Next Peer Networking Call

Recovery 2000: Peer Networking Call--January 20th

The next Peer Networking Call will be Wednesday, January 20th 3:00 EST


Subject: Hiring Peer Providers: Applications, Screening questions-- What can be asked, What not; Legalities and Ethics. Perspectives from Peer Supervisors, Administrators and Peer Providers to be included.

Presenters: Rodney Pfeister, Austin State Hospital, Kevin Huckshorn, Delaware Commissioner of Mental Health, Holly Dixon, Riverview State Hospital, Augusta, Maine, and Nannette Larson, Director of Recovery Support Services, Illinois

Bios to follow.

Call-In information: 888-537-7715 Passcode: 78462993#.......
http://bit.ly/5mKFAa

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Mental Health Heros of the Year-2009

Knowledge Is Necessity: My Mental Health Heroes of the Year - 2009

My true heroes in mental health are those whose efforts never come to our attention, yet change lives: A mother who battles indifferent clinicians and bureaucrats on behalf of her kid; a volunteer who arrives early to turn on lights and arrange chairs and greet visitors; a doctor who refuses to give up on a patient, a postgrad research assistant laboring tirelessly on peasant wages; a middle manager who sticks his neck out on a risky hire; a patient who falls down seven times and gets up eight ...

Public person hero of the year - Barack Obama...

Internet hero of the year - Katherine Stone. Katherine’s blog Postpartum Progress is a must-read on a normal day...

Advocate hero of the year- Kathi Stringer. The reason you have probably not heard of Kathi is that she is smart rather than loud...

Recovery hero of the year - Abraham Low Self-Help Systems (ALSHS). Recently, Recovery Inc changed its name to Recovery International, then merged with the Abraham Low Institute, which resulted in its present name. Recovery Inc was founded in 1937 by neuropsychiatrist Abraham Low (pictured here), who espoused the radical idea that - with the right cognitive skills and peer help - patients could recover from even severe mental illness. Some 600 self-help groups exist worldwide.  In its new incarnation, ALSHS is retooling to reach out to a wider audience. Stay tuned ...
http://bit.ly/7F11ho

recovery, heroes, 2009

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OCD Diaries 12-22: The Ego OCD Built

Last night I got on here to explain that sometimes OCD is good for me, in the sense that it provides fuel for my professional ambitions. Some might look at the post and think I was letting vanity take over.

Truth is, I was.And I do it often.

I’m the first to admit that humility isn’t one of my strong suits. I’m working on it, because as a Christian that’s what I need to do. I’ve always been a better talker than listener. I’m going to work on that or die trying.....

Has "Some Kind of Monster" as background music...

http://billbrenner1970.wordpress.com/

Recovery, OCD

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Recovery: In Our Own Words

“Realizing that this journey itself is non-linear
the darkest clouds
can become opportunities for growth.
This journey is a process
that is only beginning to unfold.
The glimpse of the future that we have seen
shows us how much more is possible.
Walking together, making the recovery journey a reality.
We are the evidence that for all the risks
that this is a journey worth our commitment
for it is built on hope and a willingness to live with change.”

—KC, Recovery: In Our Own Words

“I will keep on keeping on, because there are still more mountains to climb and beautiful vistas to drink in.” —DF

Recovery: In Our Own Words is a collection of personal stories of recovery and transformation, based on the Ten Fundamental Components of Recovery from the National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery, and shared by Keystone Community Mental Health Services' Leadership Council and Recovery Specialists.

http://bit.ly/5bpesQ

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Case Management: Time for step four!

We're worried about case management. Over the years, stacks and stacks of regulations and rules have been developed and applied to case management in an attempt to regulate its function and standardize its practice. For the most part, the end result of all this regulation and standardization is a significant reduction in the effectiveness of the case management function. A conservative estimate of the amount of time spent on paperwork that is unrelated to recovery is approximately 70 percent. This is not good!.....
http://bit.ly/6DWmEI

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FREE Webinar Tomorrow: "Using WRAP to Develop a Strong System of Support"

http://bit.ly/4p3IAW

Technorati Tags: Recovery,Webinar

Wednesday, December 16, 2-3pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Online and on the phone
In Mary Ellen's studies, most people felt that everyone should have a support team of at least 5 people, people who care, people who are willing to listen, people who are willing to help when needed, and people who share the joys and sorrows of our lives, people who like to do fun things. Yet many, probably most people, find Developing and Keeping a Strong Support System to be a challenge in their lives.
To Register:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/752684345

3 Arrests in Public Guardian's Office

http://bit.ly/687ncn

Technorati Tags: guardianship crime

The Michigan State Police’s investigation into the Arenac County Public Guardian Office, which began in June, has led to three arrests.
A statement from the Ogemaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued Dec. 9 said over $300,000 worth of misappropriated funds from approximately 50 clients, during the years 1999 to 2009, was uncovered by the MSP investigation.
According to Detective Sergeant David Rivard, of the West Branch State Police Post, public guardian Robert Romps was arrested by the Michigan State Police on Dec. 8, along with Sherilyn Jones, the public guardian Romps replaced who was fired in August while her office was under investigation for criminal activity by the Michigan State Police and being audited by the Michigan Treasury Department. Jones’ mother, Sally Lebeau, was also arrested…….

