Peer support coalition forming

Pennsylvania is forming a peer support coalition. The coalition will include all peer support workers (not just certified peer specialists, but anyone who has lived experience and does peer support work) in Pennsylvania. The coalition will have a steering committee, made up of peer support workers from various regions across the state. More information about the coalition, and how to get involved, will be coming.
You can go to PMHCA’s website for more information…. there is a board on the PMHCA forum dedicated to discussion of the coalition.

Forced Psychiatry

Today, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) broadcast a radio news
segment interviewing me about my experience on the "sharp end of the
needle" of a forced psychiatric drugging, and MindFreedom's position
against coerced psychiatric procedures.

You may read the text of the segment or hear it online here:

http://news.opb.org/article/mindfreedom-seeks-insure-rights-those-
mental-illness/

or use this web address:
http://tinyurl.com/24nlaj

(The above web page even has a photo but, hey, I've lost some weight
since that old photo! ;)

"From advocacy to self-determinism"

Ronald Bassman has written a very interesting article about the history of mental health consumer/survivor (Bassman's term) activists, especially in this country. I know I won't do justice to the article, but I'd like to highlight a few points.

One of his themes in terms of recovery is the importance of treating the consumer/survivor with fairness and respect. That has sadly not been the history of the treatment of the mentally ill, especially in hospitals. The earliest activists were former patients who formed groups by telling their stories to one another and treating one another as whole people who mattered.

During the mid 1950's, State hospitals were still a mess: "Treatment programs were limited, wards were overcrowded, few recreational and social activities were available to patients, individual privacy was lacking, and recovery was not an expectation."

Psychiatric Rehabilitation in the US: The consumer movement

There is a growing movement throughout the United States (and the world) of people calling themselves consumers, survivors, or ex-patients--who have been diagnosed with mental disorders and are working together to make change in the mental health system and in society. The consumer movement grew out of the idea that individuals who have experienced similar problems, life situations, or crises can effectively provide support to one another. According Sally Clay, one of the leaders of this movement,

The Consumer/Survivor Communities began 25 years ago with the anti-psychiatry movement. In the 1980's, ex-mental patients began to organize drop-in centers, artistic endeavors, and businesses. Now hundreds of such groups are flourishing throughout the country. Our conferences (many sponsored by NIMH) have been attended by thousands of people. More and more, consumers participate in the rest of the mental health system as members of policy-making boards and agencies.

When it began, there was an initial hostility toward the mental health system, but the consumer movement has evolved into a recovery model that encompasses everyone involved in caring for people with mental disorders.

From around the country, people who had been in treatment for schizophrenia and other forms of serious mental illness began coming out of the shadows and identifying ourselves. We were no longer willing to remain hiding, quietly suffering the ridicule and hostility that too often characterize people's reactions to serious mental illness. Slowly, we began to organize, forming local, state, and then national organizations for recovering persons and our allies. We advocated, trying to regain our rights as human beings. For the most part, the more articulate consumer-advocates felt that professionals, who so readily dismissed our point-of-view when we had been patients, were not to be trusted. Many of us felt we could make it "on our own." And why not? All of us had been diagnosed with having serious mental illnesses...About twelve years ago, however, some consumer-advocates began to suggest that many of us, particularly those who were most disabled, could not so easily make it "on our own."We suggested that most of us did indeed need other people: family members, friends, and often the help of experienced mental health professionals.

The Recovery Band

from Gerald Butler:

3/15/2008

The Recovery Band is based on the practice of Peer Support. We employ these principles with each other, and lately we have been applying it to consumers wishing to perform on Empowerment Day. Lila Harrison has been coming to the Recovery band rehearsals for the past few weeks, and watching her grow has been like watching a beautiful flower blossom. The onset of her of illness occurred in the year 2000 during the breakup of her marriage, and like many of us, she blamed herself. She is now in recovery and wants to spread the message: ‘Recovery is Possible’.

Visions: When you first came to rehearsals you did not seem as self-assured as you are now.

Lila: Right from the start you guys made me feel very welcomed, I felt safe, like I was among friends. You guys helped me to bring out what I felt deep down I could do, but no one had ever given me the opportunity to do.

Visions: At first you kept saying you were not a singer, anyone hearing you would not agree.

