of drugs and the expectation of the use of drugs as “remedies” for everything is also an issue for both the providers and the “patients.” I am concerned in regards to these drugs is that they are made of synthetics and seek to replicate the normal, natural activiities of the brain and the body. Additionally, there is the consideration that the drugs have entered the soil, the water table, and the air. Thus, they could be considered pollution and might very well be affecting the population (all ages included) in adverse ways we might not have even thought of in previous years. The other problem is when we close our minds to the point we can not entertain even the slightest notion that outside forces may even affect our emotions and or our minds and brains. “Nit-picking” constantly against even the concepts of psychology, mental health, etc. will only reinforce the negative side of psychology, etc. Not only that if the desire is to advocate against psychiatry, etc. psychiatry, etc. in it worst version only becomes stronger. It is better to keep an open mind and learn and love and work together to the best of our unique, individual abilities to solve the issues of the day. Thank you.
I agree with you again Bradford. Autism, Aspergers, etc are not “hoaxers.” Neither are learning disorders like Dyslexia and others. The Neurodivergent Movement has its issues. There is the idea of “Neurodivergent versus Neurotypical” which can cause unfortunate divides amongs people if pushed to extremes, etc. However the idea of “neurodivergence” is very useful and helps a lot of people deal with their “differences” that might have impeded their progress in school, work, relationships, etc. Sadly, those who are “Neurodivergent” can be taken advantage of by the psych industry in their attempts to drug and therapize them out of their “neurodivergent uniqueness.” This can be tragic because although “neurodivergence” does entail difficulties and challenges for each particular “neurodivergent disability”, there are also special and specific unique gifts and talents which can be attributable to each “neurodivergent disability.” However, it must always be remembered that within each “neurodivergent difficulty” there are still particular gifts and challenges that are specific to each individual. Also, if you really think about it, the damage to the brain caused by the unfortunate use of psychiatric drugs might be considered an “acquired form of “neurodiversity.” Only that which are hoaxes are that of which we do not open our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Thank you.
I agree with Bradford. The 12 Step Movement is surely an improvement over the drugged movement exploited today by psychiatry, etc. Actually a book about the 12 Step assisted in getting me away from the barage of psych drugs which were basically killing me. Thank you.
Although, I definitely want to be treated with dignity and respect by anyone I come in contact with for any reason, whether we agree or not or on the same “wavelength” etc. or not, I do not ever need to rejoin the ranks of the living. This is because no matter how I am treated and there are many times I do not like the way I am treated; past, present and future, I am alive! No matter what happened to me in the past, I absolutely never ever ever left the ranks of the living. At times, I was asleep to myself and the psych drugs, etc. actually made me asleep to myself and otherwise, but I was still alive. At times, I just forgot. Yes, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect always from everyone, but we do not need to wait to join the ranks of the living until we are. If we wait to rejoin the ranks of the living based on whether or not others treat us with dignity and respect, we will be freely giving away our power rather than keeping lawfully to ourselves, that is, they will retain the power and second, why do that? Why torture ourselves? In all due respect, this is the most absurd thing I have heard to date. I may have been asleep at times, but I have always been alive and in the ranks of the living no matter what people have and have done to me. I could go on, but I won’t. Thank you.
Lookingup, You speak a lot of truth in your comments. I am of the opinion that the “isms” are basically like drugs, designed to to what drugs do; i. e. psychiatric drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs– numb the mind, the brain, the body. In many ways, “socialism” is the worst because it seems both innocent and alluring to a population who have become disgusted with present circumstances, i.e. capitalism. But we no longer really have capitalism now. We are beginning to border on an “oligarchy” which is what Russia and China have gone to— after their bouts of communism. The other thing we must be extremely careful about is our continuing criticism of psychiatry in negative ways. Psychiatry is no institution of angels, but sometimes we can so easily become guilty of the same behavior they exhibit. This is neither helpful or fruitful and in the end we lose—super bigtime. I applaud your no drug life of thirty years and that you live in a nice cottage with birds singing nearby. It is when we shead our anger, forgive our tormenters (psychiatry, etc.) and ourselves for our involvement in psychiatry that we can be free and hear the birds singing again. Not everyday do the birds sing for me outside, but they are beginning to sing more and more. Thank you.