GUEST VIEWPOINT: Eugene recognizes mental health patients have rights, too

http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/sevendays/23894253-35/story.csp

Technorati Tags: Recovery,rights,MFI,Eugene,OR

Two famous authors from Lane County — Opal Whiteley and Ken Kesey — had significant interactions with the mental health system. Whiteley, who portrayed the woods around where she grew up near Cottage Grove as a fairyland, ended up in a psychiatric institution in England for more than 40 years. Kesey, whose novels are interwoven with what amount to love poems to rural Lane County, used the authoritarianism he witnessed while working inside a psychiatric institution as a metaphor for conventional society in his bestseller, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

I like to think this coincidence has something to do with our closeness to what’s left of America’s wilderness. When I swim in an Oregon mountain lake surrounded by ancient trees, I feel alive in mysterious ways that do seem “northwest of normal,” as our popular local slogan puts it. Our civic “mad pride” contributed to the recent passage by the city of Eugene of the first and only municipal resolution I know of that affirms support for human rights in mental health.

Today, the 61st anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a good day to celebrate that resolution’s approval……

The Origin of CHARGE

Technorati Tags: Recovery,CHARGE

Center of Healing Arts, Recovery, Growth & Empowerment

        I started drinking when I was 11 and it was not because I liked it, it was because it was a way to deal with my mental illness. By the age of 13 I was an alcoholic and drank and lived on the streets until 12 years ago when I went into treatment. A living Hell on earth is a tepid description of my life as an alcoholic. Today I have been working in the mental health field for 7 years, (5 at Detroit Wayne County CMH). I have found that folks hoping to get well must actively participate in their recovery process. However, a person does not participate in the process when there is little or no self-esteem. With no sense of value there is no incentive to participate in the healing process of treatment and recovery.

         Four years ago I initiated "Empowerment Day": a day devoted to increasing the self-esteem of folks recovering from mental illness and/or substance abuse. I still felt something more was needed as I was still being treated as ‘lesser than’. I figured there had to be something I was capable of doing that people in the system could not tell me I was wrong about.  Before I became really sick I used to play a pretty good flute, so my recovery involved my picking up my flute again. I started the "Recovery Band" which is dedicated to demonstrating to the world that folks with disabilities are capable of becoming contributing members of society as long as we have the proper support. When consumers would come and make music with us, we would see their self-esteem increase. The level of self-esteem is directly related to ones participation in the healing process.

CHARGE/ A New Approach to Recovery

       Realizing the positive role the arts play in the healing process the Recovery Band started the Center of Healing Arts, Recovery, Growth, and Empowerment. The G used to be guidance, but no one can guide a persons recovery journey, thus we provide a positively charge environment where growth can occur naturally. As long as we are kept in clinical environments separate from society, the more dependent on the system we become. Soon we grow to accept our selves as incapable because that is how we are treated.  CHARGE is more an environment than a place. It’s an atmosphere where folks can be who they are, and hone their God given talents. This increases self-esteem and encourages us to work harder on our recovery.

       I moved the CHARGE program into an artistic community called the Russell Street Center & Bazaar: an artistic community of 250 professional artists and musicians. The band plays at some of the artists’ events and in exchange they are willing to help our consumers hone their talents. We also formed the ‘Visions of Recovery Gospel Choir”. The Rackham Symphony Choir has invited CHARGE to entertain at the afterglow for their “Concert for the Homeless” in March. In keeping with President Obama’s declaration  ‘Year of Community Living’ for people with disabilities, CHARGE has been working with many different community based organizations, block clubs, and Churches to join us in the fight against stigma. Authentic consumer/peer run programs are vital because: leaders of such programs are models of recovery as other consumers see them actually managing recovery-centered programs.

     According to the SAMHSA the Consumer Movement is not unlike any other civil rights movement. Despite enormous successes over the past decades including a re-orientation around the concept of recovery, negative perceptions and attitudes are still prevalent. SAMHSA Nov. 19^th 2009. My hopes and dreams are simple: I hope to one day be appreciated for my accomplishments, and to be defined according to my accomplishments, and not by my illness. My dreams are that there will be a system of treatment in the U. S. that truly gives the consumer what we need, recovery.

