I’m really surprised no one else has chimed in here. This is a huge issue which impacts every person with a psychiatric diagnosis. So why aren’t we discussing it?
If you can sell it, then it’s a street drug.
Actually, to be brutally honest, that is not the case for ALL members of the Black Lives Movement.
Sera, with the greatest of respect and indeed admiration, I think you’re misreading the post. If there is terminology that is offensive to minority individuals, by all means, let us know. I was well, well, well into my 40s before I learned that to use the word “gyp” was to slur the Roma. Okay, so I never used the word again. I have another example but it’s for our trans gender friends. You know the one I’m talking about, I think. Rhymes with Granny. We can’t help if we don’t know the issues.
But those two conditions so often occur simultaneously! May I share a little too much information? I’m manic right now. That’s why I stay up all night and type 160 w.p.m. comments all over the internet. I need some downers but none are available. Well, that’s what Christie’s Pub is for! I think I drank, oh, maybe 8 pints of beer yesterday and will likely do the same today. What should I do?
For those of us with ADHD, could you summarize a couple for us?
Are you new here? I don’t recall seeing any other post by you. If so, WELCOME!
I’m only 50.
I concur. Heartily. And I don’t often say that about one of Frank Blankenship’s posts. 🙂
Francesca
Of all the minorities (skin colour, religion, age, disability, gender, etc.), I think it’s fair to say that the mentally ill have the toughest row to hoe. We are, after all, the only minority that has an entire legal structural mechanism separate and quite apart from what everybody else lives under, including our Blacks and trans people.
This is entirely speculation, of course, and I don’t actually want to BE anybody else but life would be easier in some ways if I were Black and gay. Mind you, I say this as a middle-class person so perhaps I don’t know what I’m talking about. Again. Sigh.
Holy Shit, Frank! I completely agree with absolutely every word you said. Have a great day.
Sera, could you please tell me if the Globe is a respectable newspaper? Is it like the New York Times? I’ve never read it. I’m just trying to gauge how much impact the article(s) is/are having. Where is the article being discussed? And should we move our discussion there for now?
I don’t want to argue with you and I’ve been politely nudged out of this thread so I must leave. Here’s my last thought on the subject: I am white, female, middle-class and certifiably insane. I ALWAYS use the term First Nations. I ALWAYS capitalize Black. I ALWAYS refer to trans people exactly how they tell me to. I do every fucking thing that I can to treat the people around me with dignity and respect. In this regard, I am guilty of NOTHING. Sorry if this offends you.
Why would I “admit” something that is false, though?
Can’t read you. Are you being sarcastic? Is this a jibe against Szasz?
Thank you for this. Yeah, I’m not supposed to post in this thread, I know.
My expert opinion is rooted in lived experience. I’ve been dealing with this issue since 2002. Please email me at [email protected]
But why doesn’t “suffering” suffice as a descriptor? What else would you call severe depression or psychotic mania but suffering?
I think you have really nailed it here. For me, the world is too “loud.” I am bombarded with sights, sounds, feelings, colours, memories, dreams …. I have to work hard to keep it dialed down. When I can’t manage, which is usually when I am stressed, then I exhibit mania. It’s not truly mania, though; it’s insomnia. If anybody ever suffers from a manic episode, please contact me at [email protected] I can help. I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Francesca
What a beautiful post. Thank you. You should write your own article.
Okay, I bow out of the thread. As you were.
Your first sentence is factually incorrect.
Anything that has “as a white person” contained in it indicates I’m not going to like the post. Sorry, Sera. I do admire your work and I want to be your ally. There are no BLACK/WHITE/BLUE/ALL Lives Matter movements that are going to be taken seriously. Where do you read stuff? Like, what news sources do you use? Forget about the Glob for now. Look around, surf the net, you’ll find what you need. I know you can do it and I believe in you, Sera.
Donald Trump is going to be your Fucking President! This is the best thing that’s happened to the USA in my entire 50 years. I’m applying for dual citizenship pronto.
Nonsense. It is people’s insanity that causes them to suffer. Whatever means are available to help a crazy person should be employed. That may require sedation. Just stating the facts. Let me tell you a story about my own struggles with bipolar mania:
Fernwood Inn/Victoria City Police
Penny Farthing Pub
Bon Sushi/Oak Bay Police
Pandora Assertive Community Treatment Team
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
Contact any of these establishments and have them email me at [email protected] I will give them full permission to release their files to any journalist who cares to write about the issue. My vote is for Susan Inman of the Huffington Post or, better yet, of The Walrus (a Canadian magazine).
No need to apologize, Sera. Truly, I was only telling you what you should do. I’m aware that you won’t. The other side ridicules the organic sultanas because it’s not peer-reviewed respectable research. Sorry.
I didn’t read your whole comment but I just wanted to throw out here that the journalist we need on our side is Susan Inman of the Huffington Post. Her book “After Her Brain Broke” is on its way to my house from amazon.ca as we speak.
Double bonus: Ms. Inman is seriously backed by the big players (Torrey, Jaffe, etc.) She also writes for The Tyee. Don’t get mad at me for saying this, please, but Susan Inman is our friend. Be nice to her.
Forget about the Glob.
And did you ever see the movie “Side Effects”? Positively chilling.
Fiachra, are chlorpromazine and Thorazine the same drug? 1st generation antipsychotic?