Lila: I grew up singing in Church and feel relaxed there. You guys sound like professionals and I just felt I was not as good as you. Thanks to your help, I feel a whole lot better about myself now. Today I know I’m a good singer and can go as far as I want to go.

Visions: The Band has been practicing something called Peer Support with you: can you tell?

Lila: I knew about Peer Support because Joe Hodge of Detroit East does it, but this is the first time I have actually seen how good it works. What you guys did was listen to me and found out my good points and where I wanted to go in life. Then you made me comfortable enough to go after my dreams. I think I would like to be a Peer Supporter and help others like you helped me.

Visions: What are your plans for Empowerment Day?

Lila: I’ve been working on two spirituals; Order my Steps and Tribute, with the ‘Recovery’ band. I realize there will be others in the audience who are going through what I have been through. I plan to let the spirit of God flow through my songs and me to help pass his love and hope to those who feel they have none.

Scott Davis has been attending the ‘Story Tellers’ group I set up at Go-Getters for those wishing to tell their recovery stories at the ‘Empowerment Day’ celebration. Scott became ill some 30 years ago when he was in collage, and lost hope of ever becoming whole again. He told me that a long time ago he had written a few songs. I asked him if he would be interested in letting the band support his dreams of singing his music in public at the Empowerment Day recovery celebration. Scott has a smooth bass voice and his music is like that of some of the great jazz singers of the past. The band members were literally blown away! Look forward to seeing and hearing Scott at our celebration.

I recall how six years ago when I first came to the Agency, how Edith Killins, the Interim Director at the time, and Dr. Michelle Reid (Detroit Wayne County CMH Medical Director) kept telling me “I’m on your side”. Having never had an administrator say that to me, I had no idea how to take their sincerity and I regret not having utilized their offers of help. However, I am glad they stuck to their ideals, thus laying the groundwork for consumer directed celebrations such as ‘Empowerment Day’. Even then they knew recovery cannot be mandated, nor directed by those who have not been there. Instead they offered their support in whatever decisions I chose to make in my recovery journey, and now, as a Peer Supporter, I offer that same support to others in their recovery journeys.

The ‘Peer Support Empowerment Committee’ would like to wholeheartedly thank Joe Tardella and the folks at Southwest Solutions for their undying support, allowing us to stage this consumer directed event. Also, much kudos to Patrick Wardle and the Samaritan Center for their efforts toward making this a success, ‘We are proud to have been host to this event over the last 2 years and are certainly looking forward to doing the same in years to come’. (Patrick W.) If you are planning on attending this celebration, I suggest you show up early. Otherwise you may miss the most exciting part, which will be the opening remarks by Veda Sharp (Director/DWCCMHA) Since taking over the reins of the Agency, Ms. Sharp has shown great compassion and enthusiasm for our cause. If she jump-starts the day like she did at the recent Peer training, we’re in for a great day.

I certainly hope folks are aware of the ‘International Self Determination Conference’ (www.self-determination) from May 27^th through the 29^th. People are coming to Detroit from all over the world, and the planning committee, led by Pat Carver, Tiffany Devon, and Kathleen Kovach, has decided on a ‘MOTOWN’ theme for the entire conference. Our own Councilwoman Martha Reeves has offered to come and sing some of her old Motown hits with the Recovery Band. Also, that same week will be the Gateway Consumer Awards Banquet, at which ‘Recovery’ will also appear. For more information contact Maryanne Bozenski at mbozenski@gchi.org.

Finally we would like to thank Kari Walker and the folks at the ‘Virtual Recovery Center’ whom we really can’t thank enough. They have put on a limited (200 hits) web site view of the band, http://download.yousendit.com/08489FCD15490A5E that far exceeds our hopes and dreams. It gives us a glimpse of what they have in store for the future in regards to other consumer directed, recovery centered initiatives. If you get close to Veda Sharp, be sure to give her a hug for engineering the Wayne County Freedom train heading down the road to recovery for us all.

Gerald Butler

Empowerment Day

from Gerald Butler:

Visions Of Recovery &The Peer Support & Empowerment Committee Presents

“RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE”

When: May 30^th 2008

Where: The Samaritan Center

5555 Conner Ave.

Detroit, MI 48213

(Exit Conner, just south of 94)

Time: 9:00 am until 3:00 pm

Food? Catered Lunch, including seconds and desert

What will happen!