Gerald Butler

A Statement of Recovery From Gerald Butler

Technorati Tags: Recovery,CHARGE

12/6/2009

          When a Doctor attends a cocktail party it’s pretty much assured someone, is going to ask his/her medical advice. If the person is an auto mechanic invariably somebody will ask advice about the noise his engine is making. The commonality of these cases is an area of the brain called the Hippocampus, which is the storage center of memory, learning, spatial/environment, and emotion. Very often information can be gleaned from this section of the brain that the person had no knowledge of: i.e. while under hypnosis a crime witness reveals details that he did not even know were there. Unless it has been damage, the hippocampus functions the same in those with a mental illness thus it is illogical to ask us to forget the past. What is needed is a place where consumers can feel comfortable and safe enough to bring to the surface and deal with those issues that have been buried in the brain. If not, we remain sick.

       A majority of Americans do not tell their Doctor everything, such as whether or not they are staying on a diet. The longer mental health issues remain buried in our subconscious, the longer we remain sick. A recovery-centered environment must be one where consumers feel safe enough and are encouraged to do a self-inventory and take charge of their lives. By doing so, many consumers find out they are not as bad as they thought. In the ‘medical model’ there are constant reminders that we are sick and incapable, and that only a staff person can teach us how to live. Staff supervises the medical model. The Recovery model is consumer directed and just as people think of their own maladies upon seeing a doctor, when we see staff, we are reminded that we are sick. Recovery programs should not contain references to illness.

CHARGE ON THE MOVE

         On our own CHARGE has: fought stigma by establishing and nurturing relationships with many community based organizations. Working with NAMI, we arranged a television interview. We have own code of conduct and by-laws. The ‘Voices of Recovery Gospel Choir’ is making tremendous strides helping to spread the message of hope. We moved into an artistic community and are developing relationships with many visual artist and musicians in the complex. We contacted Detroit Cable T. V. and asked them to do a public service documentary on CHARGE. We made the arrangements for CHARGE to provide entertainment at the historic Fort Street Presbyterian Church. We are currently working with the Rackham Symphony Choir to participate in their concert for the homeless in March.  

       We believe there are far too many folks seeking recovery in the United States who are not being provided the basic self- esteem needed to become participants in their own healing process. You can plant a flower in fertile soil, but whether it blossoms is up to the flower. The system cannot make anyone seek recovery. CHARGE is dedicated to helping transform the system by providing environments where creativity, self-esteem, truth, hope, and caring flourish. We encourage consumers to seek out leaders who truly have their interests at heart who support your efforts to heal. Mostly we tell them to hold their heads high, walk tall, and take charge of their lives.

Gerald Butler

Certified Peer Specialist

Virtual Recovery Center »

Technorati Tags: Recovery,NLCMH,newlstter

Thanks and a Hat Tip to Mary Beth Evans….. 

Here is the third issue of the Northern Lakes CMH Recovery: Make It Happen newsletter! (Click the title at the left to see it.) The issue highlights the new BringChange2Mind.org web site, which is a not-for-profit organization created by Glenn Close, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of IMHRO (International Mental Health Research Organization).

In addition, you can read about Northern Lakes CMH’s new YouTube Channel which features 15 short videos created by people from Northern Michigan with experience with mental health issues in which they share their messages of hope and community acceptance……

Virtual Recovery Center »

MIWatch - Models beyond outpatient commitment

 

In the ten years since Kendra Webdale was pushed to her death by a man who was denied services for his mental illness, discussions about what could have prevented this tragedy have occurred often. Led by New York State, more than 40 others passed laws mandating outpatient or involuntary commitment (AOT). But the issue is hardly resolved, evidenced by the activists, services providers, and psychiatrists who crowded the Columbia University law school to discuss what it means to "gain compliance in the community."

Perceptions of violence have driven coercive measures since Colonial times when jails and almshouses were filled by people with a mental disorder, said noted psychiatrist Dr. Paul Applebaum in a sweep of history. Prisons and hospital commitment are extremes, but other techniques such as money management or access to housing, along with Kendra's Law, are often used to leverage psychiatric treatment.

Despite evidence from major studies that such events are rare, in 1999 New York State passed Kendra's Law to promote public safety with forced outpatient treatment. New York said it was for people who were "unlikely to live safely in the community without supervision."

Many believe Kendra's Law and involuntary treatment is the emblem of a failed system, a common theme during a conference held at the Columbia University's law school last month where scholars, psychiatrists, activists, and service providers discussed AOT. There was almost no talk of violence, perhaps because the numbers are small. Most of the discussion pertained to services, those that exist and others that are still needed. Kendra's Law, said Dr. Marvin Swartz, one of the authors of a research study about its effect in New York, has actually been used most often for discharge planning. Still it remains controversial. And it is symbolic………

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery,involuntary outpatient treatment

MIWatch - Models beyond outpatient commitment

CHARGE Current Activities

 

11/29/2009

Fort Street Open House

     CHARGE’S participation in the Fort Street Presby

terian Church’s Open House went much better than we anticipated. Under the direction of Pattie Charleston (a Peer Specialist) the ‘Voices of Recovery Gospel Choir’ did not leave a dry eye in the house. Al and D. C Holiday, bass player and lead singer of the band respectively, performed duets, as did Barry and I. Working with the community is beneficial, but it is also a lot of fun.