Very familiar with Seroquel. Last time I was in the bin, I was offered breakfast and I declined, saying offhandedly that I preferred to starve to death. Well, that’ll only get you more drugs, right? The stupid bitch gave me a Seroquel & Ativan combo to stave off my latent anorexia. (Sorry to be so flip but I have just had enough of this bullshit for a lifetime. I’m sure you have, too.) By the way, I weigh 130 pounds, not the least bit underweight.
Sounds like an awful lot of meds. Holy shit! Don’t recognize some of the names. Are you in North America?
Haven’t experienced that kind of withdrawal. Guess my body chemistry is just different from yours.
Was your ECT voluntary? Or was it “voluntary”? Or was it forced? Those are actually 3 different things. Are you aware of Linda Andre’s wonderful book “Doctors of Deception”? I highly recommend it (although it will likely make you angry).
Anyway, I’m so glad you made it through for yourself and also the world so that you can speak the truth. You’re a hero. I truly mean that. Best wishes,
Francesca
Uh huh. And what would the banners say?
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Fiachra, which drug are you talking about?
I know you’ve had a tough time. I’m sorry. Don’t let your rage and despair blind you, though.
Why do people shy away from evidence?
I like your post. I gather it was in response to the post before, which I could make neither heads or tails of. Could you please state the issue succinctly?
If you told me what an ADR is, I could perhaps follow your comments.
Humanity. Capitalism. I think I know the definitions of both words. Help me out here. What is the purpose of this post of yours?
Comment removed.
Frankly, I’m surprised this thread hasn’t seen more action. What are you people afraid of? The truth?
Frank B., let’s get serious. There was a homeless guy outside of Tim Horton’s the other day. He was, quite frankly, fucked up. How would the abolition of mental health legislation actually help this person? I gave him a couple bucks. What did you do?
I consulted Dr. Abram Hoffer in Victoria, BC in 1987(?) or so. He was an orthomolecular psychiatrist and prescribed niacin and a bunch of other shit for “anxiety bordering on schizophrenia.” I don’t know what to make of that. I’m surprised a plain multi-vitamin fucked you up.
Boans, is this in a hospital? Where are the boy’s parents in all this? Is the boy suffering from a mental illness?
You’re not entitled to a stand on Black Lives Matter unless you’re black. Are you black? From your photograph, it wouldn’t appear so. Yes, our struggles have common themes. But come on!
Tranquilizers rock. Take them as required. Sell them if you have too many. Don’t use APs. Use benzos but don’t get addicted.
Nice going, dlj. Keep up the good work.
Where is the trauma in medical care? Serious question.
You are a “survivor” of a middle class family? Hey! Join the club. Do you also hate your job? Does your wife not understand you? Well, guess what?
What is an “evidence-based model”? In real life?
Psychiatry is doing the best it can. If you have a problem with it, then come up with something better.
Excuse me, what is the problem with “safe and effective”?
Oldhead, you can’t file a claim without a cause of action. Well, actually you can … but that’s another story. Tell me exactly what your beef is, please. Who needs to be sued? What did they do wrong? What do you hope to accomplish?
@ Boans
I do not want wish to watch the video. Please tell me what happens there (briefly, please).
Could I please have it explained to me what exactly the Globe did wrong?
Are you suggesting that blacks were free until the whiteys wanted some Risperdal? Help me, I’m stumped.
Could you explain this to me in a way I could understand?
Once again, I agree with RR. We are a movement (I guess) comprising the mad. No doubt, some of us are black. I guess it’s extra awful when you’re black and mad? I don’t know because I’m white. Straight talk, this isn’t helping us. Please reconsider this line of argument.
Sera, in solidarity … it’s all the same thing. Crazy people are getting fucked over.
If the issue is forced treatment, then my “axe to grind” belongs here. If you wish me elsewhere, so be it. Have a nice day.
Well, I guess not because we have to refer to the brilliant and eminent Peter Singer and his “vacuous principle” to make the right choice. Before I get piled on, let me tell you that the quotation is from one Doctor Thomas Szasz.
I must say this philosophical bullshit is getting beyond tedious. Deal with the real issue: Crazy person writhing on the floor and screaming that her hands and feet are on fire. What shall we do? Pull out “The Myth of Mental Illness” and read it to her? Fuck around.
Or you could crank it up a notch and just dialogue with them, Sera.
Szasz said involuntary treatment was a crime against humanity. Okay. Let’s just fucking ignore the suffering. Great. You know what’s a real crime? Not using your God given intelligence to assess and critically analyze an issue. It’s not an education thing. Children can figure this stuff out and that seems to stump a lot of you “activists.” Go to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Picture Szasz strolling amongst the drug addicts and the chronically schizophrenic. You people are being laughed at.
Szasz was a nincompoop academic who sat in his easy chair and pontificated about the lower classes. Give it up, dude.
Do you guys want to be listened to? Then start making sense.