Thank you. Actually, anything can be taken to the extreme to the detriment of either the individual or society or both. I am just uncomfortable with the word, “collective.” In my way of thinking, it is reminscent of “communism” and as a child of the “Cold War” I guess I must resist. Yes, individuals do need other people. We, as humans, can not survive alone. We are not meant to survive alone. But, it is my opinion, that we must meet each other as “individuals.” It is only when I am an individual and respect myself as such and I respect you as an individual, that a true relationship can really result. Thank you.
What you describe is just laziness on the part of the psychiatrist. As a “patient” I have seen that too many times and not just “psychiatrists.” Unfortunately, in some instances the only time a patient gets to see the doctor, either a “psychiatrist” or otherwise, it is to get criticized because you are not doing/acting like the psychiatrist, etc. thinks you should. Thank you.
Although, I agree that love is basically the antidote to the current mental illness system, in my opinion, love originates in the concept of individuality. We must realize that each person has a unique brain/mind, soul, spirit, body and each person has a unique mission, purpose, ideal, etc. to fulfill. One of the main problems with our present systms of psychiatry/mental health-illness and especially our education, government, and even healthcare system is that it completely disregards the individual in favor of some sort of fictionalized average or most to one size fits all. Until we realy begin to value the individual for what he or she is and the contributions that person is to make to society and the world, we will fai, be in distress and have many of the societal problems we have. No, it is not a panacea, but it is an excellent start. In fact, I can say that much of my recovery from what I experienced as a “patient” in the system has occurred when I have acknowledged and accepted my uniqueness and individuality. Much of my pain and backsliding has occurred when I think of myself as part of some sort of “collective.” In my opinion, each of one of us is meant to live and be as individuals and from that point we freely share and give our love. If we refuse our uniqueness and individuality, all we have is pain and anguish and are subject to any fad or trend that may be ill-concieved and painful to the body, mind, brain and spirit of each person. Although I may disagree with the Dr. on much, I do agree the solution does and will always rely with the individual. Thank you.
I don’t think that I will ever be convinced that political action is the answer to the problem of psychiatry. Also, it seems to me that socialism will be no better than capitialism, it just changes the locus of power; however, in my opinion, the power will be even less, as they say, in the hands of the people. The problem with all this is that there are as many variables as there are people. In my opinion, though, we do need to speak more about the damage that the drugs can do. However, we do face the problem that no matter what we say many won’t or can’t hear us. Right now, this world is full of discordant cacophany and sadly there are lots of angry people around about this and that. At this point in time, it is very difficult to be heard above the noise. But nothing lasts forever. Our time will come. We just need to develop a calm heart and patient mind. Cultivating peace and thinking in love and forgiveness wouldn’t hurt either. Thank you.
I am not sure if anyone is aware that back in the 1970s, at least, lithium, was kept under “lock and key, in a cage” nonetheless, almost like they keep the “opiates” now. That means, that although they thought then that lithium was helpful, it was also considered dangerous. Thank you.
Sometimes, I think the discussions get a little cloudy because laws and morays can vary from nation to nation and even within a nation from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This has a tendency to complicate interpretations and responses. And when you add on the layer that each one of us possesses our own unique belief system, education, talents, skills, etc. that can really complicate matters even more so. I don’t know the answer, but we need to realize that we all come from different places, as it were and may respond differently. So, I guess the answer is patience, understanding and kindness. No matter what, we sure do need a lot more kindness in this world. Thank you.
Diaphonous Weeping, I tend to agree with you. Maybe for some people, “logic” and “reason” are the answers. But for me, they make my head spin. I do wish people would respect those who do not necessarily think and act out of “logic” and/or “reason.” There are so many ways to process the world and so many solutions, etc. as there are people in the world. Thank you.
I am sorry about what happened to your husband. Maybe I am saying the wrong thing but I appreciate your story. What I appreciate about is that is a real story with probable evidence of the effects of these drugs on an innocent person, your husband.