     The Church members treated us like royalty and since the New Pastor “Rev. Sharon Mook” is dedicated to expanding the Church’s community outreach efforts, we will have other consumer present there soon. The more we interact with the public the more obvious it becomes: much stigma is due to societies lack of knowledge. Each time we entertain at these public events we change at least 1 persons perception of mental illness and recovery. We are using our talents and abilities to fight stigma, educate the public, and gain the self-esteem needed for a good journey in recovery.

Recovery Centered Environment…….

BuzzNet Tags: CHARGE,Recovery,Activities

Radical US psychiatrist says mental illness is not a life sentence | Society | The Guardian

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery

Daniel Fisher was a young, idealistic man in his mid-20s, enjoying life in a hippy commune, when he was hospitalised for four months in 1970 and diagnosed with schizophrenia. During that stay in hospital – his second of three on psychiatric wards – friends came to visit with a copy of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the bestselling Ken Kesey novel – later to become an Oscar-winning movie – about life on an Oregon psychiatric ward. He recalls fondly: "They said: 'Man, this is crazy. You gotta get out of here.' It was just a different era. We are in a much more conformist era."

 

Fisher, a prominent psychiatrist who is advising the Obama administration on mental health issues, has been on a personal mission for two decades to change the way wider society understands and reacts to mental illness. An advocate of the "recovery model" – which posits that a diagnosis of mental illness is not for life, and that people can recover completely – Fisher is an outspoken and controversial figure in the US, campaigning vigorously for the rights of people diagnosed with a mental illness. Much of what he does is rooted in his own experience. "Human rights doesn't even begin to grasp it," he says. "It goes much deeper than that."

Radical US psychiatrist says mental illness is not a life sentence | Society | The Guardian

Mental Illness vs Autism - Autism Politics, Activism, and Media Representation

BuzzNet Tags: recovery,autism,dialogue

Interesting discussion from the Autism/Asperger’s community. Suggests to me that here needs to be dialogue between the recovery and autism communities……

Why is it so acceptable for Autistics to behave in a certain "socially unacceptable" way, and therefore be self accepting; but for the Mentally Ill, there is no understanding, or acceptance - they must change - , or self-organised movement, or ads to get funding for research and educational programs...etc. etc.

Mental Illness vs Autism - Autism Politics, Activism, and Media Representation

Mental Health Shop - Getting back into the world

Technorati Tags: Recovery,report

Free Report (PDF) 

It focuses on the opportunities as well as obstacles that can be provided or reduced to assist each person’s own ‘recovery journey’. Three aspects are highlighted: 1) acceptance; 2) locus of power and control; and 3) dependence, independence and interdependence. The descriptions are based on findings from a research study where seven people with personal experience of mental illness and treatment interviewed 48 people with similar experiences across England, and used personal insights in the analysis and write-up of findings.

Mental Health Shop - Getting back into the world

Attorney-Activist Jim Gottstein on MindFreedom Live Web Radio - Free — MFI Portal

Technorati Tags: Recovery,MFI radio

Attorney-Activist Jim Gottstein on MindFreedom Live Web Radio - Free

by David W. Oaks — last modified 2009-10-29 14:13

Sat., 14 November: JIM GOTTSTEIN is an attorney, activist and psychiatric survivor. He'll be the guest on the next MindFreedom Mad Pride Live Web Radio show. Host is MindFreedom's director, psychiatric survivor DAVID W. OAKS. Listen and call in live.

Jim Gottstein, founder of PsychRights, is next guest on MindFreedom Live Web Radio.

Your calls are welcome on this next live web radio show using the law to challenge psychiatric human rights violations on Saturday, 14 November 2009.

Guest: Jim Gottstein of Alaska is president of PsychRights, a public interest law firm that has made waves to change the mental health system throughout the USA.

Host: David W. Oaks, psychiatric survivor.

Attorney-Activist Jim Gottstein on MindFreedom Live Web Radio - Free — MFI Portal

A New Vision of Recovery: People can fully recover from mental illness; it is not a life-long process - NEC Article

 

These days people are talking about recovery from mental illness. This is a great step forward. Even using the word recovery in a field too long dominated by the goal of stabilization is refreshing. But whose vision of recovery are people talking about? I thought we were all talking about the same view of recovery. I see two distinctly different visions of recovery emerging, however. We will call these the Rehabilitation and Empowerment views of recovery. It is especially important to clarify what recovery means in each model because many states and counties nationally are proposing to create recovery-centered policies and services. Distinctly different policies would result depending on whose picture of recovery those policies are based on…….