People, can we do a thought experiment? Let’s suppose Francesca takes on BC’s Mental Health Act and wins what she’s fighting for, abolition of community health care. Let’s pretend that’s been done and I’m sitting here typing on my computer, not feeling particularly well but managing to keep it together. HOW IS IT MORE DANGEROUS FOR THERE TO BE A MENTAL HOSPITAL RIGHT DOWN THE STREET WHERE I NEED TO BE RIGHT NOW WHEN THAT IS EXACTLY WHERE I THINK I SHOULD GO YET THEY WON’T TAKE ME BECAUSE THEY DON’T LIKE ME BECAUSE I THREW A CUP OF COFFEE AT SOME STUPID BITCH WHO PROBABLY DESERVED IT AND NOW I HAVE A FUCKING CRIMINAL RECORD AND CAN’T GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY AND I’M HIGHLY SKILLED LEGAL ASSISTANT AND I CAN’T FIND A FUCKING PROPER JOB BECAUSE JONES EMERY FIRED ME WHILE I WAS RECOVERING FROM A SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND I COULDN’T GET TREATMENT WHEN I WAS MANIC AND THE MAN I LOVED MORE THAN THE WHOLE WORLD JUST COULDN’T TAKE IT ANY MORE AND LEFT ME AND THEN I GOT INTO THIS FUCKING RIDICULOUS STRING OF LAWSUITS AND THEY STOLE MY MONEY AND MADE A FOOL OUT OF ME AND JC WORD ASSIST WOULDN’T HIRE ME FOR THE PERFECT JOB BECAUSE I HAVE A FUCKING CRIMINAL RECORD SO I SUED THEM UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT AND WE SETTLED BUT THAT LEAVES ME WORKING AT ELAN DATA ENTRY FOR $15 AN HOUR AND I CAN ONLY WORK FOUR HOURS A DAY BECAUSE MY STRESS LEVEL IS THROUGH THE ROOF AND ALL I DESPERATELY WANT IS A SHOT OF ACCUPHASE AND THERE IS NOBOBY ON DR. NELSON COLLINS’ TEAM THAT UNDERSTANDS THE ISSUES EXCEPT ALEXIS AND SHE WENT OFF TO SOME BUREAUCRATIC GIG AND BRENDA DIDN’T RETURN A FUCKING URGENT CALL FROM A CLIENT THAT INVOLVED THE VICTORIA CITY POLICE COMING TO THE FERNWOOD INN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND THE POLICE LEFT ME THERE BECAUSE I WAS JUST A NORMAL PERSON SO DON’T BITCH TO ME ON THIS SITE ABOUT YOUR PETTY BULLSHIT YOU’RE FUCKING MORONS I HATE I AM SWEARING OFF THE INTERNET AND GOING TO BUY SOME CIGARETTES YES I KNOW I DON’T SMOKE BUT IT’S TOO EARLY TO START DRINKING METHINKS
Note that I’m fine now but I am not receiving telephone calls at this time. Have a great day, everyone.
Excuse me, why exactly is it “crooked” to overcharge for food? Are they not declaring the income as taxable? What the hell is the problem?
Can you give me the lowdown on Seth Farber? Never heard of him.
Oops. Missed the word “friend.”
I just saw the word cannabis and stopped reading. My dear, dear, dear in Vancouver thinks smoking pot is good for her. Well, it’s not. Pot makes you stupid in the long term and sometimes psychotic in the short term. I entirely support legalization but let’s not pretend it’s some benign substance. It ought to be ranked with alcohol.
There is no appropriate civil suit. What is the basis of your claim? That you were naked and screaming and couldn’t look after yourself so the police roughed you up (possibly) and you were taken to an Emergency Room? Boo Hoo!
For fuck’s sakes, if you don’t want involuntary treatment, THEN STAY WELL YOURSELF!
It’s not morality but thanks for your kindness anyway. I have just had it with the anti-psychiatry movement. I’m sorry but I’m going to be a lone wolf from here on. Withdrawal in disgust is not the same as apathy.
Haven’t read the article yet, sorry, but “peer support” means different things to different people. It might be an empathetic friend who struggles with a similar issue. It might be an Assertive Community Treatment Team member who has swallowed the Kool Aid and insists that you do, too. Here’s look you at, Corey, of the PACT team in Victoria, British Columbia!
Community mental health care has been an unmitigated disaster.
Okay, so Big Pharma has shitloads of money and has corruption in the ranks. So what? Some of those medications are life-saving. Why do you think I’m safe and sane right at this moment? That’s right! Because I’m on meds (until they wear off, at which time I’ll be at work). Work is therapeutic and positive. That’s why I’ve been there since 1998.
They’re ALL crooked sellouts. That’s what politics is. You’re raging and raging because the sky is blue. Grow up.
IT DOES NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ignorance of the issues and an inability to critically examine them threatens your rights. Christ, I need a break from this site. Have a good day, everyone. Stay safe. If you get into a “situation,” just go limp. Drop to the ground. I guarantee you if you are in Canada and white, you won’t get shot (by a police officer, anyways).
Nobody cares if you take medication. They care that you stay well and don’t bother other citizens. That’s not a lot to ask. Find whatever route works for you. Organic sultanas (tip of the hat to RR for that one), yoga, vigorous physical exercise, massive doses of Risperdal, WHO GIVES A SHIT? Just stay safe, people!
Yet, I’m afraid to go outside now because I’m all wired with too much caffeine and email correspondence. I owe my employer four hours of work today. I emailed my supervisor to confirm that I would be in AT SOME POINT before 1:00 this afternoon. Fine. It’s now 7:07 a.m. Maybe I could get a little more sleep, listen to a little music, make myself a protein-filled breakfast.
You guys have your hearts in the right place but you’re going about this all wrong. I’ve been dealing with this since 2002. Here’s what I know:
– if you don’t act crazy, the police won’t beat you
– they beat you because they are afraid of you
– mentally ill people can be violent. That’s just a fact. I’m a middle-aged, well-behaved 50 year white female living in Oak Bay. I have a criminal record that includes ASSAULT. Because the hospital wouldn’t take me in when I and everybody around me knew that I desperately needed medical treatment.