The Keynote speech, tribute songs, comedy, artwork, skits, recovery stories, photography, food, music, and more. All be done by consumers… All are welcome!

If you too have a talent/ability you want to share, or wish to tell your story, please contact

Shirley Cockrell at (313) 842-4046

Tax-deductible donations are appreciated and vital to our mission!

Go-Getters

C/O Empowerment Day

1253 Green St.

Detroit, MI 48209

My University of Guelph keynote…Part Two

I treasure most the moments after my presentation…

People approach me privately, often tentatively, to tell me their stories.

Somehow, they feel liberated to share the hard truths of their lives with the emotional trauma of mental illnesses. Still, they want to talk about the pain they have felt or witnessed and endured sometimes for years in silence because they cannot find help for the people they love and live for…

Their children, their spouses, their parents, their soul-mates, their dearest…

They share what are or have been their “family” secrets.

Sometimes it’s torture to put words to these feelings of fear and frustration. It’s unnerving to hear themselves speak these powerful words.

Their language is potent and evocative.

Their truths are exhausting for them to express.

Mental Health Parity Update: House Passes Paul Wellstone Mental Health And Addiction Equality Act

It’s a happy day night morning (oh, man, I really need to work on a getting a regular sleep schedule going on) time for mental health patients, advocates, and family members and friends! Oh, who am I kidding - it’s a happy time for all Americans!

The House just passed the Paul Wellstone Mental Health And Addiction Equality Act (H.R. 1424)! (That link will take you to an explanation of H.R. 1424.)

You can view the official Yeas and Nays online. (Why does it seem like Republicans aren’t so keen on having mental health and substance abuse parity?)

To my understanding, now that both the Senate and the House have passed their respective versions of the bill, it’s now time to work out some differences and come up with a version they can pass on to the President.

So, we’re not quite there yet, but we’re definitely getting closer! Count on me and Mental Health Notes to keep you posted as updates are made available.

from Gerald Butler:

3/3/2008

Wayne County Peer Support Training

This past Thursday there was a follow up training for Certified Peer Supporters in Wayne County. Veda Sharp kicked the day off with a very exciting and inspirational talk, setting a positive tone for the rest of the seminar. Leading the conference were Pam Werner of The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), Ike Powell and Larry Fricks, of the Appalachian Consulting Group of Georgia, the originators of the Peer Support movement. The time allotted Ms. Sharp was not enough for her to speak of all the exciting things taking place in Wayne County in regards to system transformation, however she did stress this: The entire Detroit Wayne County CMH administration (under her guidance) is 100% behind the Peer Support movement. In fact, this past week, the Peer Support Specialist movement was highlighted in a speech by Robert Ficano and in an article in the Detroit Free press.

Although some can take Ms. Sharp’s support for our struggles casually, it means the world to those of us in recovery. Anytime a leader says what Veda said, that tells us that leadership is one of the key ingredients we need to move forward in our recovery journeys. It is time for us to take our hopes and dreams off the shelf, build on what we know, want and can do, surround ourselves with those who support us and begin the journey to make them real. We can now focus our full attention on our recovery and those who would treat us as ‘Lesser Than’ must be wrong because the leaders of the system support recovery and provide us with the foundation of both respect and dignity.

Ms. Sharp could not speak about all of the positive things going on in Wayne County, so I’ll add one more thing. When the Guidance Center was awarded the ‘The Recovery Center of Excellence’ grant, naturally most folks assumed it would take a while to get things up and running. It seems they hit the ground running, and after talking with Kari Walker (Kari is the Guidance Center’s man on the front lines with us) I can see why. He knows deep in his heart how vital recovery is to us and he is dedicated to helping us spread the message of hope, as is the rest of the staff at the Guidance Center. They will soon have the recovery web site up and running and the address is Mirecovery.org. With the leadership at the Guidance Center, its no wonder they’re off to a great start.