Technorati Tags: recovery process

A New Vision of Recovery: People can fully recover from mental illness; it is not a life-long process - NEC Article

God Stole My Boyfriend: Spiritual Care and the Recovery Model in Mental Illness

 

…….That means two things, for me, in the context of this reflection. 1) We have finally realized that the distinction between "professional" and "patient" is an unhealthily hierarchical construct that does not optimize a person's healing. 2) Spiritual care, because it focuses on unlocking and affirming a person's sense of meaning and purpose, and on connecting them to community and affirming their values, can be a catalyst in the sense of agency so essential to the recovery process…….

Technorati Tags: Recovery process

God Stole My Boyfriend: Spiritual Care and the Recovery Model in Mental Illness

Heart of the Treasure Valley: Emerging from the darkness of mental illness | Life | Idaho Statesman

Technorati Tags: recovery process

The young man that Eric Buckner is today - happy, smiling, confident - is totally unrecognizable as the boy that he used to be.

He says: "I was kicked out of three preschools, three elementary schools, one high school - and loads of restaurants - for violent behavior. I could not control myself."

It wasn't just one thing that would set him off; it was a multitude of things. He didn't think; he reacted. He got so angry he couldn't remember things. Kids at school would make fun of him; his outbursts and tirades would perpetuate the cycle.

"If anybody told me to do something, I'd resist, freak out and get angry, just to spite. In preschool at nap time. You're going to tell ME? I'll tell YOU.

"I was so emotionally fractured.

I was depressed constantly and constantly bullied. I was borderline suicidal; I didn't want to live. That's a depressing thought when you're only in fourth grade."

Heart of the Treasure Valley: Emerging from the darkness of mental illness | Life | Idaho Statesman

YouTube - NorthernLakesCMH's Channel

Technorati Tags: Recovery process,YouTube,Northern Lakes CMH

Thanks to Ernie for participating in the Northern Lakes "Look Closer: See Me For Who I Am" project. We can do more than we think we can do when we are given a chance and support. There is tomorrow, you can be happier, you have to step up and do a little work yourself, but recovery is possible. Ask for help when you need it!

YouTube - NorthernLakesCMH's Channel

MIWatch - First psychotic breaks -- conference topic

 

After several years, there is a renewed focus on treatment for first psychotic episodes. An emphasis on early intervention and prevention of psychosis, with the goal of shortening the "duration of untreated psychosis" has obscured the view on the actual services that are being offered to individuals in the midst of a first episode…..

Recently, the National Institute of Mental Health challenged the psychiatric field to develop a new, state-of-the-art intervention for an "initial schizophrenic episode" (RAISE), realizing that the outcome of conventional treatment leaves a lot to be desired….

Interventions that fit this bill have been around for many years. Even going back to the days of moral treatment in the 19th century, one can find many instances of early recovery when people responded to the kind guidance and structure available in the best asylums. Scandinavian psychiatrists have long been at work to optimize interventions for first psychotic episodes, integrating family treatment, individual psychotherapy, optimal and targeted use of medication into a flexible package they termed "need-adapted treatment."

Several studies using variations of this approach have shown dramatically positive results, with little use of inpatient services, and much lower medication dosages than usual. Rather than wait for the results of the RAISE project, which are not likely to become available for several years, the time is now to look at some of the tried and true, but non-traditional options. Questions such as when, how and how much medication is best applied; whether hospitalization is always necessary, or can frequently and safely be replaced by homelike residential settings, or even by services provided in the persons home, thus preserving the integrity of the family and the support system.

Technorati Tags: psychosis,person centered treatment

Is the danger of psychosis to the person experiencing it and the social environment exaggerated in the service of minimizing risk and liability for the helping professions? Can we find viable ways of engaging the suffering person's own agency - her own reflective powers - as part of passage through the crisis? These questions and more will be addressed at a one-day conference on November 23, 2009, at the NYU Kimmel Center, co-sponsored by the International Network towards Alternatives and Recovery, (INTAR) and the Center to Study Recovery in Social Contexts.

MIWatch - First psychotic breaks -- conference topic

A Voice Needed

 

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO EXPRESS YOUR RECOVERY ARTISCALLY

 

It’s time to take CHARGE of your hopes and dreams

The Center of Healing Arts, Recovery, Growth, & Empowerment

Is in need of

Vocalists to enhance our community choir

 

    The ‘Voices Of Recovery Gospel Choir’ is a group of people in recovery spreading the message of recovery through their music. We are looking for non-professional consumers who have had dreams of performing but were never given a chance.