– I didn’t get help until I got into the criminal justice system. Don’t let that happen to you. Be proactive and set up a plan
Fuck, you guys piss me off sometimes. It’s nothing personal. It’s just your impotent rage at those nasty psychiatrists and those evil police officers isn’t going to get you any traction. Crank it up a notch. We’re at the start of a revolution.
What the fuck is a crazy person supposed to do? I’ve made my decision. You’ll have to read about on Hassman’s blog. Best wishes.
Good for you for finding what works for you. Here’s my treatment plan:
Nozinan p.r.n.
Risperdal p.r.n.
Reduced work week to 20 hours
Advanced Directive in place with doctor and parents.
The irony of it is that I BEG for treatment but am denied. I was at the Fernwood Inn in Victoria, BC yesterday afternoon and I was in TERRIBLE shape. I told the bartender and the waitress and they were very cool with it, just making sure I had what I needed (which happened to be lots of water, a pen and paper, a single cigarette, a ride to Oak Bay Avenue).
Phone calls were made to: Victoria City Police Department, the Pandora Assertive Community Treatment, and also to my employer. So guess what happened????
Sounds good to me. If there’s nothing wrong with you, then why the fuck are you receiving disability benefits? I receive $900 a month from the Canada Pension Plan. I would much prefer to work full-time but that is just not possible with my bipolar disorder. Deal with it.
Just because E. Fuller Torrey wears pants, doesn’t mean that we’re going to walk around naked.
Oldhead, my friend … I KNEW what would happen at the time. I was just too crazy to ACT on what I KNEW. You know, for a supposedly crazy person, you’re not terribly empathetic.
I was throwing the contents of my apartment out the window. I turned over my fridge, threw my photographs, screamed, burned food, got drunk, embarrassed myself on the internet, wasted police resources, scared the shit out of my parents, destroyed my marriage, alienated my friends. I KNEW that I would be evicted yet I was truly powerless to stop. Psychotic manic happens. Get over it right now or you’re off my team. I say this with the greatest of respect for your point of view.
May I offer the following, in the spirit of solidarity: Szasz was an idealist. He was a libertarian. He was an academic. He was famous. He was smart. He was revered. And he was an ASSHOLE.
Please check in with Hassman later on today. I think you’ll be pleased. Best wishes.
I fear that part of the reason was the Japanese killer attacked the disabled but that’s probably just me being cynical again.
Hey, I know you guys don’t like Hassman. Fine. But watch his blog tomorrow, ‘kay? I’m taking one for the team.
Not sure how such a thing could be approached but it’s a fascinating prospect. Maybe a sociologist could look at gender, income strata, race, etc.?
Yeah, and God forbid a lowly psych patient ever tries to educate a shrink. Been there.
That was “methinks,” obviously.
Thanks for your support. I’ve been shamed elsewhere for supporting the judicious use of the vast array of drugs we have available. Too much moralizing going on in some quarters, methings (not at all a reference to you as I love your contributions.)
Hey, Steve, don’t knock alcohol. It works. Tip to the manic: if you’re going to overdo it, stay home. I drink. I talk to people. I no longer try to do both at the same time. Ditto drunken blogging. Cheers.
Don’t knock the placebo response. It works even when you tell people they’re receiving placebos. It’s an extraordinarily complex phenomenon.
You’ve got some good points in there but, truthfully, “divide and conquer” is exactly what is happening right now within our movement so think on this for a bit: “Just because E. Fuller Torrey wears pants, doesn’t mean that I’m going to walk around naked!”
Okay, I will (with trepidation). I must say that at first blush “Trump supporter” and “psych rights advocate” aren’t two descriptors that seem to go together. I don’t follow American politics anymore but it seems to me that Trump’s people would likely be NRA types and the gun lobby and the psych rights movement are at loggerheads, no?
On a completely note, could I ask you something? I’m writing a book about the psych rights movement and I’d like to use the title “Set My People Free.” Is that offensive? I realize it’s a line from a spiritual but on the other hand Jim Gottstein at PsychRights often draws parallels between the two struggles. What do you think? I could really use your input.
Thanks again for your piece. You write very, very well.
Hey, never underestimate the power of a sense of humour.
Did you get the sense that the psychiatrist you were chatting with had her interest piqued and was going to go investigate any of this? Or was it more a polite nod and “Huh, how interesting”?
And I hate NAMI as much as the next activist but I think them receiving Big Pharma money is not the issue to focus on. It’s their abhorrent policies that really need attacking.
I don’t understand your comment. How is empowering patients to assess/manage their health care “doing evil”? It’s a fantastic service the author is providing and I’d love to hear more.
Ditto this. I loved this essay and I think health coaching has a big future.
I got miraculously good results from one SSRI but I was only one it for a month or so. In my view, they’re best used as a chemical crutch to get you feeling good enough to do the things that will keep you well. Once you’re feeling better, I think it’s best to get by without them if at all possible. If I ever suffer from severe depression again, I’ll certainly have no hesitation about taking the SSRI again for a while.
Thank you for your powerfully written essay. I am shocked by its contents. Is there a way for me to find out the name of the mental health activist you discuss? I would really like to look into this.