In addition to all of the great leadership, consumers remain in the forefront. The Peer Support Empowerment Committee (all primary consumers) has developed an exciting agenda. This years Empowerment Day/Recovery is Possible will be a day filled with individuals telling recovery stories, showing art work, singing songs from the heart, comedy acts, skits, photography, ETC. showing just how talented they are. Yes, the Freedom Train has left the station and more and more folks are climbing aboard daily. Hope to see you all on Empowerment Day 2008. If you would like to donate to this year’s event please contact Shirley Cockrell at Go-Getters/ 313-842-4046

The Recovery Band

from Gerald Butler:

3/2/2008

The Recovery Band

We are dedicated to the premise that most people with mental illness are quite capable of moving beyond their illness and accomplishing great things provided they have the proper support.

I organized the ‘Recovery’ the consumer band, specifically for last years’ Empowerment Day festivities. I wanted to show how well Peer Support works and being a musician, I decided to find consumers whose dreams were to be in a band and through Peer Support make those dreams a reality. When we practice Peer Support we do whatever is necessary to bring out the positive values of those we work with.

Although I was technically in a leadership position, during rehearsals for the event, I came to this realization: If I really wanted to bring out the best in a person, I had to be willing to put my ego aside and simply provide a relaxed atmosphere comfortable enough for them to express who they really are. Plus, I found myself growing in the process. This is what Peer Support is.

‘Recovery’ is a group of people spreading the message of hope and recovery through our music. The members have changed from the original foursome and will continue to change as more and more people in recovery are dusting off their dreams and contacting me. Because we have a fairly good sound it is hard to appreciate that our music takes second place to how well we support each other’s recovery. Through the practice of peer support we become healthier, help others to heal, we have fun and grow, and show the world what happens when people are supported properly.

Last summer we not only played at Empowerment Day, we also gave back to the community by doing Arise Detroit’s Neighborhoods Day, Corrections to Work at the Charles Wright Museum, Detroit East’s Summer Blast, and some other community events. This year we are proud to play the Gateway Consumer Awards Banquet, The International Self Determination Conference behind Councilwoman Martha Reeves of Martha & the Vandellas and some other events. Hope to see you at one or more of these exciting events.

New Task Force on Mental Health Legal Advocacy & Activism

Promising to fight what they call pervasive and harmful violations of mental health clients who are involuntarily drugged and electroshocked in the United States, The Law Project for Psychiatric Rights (PsychRights) and the MindFreedom Shield Campaign announced today a joint Task Force on Mental Health Legal Advocacy & Activism. The new partnership of law and nonviolent direct action has an initial focus in the states of California, Massachusetts and New York.

PsychRights' President Jim Gottstein declared, "People's rights in forced drugging proceedings are ignored as a matter of course, resulting in great harm to them and decreased public safety." David Oaks, Director of MindFreedom International (MFI), noted, "Violence by a few individuals labeled 'mentally ill' has led to a backlash calling for a massive increase in forced psychiatric drugging."

Mr. Gottstein added, "Contrary to public perception, forcing people to take psychiatric drugs can often increase violence, rather than decrease it. If people were warned that both taking and withdrawing from these drugs can at times contribute to committing terrible acts, they and their loved ones can be alert to the possibility and tragedies averted."

Krista Erickson, MFI board member and Chair of the MFI Shield Campaign, said, "I'm excited about MFI and PsychRights expanding our partnership and focusing the combined power of legal advocacy and activism on specific cases." The MFI Shield Campaign supports the wishes of a member to be free of involuntary mental health intervention with an international "Solidarity Network" of advocates. The new Task Force plans to use both the court of law and the court of public opinion.

A Historic Vote for Mental Health Insurance

After more than a decade of delay, Congress appears ready to pass a bill to boost insurance coverage for the treatment of mental illnesses. The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 is designed to improve upon the Mental Health Parity Act passed in 1996 by the former senator after which it is named. While, the bill from '96 barred insurers from setting lower dollar limits on mental health treatment than on other kinds of treatment, it left open the possibility of insurers putting other kinds of restrictions on mental health treatment coverage.

The current bill, which will be voted on by the House on Wednesday, doesn't require insurers to provide coverage for mental health treatments, but it mandates that any mental health coverage provided by an insurer cannot be more restrictive, in any way, than the treatment it provides for medical and surgical benefits.