For more info contact

Patti Charleston

313-304-6022

Or E-mail

pattiecharleston@yahoo.com

Avoice needed.doc

Countryside co-op option spurs interest

 

JEFFERSON - After two hours of presentations and questions Monday evening, the standing-room-only crowd at Countryside Home raised every visible hand in favor of looking further into making the county home into a worker-owned cooperative.
Were that eventually to happen, the skilled care nursing home would become the first in the United States to transform into a co-op, although there are models of related businesses - such as home-care organizations - making the transition….

Technorati Tags: LTC,worker owned

Countryside co-op option spurs interest

fightingBack.doc

Technorati Tags: Recovery,talent

10/25/2009

‘We hold these truths to be self evident, all men are created equal’

Utilizing talent to fight stigma 

       People trying to recover from disabilities face stigma on a daily basis and it does not matter how significant our accomplishments may be. Days when we are not being reminded how sick we are and that we must be compliant, are good days. Needless to say, this environment provides no encouragement to folks trying to heal. As our individual capabilities and talents are limited, our aspirations and hopes are also limited.  Being able to express ones self artistically increases self-esteem, a necessary component of recovery.

      Considering the development of natural competencies provides much needed self-esteem, there is far too much under utilized talent among folks with disabilities. Art is an expression of ones inner self, and it can be therapeutic in the right environment. I started the Recovery Band to show that folks with disabilities are capable of attaining the same levels of achievement as any one else. As a result band members have grown stronger in our recovery.  Now we encourage others to find people in the system that will help them realize their full potential. 

       Unless and until consumers are given the opportunity to take charge of our own destiny no one will ever know what we are capable of. Recovery involves our active participation. Thus we must find and work closely with those willing to support our efforts to become independent through the utilization of our natural talents and abilities. Talented people with disabilities are by no means limited to the arts. There are computer experts, mechanics, teachers, lab technicians, office managers, etc. with disabilities who can also excel when given the proper support and encouragement. 

        When I was first diagnosed with an illness I looked to the system to lead me back to health. Today I see that I am in charge of my life and I must seek out leaders in the systems that have the realization of my hopes and dreams at heart. Recovery is a personal choice and by choosing recovery I also must take responsibility for my life. I urge every person seeking recovery to take a close look at what ever it is you do best, and then find someone willing to walk hand in hand with you on your journey in recovery.

Gerald Butler

Certified Peer Specialist

fightingBack.doc

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Nursing Home, Long-Term Care Trends: Robotic Technology of the Future (Video 2:04 mins.)

 

Technorati Tags: LTC,trends

Many people, particularly the graying pre-baby boomers, probably assume they won’t be around in the next 50 years.

But with the speed of technological inventions nowadays, who really knows? Longevity continues to increase while fertility rates decrease. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid struggle with ongoing adjustments as demographics evolve into a future we can only predict. Fortunately, research from the University of Louisville School of Nursing in Kentucky gives us a glimpse into the future with results reported in "Nursing Clinics of North America.” These are the predicted trends for long-term care:…….

Several interesting ideas. The one about robots? I don’t know. If I had memory problems and woke up each morning to a robot trying to “help” me?…..

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Nursing Home, Long-Term Care Trends: Robotic Technology of the Future (Video 2:04 mins.)

Recovery 2000: Fw: Next Peer Networking Call: November 12 at 3 p.m. EST

 

Persons, place and Things of interest to individuals recovering from mental illnesses, such as Depression, Bipolar illness, Attention Deficit Disorder,Anxiety,Schizoprenia and the effects of treatment with in the mental health system along with wellness tools. To become contributing member email therecoverygroup36@yahoo.com This is a open community with no screeining of post.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Fw: Next Peer Networking Call: November 12 at 3 p.m. EST

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, November 12, at 3:00 PM EST for the next Peer Networking call.
Our speaker will be Ruta Mazelis on the subject of " Working with Self-Injurers: The Helpful Response"
Ruta is nationally and internationally recognized for her work on this issue. The editor of "The Cutting Edge", a newsletter she put out for many years, she will be both informative, enlightening and an exciting speaker.  Do not miss this call and please let others know.
Call in:  888-537-7715
Pass code:   78462993# 
This call will be recorded and accessible on the peer networking website;  Please note that the last two calls on older adults and problem solving, are available and can be listened to at this time.

Technorati Tags: Recovery process,self-injury

Recovery 2000: Fw: Next Peer Networking Call: November 12 at 3 p.m. EST

MindFreedom International Toolbar Download

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Have quick access to MindFreedom resources, search the site, list affiliates and sponsors, access social networking and other services……

Versions for IE, Firefox, and Safari

MindFreedom International Toolbar Download

Welcome to NASGA!