I’m really surprised no one else has chimed in here. This is a huge issue which impacts every person with a psychiatric diagnosis. So why aren’t we discussing it?
If you can sell it, then it’s a street drug.
Actually, to be brutally honest, that is not the case for ALL members of the Black Lives Movement.
Sera, with the greatest of respect and indeed admiration, I think you’re misreading the post. If there is terminology that is offensive to minority individuals, by all means, let us know. I was well, well, well into my 40s before I learned that to use the word “gyp” was to slur the Roma. Okay, so I never used the word again. I have another example but it’s for our trans gender friends. You know the one I’m talking about, I think. Rhymes with Granny. We can’t help if we don’t know the issues.
But those two conditions so often occur simultaneously! May I share a little too much information? I’m manic right now. That’s why I stay up all night and type 160 w.p.m. comments all over the internet. I need some downers but none are available. Well, that’s what Christie’s Pub is for! I think I drank, oh, maybe 8 pints of beer yesterday and will likely do the same today. What should I do?
For those of us with ADHD, could you summarize a couple for us?
Are you new here? I don’t recall seeing any other post by you. If so, WELCOME!
I’m only 50.
I concur. Heartily. And I don’t often say that about one of Frank Blankenship’s posts. 🙂
Francesca
Of all the minorities (skin colour, religion, age, disability, gender, etc.), I think it’s fair to say that the mentally ill have the toughest row to hoe. We are, after all, the only minority that has an entire legal structural mechanism separate and quite apart from what everybody else lives under, including our Blacks and trans people.
This is entirely speculation, of course, and I don’t actually want to BE anybody else but life would be easier in some ways if I were Black and gay. Mind you, I say this as a middle-class person so perhaps I don’t know what I’m talking about. Again. Sigh.
Holy Shit, Frank! I completely agree with absolutely every word you said. Have a great day.
Sera, could you please tell me if the Globe is a respectable newspaper? Is it like the New York Times? I’ve never read it. I’m just trying to gauge how much impact the article(s) is/are having. Where is the article being discussed? And should we move our discussion there for now?
I don’t want to argue with you and I’ve been politely nudged out of this thread so I must leave. Here’s my last thought on the subject: I am white, female, middle-class and certifiably insane. I ALWAYS use the term First Nations. I ALWAYS capitalize Black. I ALWAYS refer to trans people exactly how they tell me to. I do every fucking thing that I can to treat the people around me with dignity and respect. In this regard, I am guilty of NOTHING. Sorry if this offends you.
Why would I “admit” something that is false, though?
Can’t read you. Are you being sarcastic? Is this a jibe against Szasz?
Thank you for this. Yeah, I’m not supposed to post in this thread, I know.
My expert opinion is rooted in lived experience. I’ve been dealing with this issue since 2002. Please email me at [email protected]
But why doesn’t “suffering” suffice as a descriptor? What else would you call severe depression or psychotic mania but suffering?
I think you have really nailed it here. For me, the world is too “loud.” I am bombarded with sights, sounds, feelings, colours, memories, dreams …. I have to work hard to keep it dialed down. When I can’t manage, which is usually when I am stressed, then I exhibit mania. It’s not truly mania, though; it’s insomnia. If anybody ever suffers from a manic episode, please contact me at [email protected] I can help. I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Francesca
What a beautiful post. Thank you. You should write your own article.
Okay, I bow out of the thread. As you were.
Your first sentence is factually incorrect.
Anything that has “as a white person” contained in it indicates I’m not going to like the post. Sorry, Sera. I do admire your work and I want to be your ally. There are no BLACK/WHITE/BLUE/ALL Lives Matter movements that are going to be taken seriously. Where do you read stuff? Like, what news sources do you use? Forget about the Glob for now. Look around, surf the net, you’ll find what you need. I know you can do it and I believe in you, Sera.
Donald Trump is going to be your Fucking President! This is the best thing that’s happened to the USA in my entire 50 years. I’m applying for dual citizenship pronto.
Nonsense. It is people’s insanity that causes them to suffer. Whatever means are available to help a crazy person should be employed. That may require sedation. Just stating the facts. Let me tell you a story about my own struggles with bipolar mania:
Fernwood Inn/Victoria City Police
Penny Farthing Pub
Bon Sushi/Oak Bay Police
Pandora Assertive Community Treatment Team
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
Contact any of these establishments and have them email me at [email protected] I will give them full permission to release their files to any journalist who cares to write about the issue. My vote is for Susan Inman of the Huffington Post or, better yet, of The Walrus (a Canadian magazine).
No need to apologize, Sera. Truly, I was only telling you what you should do. I’m aware that you won’t. The other side ridicules the organic sultanas because it’s not peer-reviewed respectable research. Sorry.
I didn’t read your whole comment but I just wanted to throw out here that the journalist we need on our side is Susan Inman of the Huffington Post. Her book “After Her Brain Broke” is on its way to my house from amazon.ca as we speak.
Double bonus: Ms. Inman is seriously backed by the big players (Torrey, Jaffe, etc.) She also writes for The Tyee. Don’t get mad at me for saying this, please, but Susan Inman is our friend. Be nice to her.
Forget about the Glob.
And did you ever see the movie “Side Effects”? Positively chilling.
Fiachra, are chlorpromazine and Thorazine the same drug? 1st generation antipsychotic?
