National Rescource Center on Pyschiatric Advance Directives

Psychiatric advance directives are relatively new legal instruments that may be used to document a competent person’s specific instructions or preferences regarding future mental health treatment. Psychiatric advance directives can be used to plan for the possibility that someone may lose capacity to give or withhold informed consent to treatment during acute episodes of psychiatric illness

Lots of info and state by stat info.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, rights, tool, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

May 23rd Conference postponed

from Gerald Butler

4/24/2007

The ‘Peer Support & Dual Diagnosed’ conference scheduled for the 23^rd of May has unfortunately, been postponed. Needless to say, all the folks who have been working so hard over the past year on this event were heart broken. ‘Recovery, the consumer band formed especially for this event, missed a rehearsal because of the bad news. Looking back, I realize we accepted defeat too readily, and we now know why and have grown because of it. After a lifetime of busted dreams, and having been told we are ‘Lesser Than’ it becomes easy to accept setback. So while we were sitting around moping, wondering what to do next, we get a message from Veda Sharp suggesting we do ‘Empowerment Day’ instead.

‘From the Boardroom to the Streets’ Zero to 150, From the Rock to the Top, these are just a few of the cliché’s describing our exhilaration over Ms Sharp’s suggestion. I do not think it was a big deal to her but it meant the world to us. From now on, we know not to be so quick to give up hope. We understand there is always someone out there who believes in us, and our dreams of independence, and we must seek them out. However, we cannot ask them to give us self worth and/or understanding, if we do not have those values in ourselves. Personally, I am finding it more like some sort of positive energy flow: the more I believe in my recovery, the more others believe in me. The more others believe in me, the easier it is for me to believe in other consumers.

Peer Support provides the basis for us to be participants in our recovery by working with each and every person involved in the system. The recovery process is a joyous one, which is why music is the first thing you hear whenever you come to a ‘Visions’ conference. It is not a Eulogy, but a reason to celebrate. The Freedom train has left the station, and we can hear the whistle blowing. We are looking forward to working closely with the Veda Sharp’s in the world as we move forward into system transformation. This second annual ‘Empowerment Day’ will not only be informative, but as usual, we are going to have a lot of fun celebrating recovery, and exchanging ideas and contacts. So, as soon as the final details are in place we will be letting you know.

PS. We are asking Ms. Sharp to give out Certificates of Achievement to Consumers who have made progress: A new apartment, a new job, or some other sort of forward step. Please send names to

Cindy Harry-charry@co.wayne.mi.us

Connecting Tags; Recovery, peer, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Mind Freedom Info on Virginia Tech

Many national media are running one-sided shows calling for more
forced psychiatric drugging, more psychiatric institutions, and
easier commitment laws. This is a wrong and too-simplistic reply to
the Virginia Tech tragedies.

MindFreedom asks media to cover *both* sides of the story! On the
forced drugging issues, let's especially hear from people on the
"sharp end of the needle"!

MFI has created an online Info Center with updates about mental
health issues arising from the Virginia Tech tragedy, such as:

National Public Radio will air psychiatric survivor perspective!

On Tuesday, 24 April 2007 at 2 pm ET, MindFreedom director David Oaks
will discuss his own experiences with forced psychiatric drugging on
the National Public Radio live radio national show "Talk of the
Nation." After David's and other's personal stories, there will be an
open call-in show where you can comment. For info on the show see
http://www.npr.org and use the pull-down menu.

For MFI Info Center on Virginia Tech see:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/kb/youth-mental-health/virginia-tech

Connecting Tags; Recovery, rights, choice, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Once Again

With the tragedy at Virginia Tech, there are once again calls for making it easier to commit persons who are seen as having mental illnesses to institutions, along with forced drugging. Over the course of my adult life, I have seen this scenario play out, driven by stigma, constrained by economics.

Though seen by the participants as a serious policy discussion, it is really a reflex, the automatic blaming of some "other" group for whatever seems senseless.

I remember when I first came back from Vietnam in late 1969. If a veteran was nabbed for a felony, the local paper would use the word "Veteran" in the headline, as though the fact of being a veteran explained why the person had committed the crime.

Here we go again....

Connecting Tags; Recovery, stigma, veterans, Recovery, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

MindFreedom News Center on Virginia Tech Massacre

Latest news MindFreedom receives about investigating Seung-Hui Cho's involvement with the mental health system. A special "Media, Mind & Cho" section lists the latest selected news items. MindFreedom issues statement calling for "immediate and complete investigation."

Seung-Hui Cho may have been on prescribed antidepressant psychiatric drugs.

Information related to investigating mental health issues involving this campus tragedy.

Connecting Tags; rights, Recovery, education, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Peer Support and Civil Rights

by Gerald Butler

From Civil Rights to System Transformation

The brouhaha over the statements of talk show host Don Imus resurrects ghosts of the Civil Rights movement. It should also be a reminder of the significant role individuals play in the growth or the deterioration of society. Being a contributing member requires more than just paying taxes ETC, we must value what we say and how we treat others. America was founded based on the principle that every human being has the right to live and grow to their potential, freely. These basic issues are the ties that bind the Civil Rights Movement to the Peer Support Movement. Black folk were treated as not having the potential to be contributing members of society, as people with a mental illness/ substance abuse are treated today. The truth is the exact opposite, and the way we are treated plays a large role in how well we do in recovery.