Over the years, a growing uncaring and unjust judicial system has helped convert guardianship/conservatorship from an appropriate law to one which,  if misused, is damaging to the general public.  At present, it operates to ensnare the most vulnerable people in a larger and larger trawling net, now including those merely physically "incapacitated"!   It has  become a feeding trough for unethical lawyers and other "fiduciaries" appointed by the courts to protect, but many of whom become nothing more than predators.
Wards, instead of being protected by the system, are victimized by it. Strangers are given total and absolute control of life, liberty, and property of their wards. Wards of the state lose all rights involving self-determination, including:…….

Technorati Tags: guardianship,LTC

Welcome to NASGA!

Ray Gateway: Campaign to End Forced Outpatient Electroshock of Ray Sandford — MFI Portal

 

22 October 2009: It is official. After more than 40 involuntary, outpatient electroshocks (also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT), Ray has won. The court has agreed to his change of guardianship……

Technorati Tags: Recovery,ECT,Ray Sandford

Ray Gateway: Campaign to End Forced Outpatient Electroshock of Ray Sandford — MFI Portal

Bring Change 2 Mind

 

1 in 6 adults and almost 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Yet, for many, the stigma associated with the illness, can be as great a challenge as the disease itself. This is where the misconceptions stop. This is where bias comes to an end. This is where we change lives. Because this is where we Bring Change 2 Mind.

Technorati Tags: stigma,recovery

Bring Change 2 Mind

David Oaks, Director: MindFreedom International

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery process,MFI,Utne,David Oaks

ABC News had just done a feature on mental health and had prominently featured MindFreedom International, a group that advocates for “psychiatric survivors” who have battled mental and emotional problems. But the second half of the show hinged on the lurid tale of a guy who had gone off his meds and committed an ax murder. Typical media sensationalism, says MindFreedom director David Oaks.

“How do you debate an ax murderer?” he vents. “There are no issues there. We’re pro-choice on taking psych drugs. So that was very frustrating.”……

David Oaks, Director: MindFreedom International

Fw: Mary Ellen Copeland's Free Webinar 10/21 and Events

Wednesday,  October 21, 2009
2-3pm EDT
Online and conference call

Author,
educator and mental health advocate, Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD, will be
speaking on how to frame a personal Wellness Recovery Action Plan for
those healing the effects of trauma.

Based on her book, co-authored with Maxine Harris, Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women's Workbook, this webinar will go through the key points of activities and exercises that encourage healing and wellness.

Expressions of Grace Yoga and Books

BuzzNet Tags: recovery,mood control,yoga

LIFEFORCE YOGA® TO MANAGE YOUR MOOD with Amy Weintraub   

Friday, October 23 - 25, 2009

Fri, Sat, Sun morning. – $220 (11 Hours)
Fri, Sat, all-day Sunday - $250 (14 Hours/Teachers)
Fri night only – $45
All day Saturday - $120
A WEEKEND with Amy Weintraub, MFA, E-RYT 500
Author of Yoga for Depression
CEU’s Yoga Alliance

Expressions of Grace Yoga and Books

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Resources

BuzzNet Tags: LGBT,NAMI,diversity

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Mental Health Resources

NAMI kicked off our efforts to increase inclusion and support of this community with a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Listening Session held at the NAMI 2007 annual convention. The resulting proceedings report outlines the specific goals and recommendations set during this discussion. Click here for more information and to view the Proceedings Document.

NEW resources:

A Mental Health Recovery and Community Integration Guide for GLBTQI Individuals: What

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Resources

System Reform

Center of Healing Arts, Recovery,Growth, Empowerment

NAMI Marches Forward

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery,CHARGE

      The National Alliance on Mental Illnessheld it's 5 K Walk on Belle Isle and even the weather cooperated and it was a nice day. There were 2992 wristbands given out. The camaraderie was off the hook, plus I got to see old friends and make new ones. Veda Sharp(Detroit Wayne County CMH Director) Cindy Dingell (Board Chair/D-WCCMH)and Dr. Michelle Reid(D-WCCMH/ Medical Director) Were also in attendance. The cool thing is that they camenotas leaders, but as partners and supporters.

As we work toward system change we are thankful for progressive leadership and for organizations like NAMI. For far too long mental illness has been sort of Swept under the rug, even though it exists in every community nationwide. NAMI is getting the word out that we are the same as anyone else with an illness. With the proper support we are capable of doing some amazing things on top of becoming contributing members to society.

Recovery and the Arts

The system has grown to the point where there are tons of vital programs that teach us how to manage our illnesses. Adult Well Being Services(AWBS) Is making allowances for CHARGE to be an antonymous consumer run group. They are moving from a position of leadership to one of support and guidance for consumers seeking to move further along in recovery. This is how AWBS is helping transform the system from one of maintenance to one of recovery.