Very familiar with Seroquel. Last time I was in the bin, I was offered breakfast and I declined, saying offhandedly that I preferred to starve to death. Well, that’ll only get you more drugs, right? The stupid bitch gave me a Seroquel & Ativan combo to stave off my latent anorexia. (Sorry to be so flip but I have just had enough of this bullshit for a lifetime. I’m sure you have, too.) By the way, I weigh 130 pounds, not the least bit underweight.
Sounds like an awful lot of meds. Holy shit! Don’t recognize some of the names. Are you in North America?
Haven’t experienced that kind of withdrawal. Guess my body chemistry is just different from yours.
Was your ECT voluntary? Or was it “voluntary”? Or was it forced? Those are actually 3 different things. Are you aware of Linda Andre’s wonderful book “Doctors of Deception”? I highly recommend it (although it will likely make you angry).
Anyway, I’m so glad you made it through for yourself and also the world so that you can speak the truth. You’re a hero. I truly mean that. Best wishes,
Francesca
Uh huh. And what would the banners say?
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Fiachra, which drug are you talking about?
I know you’ve had a tough time. I’m sorry. Don’t let your rage and despair blind you, though.
Why do people shy away from evidence?
I like your post. I gather it was in response to the post before, which I could make neither heads or tails of. Could you please state the issue succinctly?
If you told me what an ADR is, I could perhaps follow your comments.
Humanity. Capitalism. I think I know the definitions of both words. Help me out here. What is the purpose of this post of yours?
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Frankly, I’m surprised this thread hasn’t seen more action. What are you people afraid of? The truth?
Frank B., let’s get serious. There was a homeless guy outside of Tim Horton’s the other day. He was, quite frankly, fucked up. How would the abolition of mental health legislation actually help this person? I gave him a couple bucks. What did you do?
I consulted Dr. Abram Hoffer in Victoria, BC in 1987(?) or so. He was an orthomolecular psychiatrist and prescribed niacin and a bunch of other shit for “anxiety bordering on schizophrenia.” I don’t know what to make of that. I’m surprised a plain multi-vitamin fucked you up.
Boans, is this in a hospital? Where are the boy’s parents in all this? Is the boy suffering from a mental illness?
You’re not entitled to a stand on Black Lives Matter unless you’re black. Are you black? From your photograph, it wouldn’t appear so. Yes, our struggles have common themes. But come on!
Tranquilizers rock. Take them as required. Sell them if you have too many. Don’t use APs. Use benzos but don’t get addicted.
Nice going, dlj. Keep up the good work.
Where is the trauma in medical care? Serious question.
You are a “survivor” of a middle class family? Hey! Join the club. Do you also hate your job? Does your wife not understand you? Well, guess what?
What is an “evidence-based model”? In real life?
Psychiatry is doing the best it can. If you have a problem with it, then come up with something better.
Excuse me, what is the problem with “safe and effective”?
Oldhead, you can’t file a claim without a cause of action. Well, actually you can … but that’s another story. Tell me exactly what your beef is, please. Who needs to be sued? What did they do wrong? What do you hope to accomplish?
@ Boans
I do not want wish to watch the video. Please tell me what happens there (briefly, please).
Could I please have it explained to me what exactly the Globe did wrong?
Are you suggesting that blacks were free until the whiteys wanted some Risperdal? Help me, I’m stumped.
Could you explain this to me in a way I could understand?
Once again, I agree with RR. We are a movement (I guess) comprising the mad. No doubt, some of us are black. I guess it’s extra awful when you’re black and mad? I don’t know because I’m white. Straight talk, this isn’t helping us. Please reconsider this line of argument.
Sera, in solidarity … it’s all the same thing. Crazy people are getting fucked over.
If the issue is forced treatment, then my “axe to grind” belongs here. If you wish me elsewhere, so be it. Have a nice day.
Well, I guess not because we have to refer to the brilliant and eminent Peter Singer and his “vacuous principle” to make the right choice. Before I get piled on, let me tell you that the quotation is from one Doctor Thomas Szasz.
I must say this philosophical bullshit is getting beyond tedious. Deal with the real issue: Crazy person writhing on the floor and screaming that her hands and feet are on fire. What shall we do? Pull out “The Myth of Mental Illness” and read it to her? Fuck around.
Or you could crank it up a notch and just dialogue with them, Sera.
Szasz said involuntary treatment was a crime against humanity. Okay. Let’s just fucking ignore the suffering. Great. You know what’s a real crime? Not using your God given intelligence to assess and critically analyze an issue. It’s not an education thing. Children can figure this stuff out and that seems to stump a lot of you “activists.” Go to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Picture Szasz strolling amongst the drug addicts and the chronically schizophrenic. You people are being laughed at.
Szasz was a nincompoop academic who sat in his easy chair and pontificated about the lower classes. Give it up, dude.
Do you guys want to be listened to? Then start making sense.