Sadly, many times, some commenters just reiterate the same thing over and over about the illegitimacy of psychiatry (which could be true as much of their practices are definitely questionable) and even worse disparaging those who do believe in the legitimacy of at least portions of psychiatry. Each person does have a right to make his or her own decisions as to how to live their life and what to accept or disregard in that life. But unfortunately with your husband, due to his illness, he was unable to make the appropriate decisions and even more tragic was that the doctors, etc. refused to listen to you, his closest advocate as per the concept of marriage, and even refuse to discuss your questions. This is clear but tragic evidence of the misuse and tragic effects of these drugs. This is what is really needed, not constant reiteration of this and that than can hurt people or even bring up past hurtful memories to someone. Thank you for your story. I do hope things do begin to improve with your husband. In my case, after some of the drugs you noted prescribed for me, I did improve. Of course to improve, I needed to discontinue taking these drugs forever. I hope that that can happen with your husband. I know that you must miss your husband terribly, even though he is still here. I can only say that my heart goes out to you and that, despite circumstances, I wish both you and your husband well and complete recovery. Thank you.
What a lot of comments here! First, I agree with Diaphonous Weeping, in how can you prove that we exist? We could be a mirage or in my opinion, I could be just a figment of my imagination.
Second, In my opinion, just accusing capitilism and the right wing is probably no solution to the problem. Yes, there is something going on between Big Pharma and Psychiatry, but also between Big Pharma and Traditional Medicine. We, so easily forget how much the liberals and the left wing actively promote “mental health values.” And, this is increasing, especially after covid. And, like most everything else, the mass media is assisting. I am not here to vindicate either capitilism or the right wing, but it is always a big mistake to not realize the influence of liberals and the left wing. I can’t see how socialism would be any better in dealing with this issue, except that maybe Big Pharma, Psychiatry, and Traditional Medicine would all probably be “arms of the government” which is a frightening thought.
Fourth, it is true that each person has the right to choose the best way to live their life. It is each person’s right to make a path for him or herself and to make their own mistakes. (And I don’t like saying this truth, “even it kills them.”) That also means each person has the right to believe whatever they want to about their condition or non-condition. Not one of us knows or should know the path or purpose of another or interfere in that path or purpose. Each person must come to his or her own as to his or her own self-knowledge.
Finally, in my personal opinion, the political solution is no solution. Activism and grass-roots and all that related stuff brings nothing. If we honestly feel this is an issue we must dispense with all this stuff outside of ourselves and look within ourselves. That is my opinion and that is why we continue to spin our wheels and everything either stays the same or gets outside. I don’t care what they said in that old TV Show, “The X-Files” “The Truth is not Out there.” “The Truth is In There.” that is inside each one of us. Thank you.
Number One: What the author of this study says about Lithium is very interesting. The only thing he didn’t mention is that for some people at least, lithium, can be built up to a level of dangerous toxicity. At first, this is avoided through blood tests where the lithium level is monitored. But, eventually, the body seems to decide it has enough lithium and rebels against it. The other thing he didn’t mention is how scrupulous when on lithium to avoid salt-restriced diets, keep hydrated, avoid heat, and make sure you alwys have something like Gatorade available.
Number Two: I have a purely unscientific theory about one of the reasons that these antipsychotics and antidepressants do no good and can be dangerous. I think that it might be because they use “synthetic ingredients” to copy the natural chemicals in the brain. Perhaps, instead of drugging people like they want to do, maybe the psychiatrists and their ilk need to discover what might bring on what Maslow used to call “peak experiences” or basically what makes a person happy for each individual person. That would change the brain chemistry naturally, rather than poison it synthectically. But then the psychiatrist might not holdany longer the illusion of being a Medical Doctor, because he or she is no longer writing prescriptions for these drugs. Thank you.
Recovery is the answer to the problems of psychiatry and psychotherapy and all the etc. such as the drugs, etc. Recovery is that which will free us from psychiatry, etc. and help us to see the light of the SPIRIT which is TRUTH. And when we see that light or if we are just working towards seeing that light, we will have recovered our TRUE SELF and that is the one and only real and true recovery that we need, because for so many, psychiatry has attempted to steal it. Light, Spirit, Truth, Recovery, Healing, Forgiveness—That’s what we need to do to free us from Psychiatry and recover our TRUE SELVES. I, must confess,that I do not look forward to your disagreement. Thank you