In the seventies, there was a cry across the country to begin teaching ‘Black Studies’ courses in our schools. The curriculum had to be designed, taught, and graded by Black administrators, as they would have personally experienced Black peoples struggles for freedom and respect. The similarities between those times, and the struggles of recovering people today are uncanny. Just as Black people were demanding to be active participants in policymaking, we realize that by having ‘Been there-Done that’ folks in recovery have a lot to contribute to the system of ‘Recovery’. The ‘Peer Support’ movement teaches us to utilize our experiences to help others going through what we went through.

Through much introspection, and willingness to change, the system of Community Based Treatment has evolved to the point where recovery is becoming the norm, as opposed to a rarity. We are starting to realize how we must actively participate in our own recovery, and that no else but us can make the decision as to whether we recovery or not. I feel one of the most important lessons we learn, as Peer Supporters is the vital role, Politicians, Doctors, Case Managers, Service Providers, Counselors, ETC play in the recovery process, as long as the believe we are capable of recovery. Through the eyes of the Peer Support movement, we certainly are looking forward to a bright future. I envision, one day someone with a mental illness and/or substance abuse issues will be running the White. In fact, some would say that has already happened.

A Mental Health Parity Bill Still on Track for Passage

During the last few weeks we reported that it is likely a bipartisan mental health parity bill will emerge from this Congress after years of inaction on the issue.

That prediction still holds today.

In past years, the Republican Congressional leadership blocked the bill even though the votes were there for passage--with many Republicans behind it. With the Democrats now controlling the Congressional agenda, there is no longer any obstacle to passage.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Changed Web Address for MindFreedom News Hour Internet Radio

The new web address to listen to the MindFreedom News Internet Radio Show has changed to http://prncomm.net/

To see samples of shows click here.

Hear MindFreedom's free weekly public Internet radio show every Wednesday at 4 pm EST about a nonviolent revolution in the mental health system, hosted by psychiatric rights activist David Oaks, director of MindFreedom.

Listen to dozens of great archived shows.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, choice, community-based, peer, rights, social production, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

MFI Blog

Welcome to MindFreedom International's blog about campaigns for human rights and alternatives in the mental health system.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, choice, abuse, rights, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Welcome to the MindFreedom Shield Program

MindFreedom International has a track record of taking constructive, nonviolent action when we are notified that a person is being subjected to coerced or forced psychiatric procedures. In order to better utilize our very limited resources, we have established the MindFreedom Shield Program.

The MindFreedom Shield Program is a coordinated registration system and solidarity network of MindFreedom members who want to have as much protection as possible from coerced or forced psychiatric treatment.

The MindFreedom Shield is NOT meant to replace a formal "advance directive," which is a legal document we highly recommend people fill out. MindFreedom does not have the resources to assist in completing an advance directive, but we do have more information linked at the bottom of this page and on the MindFreedom website.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, rights, peer, community-based, choice, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Visions of Recovery

by Gerald Butler

3/27/2007

Imagine you’re a child, and each time Uncle James comes to visit he promises to take you out for ice cream, but somehow it never actually happens. Each time you see him, your hopes would rise, but still no ice cream. After a while that child simply stops anticipating, however there remains a ray of hope Uncle James will finally come through with more than just a promise. If you can relate to that child’s feelings, then you can appreciate how we consumers have been feeling (hopeless) until now. The Peer Support Movement promises to provide us a major recovery tool, because it provides us with hope for a brighter future and a belief in ourselves.

Had anyone anticipated its sudden success, certain things would have been done differently. .For one thing there would have been better public education on exactly what a Peer Supporter is. If I were ever unfortunate enough to have say, heart disease, I would certainly look for others who have survived the disease. I would ask about, Doctors, Treatment Centers, diet, exercise, I would find out as much as I could from that person regarding heart disease. The Peer Supporter is similar in that our job is to help others going through what we survived.

Since the advent of the study of the human mind, professionals have debated the role empathy plays in the healing process. All we know is that it makes us feel better about ourselves, and provides the motivation for us to become participants in our own recovery. Peer Support is the next step is a system which has been constantly improving itself, and provides a unique basis for all involved to work towards a common goal. Since the majority of those in treatment are dually diagnosed, on May 23^rd ‘Visions’ is hosting a conference on IDDT and Peer Support where will be bringing together folks from the substance abuse as well as the mental health arena, from the grass roots to the decision makers.

As we move forward with system transformation, I envision the day when consumers doing well in recovery will be the norm, not the exception. I see a system that sees us not from the stance of what our disease may be, but from the value our experiences have to offer. So let us all look toward a brighter future, work as one applying the basic principles of humanity and respect, assuring recovery for all.

Gerald Butler