People, can we do a thought experiment? Let’s suppose Francesca takes on BC’s Mental Health Act and wins what she’s fighting for, abolition of community health care. Let’s pretend that’s been done and I’m sitting here typing on my computer, not feeling particularly well but managing to keep it together. HOW IS IT MORE DANGEROUS FOR THERE TO BE A MENTAL HOSPITAL RIGHT DOWN THE STREET WHERE I NEED TO BE RIGHT NOW WHEN THAT IS EXACTLY WHERE I THINK I SHOULD GO YET THEY WON’T TAKE ME BECAUSE THEY DON’T LIKE ME BECAUSE I THREW A CUP OF COFFEE AT SOME STUPID BITCH WHO PROBABLY DESERVED IT AND NOW I HAVE A FUCKING CRIMINAL RECORD AND CAN’T GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY AND I’M HIGHLY SKILLED LEGAL ASSISTANT AND I CAN’T FIND A FUCKING PROPER JOB BECAUSE JONES EMERY FIRED ME WHILE I WAS RECOVERING FROM A SUICIDE ATTEMPT AND I COULDN’T GET TREATMENT WHEN I WAS MANIC AND THE MAN I LOVED MORE THAN THE WHOLE WORLD JUST COULDN’T TAKE IT ANY MORE AND LEFT ME AND THEN I GOT INTO THIS FUCKING RIDICULOUS STRING OF LAWSUITS AND THEY STOLE MY MONEY AND MADE A FOOL OUT OF ME AND JC WORD ASSIST WOULDN’T HIRE ME FOR THE PERFECT JOB BECAUSE I HAVE A FUCKING CRIMINAL RECORD SO I SUED THEM UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT AND WE SETTLED BUT THAT LEAVES ME WORKING AT ELAN DATA ENTRY FOR $15 AN HOUR AND I CAN ONLY WORK FOUR HOURS A DAY BECAUSE MY STRESS LEVEL IS THROUGH THE ROOF AND ALL I DESPERATELY WANT IS A SHOT OF ACCUPHASE AND THERE IS NOBOBY ON DR. NELSON COLLINS’ TEAM THAT UNDERSTANDS THE ISSUES EXCEPT ALEXIS AND SHE WENT OFF TO SOME BUREAUCRATIC GIG AND BRENDA DIDN’T RETURN A FUCKING URGENT CALL FROM A CLIENT THAT INVOLVED THE VICTORIA CITY POLICE COMING TO THE FERNWOOD INN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND THE POLICE LEFT ME THERE BECAUSE I WAS JUST A NORMAL PERSON SO DON’T BITCH TO ME ON THIS SITE ABOUT YOUR PETTY BULLSHIT YOU’RE FUCKING MORONS I HATE I AM SWEARING OFF THE INTERNET AND GOING TO BUY SOME CIGARETTES YES I KNOW I DON’T SMOKE BUT IT’S TOO EARLY TO START DRINKING METHINKS
Note that I’m fine now but I am not receiving telephone calls at this time. Have a great day, everyone.
Excuse me, why exactly is it “crooked” to overcharge for food? Are they not declaring the income as taxable? What the hell is the problem?
Can you give me the lowdown on Seth Farber? Never heard of him.
Oops. Missed the word “friend.”
I just saw the word cannabis and stopped reading. My dear, dear, dear in Vancouver thinks smoking pot is good for her. Well, it’s not. Pot makes you stupid in the long term and sometimes psychotic in the short term. I entirely support legalization but let’s not pretend it’s some benign substance. It ought to be ranked with alcohol.
There is no appropriate civil suit. What is the basis of your claim? That you were naked and screaming and couldn’t look after yourself so the police roughed you up (possibly) and you were taken to an Emergency Room? Boo Hoo!
For fuck’s sakes, if you don’t want involuntary treatment, THEN STAY WELL YOURSELF!
It’s not morality but thanks for your kindness anyway. I have just had it with the anti-psychiatry movement. I’m sorry but I’m going to be a lone wolf from here on. Withdrawal in disgust is not the same as apathy.
Haven’t read the article yet, sorry, but “peer support” means different things to different people. It might be an empathetic friend who struggles with a similar issue. It might be an Assertive Community Treatment Team member who has swallowed the Kool Aid and insists that you do, too. Here’s look you at, Corey, of the PACT team in Victoria, British Columbia!
Community mental health care has been an unmitigated disaster.
Okay, so Big Pharma has shitloads of money and has corruption in the ranks. So what? Some of those medications are life-saving. Why do you think I’m safe and sane right at this moment? That’s right! Because I’m on meds (until they wear off, at which time I’ll be at work). Work is therapeutic and positive. That’s why I’ve been there since 1998.
They’re ALL crooked sellouts. That’s what politics is. You’re raging and raging because the sky is blue. Grow up.
IT DOES NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ignorance of the issues and an inability to critically examine them threatens your rights. Christ, I need a break from this site. Have a good day, everyone. Stay safe. If you get into a “situation,” just go limp. Drop to the ground. I guarantee you if you are in Canada and white, you won’t get shot (by a police officer, anyways).
Nobody cares if you take medication. They care that you stay well and don’t bother other citizens. That’s not a lot to ask. Find whatever route works for you. Organic sultanas (tip of the hat to RR for that one), yoga, vigorous physical exercise, massive doses of Risperdal, WHO GIVES A SHIT? Just stay safe, people!
Yet, I’m afraid to go outside now because I’m all wired with too much caffeine and email correspondence. I owe my employer four hours of work today. I emailed my supervisor to confirm that I would be in AT SOME POINT before 1:00 this afternoon. Fine. It’s now 7:07 a.m. Maybe I could get a little more sleep, listen to a little music, make myself a protein-filled breakfast.
You guys have your hearts in the right place but you’re going about this all wrong. I’ve been dealing with this since 2002. Here’s what I know:
– if you don’t act crazy, the police won’t beat you
– they beat you because they are afraid of you
– mentally ill people can be violent. That’s just a fact. I’m a middle-aged, well-behaved 50 year white female living in Oak Bay. I have a criminal record that includes ASSAULT. Because the hospital wouldn’t take me in when I and everybody around me knew that I desperately needed medical treatment.
– I didn’t get help until I got into the criminal justice system. Don’t let that happen to you. Be proactive and set up a plan
Fuck, you guys piss me off sometimes. It’s nothing personal. It’s just your impotent rage at those nasty psychiatrists and those evil police officers isn’t going to get you any traction. Crank it up a notch. We’re at the start of a revolution.
What the fuck is a crazy person supposed to do? I’ve made my decision. You’ll have to read about on Hassman’s blog. Best wishes.
Good for you for finding what works for you. Here’s my treatment plan:
Nozinan p.r.n.
Risperdal p.r.n.
Reduced work week to 20 hours
Advanced Directive in place with doctor and parents.
The irony of it is that I BEG for treatment but am denied. I was at the Fernwood Inn in Victoria, BC yesterday afternoon and I was in TERRIBLE shape. I told the bartender and the waitress and they were very cool with it, just making sure I had what I needed (which happened to be lots of water, a pen and paper, a single cigarette, a ride to Oak Bay Avenue).
Phone calls were made to: Victoria City Police Department, the Pandora Assertive Community Treatment, and also to my employer. So guess what happened????
Sounds good to me. If there’s nothing wrong with you, then why the fuck are you receiving disability benefits? I receive $900 a month from the Canada Pension Plan. I would much prefer to work full-time but that is just not possible with my bipolar disorder. Deal with it.
Just because E. Fuller Torrey wears pants, doesn’t mean that we’re going to walk around naked.
Oldhead, my friend … I KNEW what would happen at the time. I was just too crazy to ACT on what I KNEW. You know, for a supposedly crazy person, you’re not terribly empathetic.
I was throwing the contents of my apartment out the window. I turned over my fridge, threw my photographs, screamed, burned food, got drunk, embarrassed myself on the internet, wasted police resources, scared the shit out of my parents, destroyed my marriage, alienated my friends. I KNEW that I would be evicted yet I was truly powerless to stop. Psychotic manic happens. Get over it right now or you’re off my team. I say this with the greatest of respect for your point of view.
May I offer the following, in the spirit of solidarity: Szasz was an idealist. He was a libertarian. He was an academic. He was famous. He was smart. He was revered. And he was an ASSHOLE.
Please check in with Hassman later on today. I think you’ll be pleased. Best wishes.
I fear that part of the reason was the Japanese killer attacked the disabled but that’s probably just me being cynical again.
Hey, I know you guys don’t like Hassman. Fine. But watch his blog tomorrow, ‘kay? I’m taking one for the team.
Not sure how such a thing could be approached but it’s a fascinating prospect. Maybe a sociologist could look at gender, income strata, race, etc.?
Yeah, and God forbid a lowly psych patient ever tries to educate a shrink. Been there.
That was “methinks,” obviously.
Thanks for your support. I’ve been shamed elsewhere for supporting the judicious use of the vast array of drugs we have available. Too much moralizing going on in some quarters, methings (not at all a reference to you as I love your contributions.)
Hey, Steve, don’t knock alcohol. It works. Tip to the manic: if you’re going to overdo it, stay home. I drink. I talk to people. I no longer try to do both at the same time. Ditto drunken blogging. Cheers.
Don’t knock the placebo response. It works even when you tell people they’re receiving placebos. It’s an extraordinarily complex phenomenon.
You’ve got some good points in there but, truthfully, “divide and conquer” is exactly what is happening right now within our movement so think on this for a bit: “Just because E. Fuller Torrey wears pants, doesn’t mean that I’m going to walk around naked!”
Okay, I will (with trepidation). I must say that at first blush “Trump supporter” and “psych rights advocate” aren’t two descriptors that seem to go together. I don’t follow American politics anymore but it seems to me that Trump’s people would likely be NRA types and the gun lobby and the psych rights movement are at loggerheads, no?
On a completely note, could I ask you something? I’m writing a book about the psych rights movement and I’d like to use the title “Set My People Free.” Is that offensive? I realize it’s a line from a spiritual but on the other hand Jim Gottstein at PsychRights often draws parallels between the two struggles. What do you think? I could really use your input.
Thanks again for your piece. You write very, very well.
Hey, never underestimate the power of a sense of humour.
Did you get the sense that the psychiatrist you were chatting with had her interest piqued and was going to go investigate any of this? Or was it more a polite nod and “Huh, how interesting”?
And I hate NAMI as much as the next activist but I think them receiving Big Pharma money is not the issue to focus on. It’s their abhorrent policies that really need attacking.
I don’t understand your comment. How is empowering patients to assess/manage their health care “doing evil”? It’s a fantastic service the author is providing and I’d love to hear more.
Ditto this. I loved this essay and I think health coaching has a big future.
I got miraculously good results from one SSRI but I was only one it for a month or so. In my view, they’re best used as a chemical crutch to get you feeling good enough to do the things that will keep you well. Once you’re feeling better, I think it’s best to get by without them if at all possible. If I ever suffer from severe depression again, I’ll certainly have no hesitation about taking the SSRI again for a while.
Thank you for your powerfully written essay. I am shocked by its contents. Is there a way for me to find out the name of the mental health activist you discuss? I would really like to look into this.