CHARGE is by no means just an art

Dinora Sikes has a food addiction and at one point she was obese. She decided to take charge of her life and dramatically reduced her weight. She then developed a program 'UPRISE' to help others suffering from physical health problems. Her program is centered on utilizing the mind, body and spirit in the recovery process. Since folks with disabilities die an average of 25 years earlier than the general population, and Health

During the early 70's Willie Waller was nationally recognized as an up and coming artist until he became ill. His family boxed up his artwork and put it in the attic where it stayed until 2004 when Willie got into recovery. He is now a Peer Specialist and his talents are art and giving other consumers hope. At CHARGE he will be further developing his art and encouraging others on their road to recovery.

I first met Patti Charleston at the Wayne County Peer Training and some of you may remember her choir's outstanding performance at the 3^rdannual Empowerment Day. Patti has wanted be a choir director since she was a child. Patti is an assistant choir director at the Detroit Rescue Mission and to see and hear her one would never guess how far in life she has come. Patti is the CHARGE and vocal choir director.

Those in recovery must be in leadership positions in a recovery based system, and we thank Detroit Wayne County CMH, and the Department of Community Health for making it possible for consumers to design, build, and operate a program from a consumer perspective. We owe a particular debt of Gratitude to Adult Well Being Services for their guidance and support.

Gerald Butler

Do not forget the 'Disabilities Expo at Cobo Hall on the 16^thof this month! It's free and informative

Avant Game

BuzzNet Tags: recovery,game

I'm either going to kill me, or I'm going to turn this into a game.After the four most miserable weeks of my life, Those Seemed like the only two options left……

Avant Game

Medical News: Risk of Sudden Death No Less Likely with Atypical Antipsychotics - in Psychiatry, Schizophrenia from MedPage Today

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 14 -- Atypical antipsychotic drugs carry a risk of sudden cardiac death similar to that associated with older antipsychotics, an analysis of a Medicaid database revealed.

Users of either class of drugs had a two-fold greater risk of sudden death compared with nonusers, Wayne A. Ray, Ph.D., of Vanderbilt University, and colleagues reported in the Jan. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine,,,,,,,

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery,antipsychotics,suden death

Medical News: Risk of Sudden Death No Less Likely with Atypical Antipsychotics - in Psychiatry, Schizophrenia from MedPage Today

tallguywrites: Schizophrenia

BuzzNet Tags: recovery,schizophrenia,comic book

Schizophrenia
An eleven page chapter from my upcoming book Psychiatric Tales, which will be out from Blank Slate in early 2010. Feel free to point out any errors or make any other comments.

tallguywrites: Schizophrenia

Bonkers Institute for Nearly Genuine Research

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery,ironic humor

Advancing in the direction of bona fide medical science since last Tuesday.

  Located in Traverse City, Michigan, the Bonkers Institute in no way resembles the building pictured above.

“Truly removed the scales from my eyes, and launched me into oneness with the medical spacetime continuum”….

Bonkers Institute for Nearly Genuine Research

NIne components of recovery - Part 3 - Community Blog - Practitioners - Wired In

 

I am reading another excellent book at the moment, A Practical Guide to Recovery-Oriented Practice by Larry Davidson and colleagues. Davidson has been a leading researcher at the forefront of the metal health recovery movement almost since it began.

In their book, Davidson and colleagues describe nine components of being in recovery from mental illness. I outlined the first three components in Part 1 and Part 2:…..

I now describe the last three components keeping close to Davidson’s description, but referring explicitly to addiction and serious substance use problems when necessary:

 

7. Assuming control….

 

8. Fighting stigma….

 

9. Being an empowered citizen…..

BuzzNet Tags: Recovery

NIne components of recovery - Part 3 - Community Blog - Practitioners - Wired In

MIWatch - Chronic PTSD affects brain functions

BuzzNet Tags: recovery,PTSD,neuropsychology

Can time alone heal the impact of PTSD arising from combat in Iraq? Not likely, according to the results of a study published in the September issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. The authors say changes in the brain can appear a year later on neuropsychological tests, often with greater severity than soon after the trauma. "Greater PTSD symptoms were associated with poorer attention in soldiers tested at 1-year follow-up. . .but not in recently returned soldiers." Their findings confirm earlier studies and could inform policy about parameters for evaluating combat injuries.

Plus links to more PTSD articles……

MIWatch - Chronic PTSD affects brain functions

MIWatch - Loathsome prison conditions for mentally ill

 

With one psychiatrist for every 1,000 inmates, and more than two dozen current investigations into civil rights violations, America faces a human rights crisis in its jails and prisons. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill) called current practices of incarcerating people with a mental illness "loathsome, indefensible." Durbin chaired yesterday's congressional hearings, "Human Rights at Home: Mental Illness in U.S. Prisons and Jails."

The United States has the world's highest rate of putting people behind bars, and in the federal prisons, 45 percent of them have a mental illness. The rates are higher in state prisons (56%), and local jails (64%) said Sen. Durbin who lamented the country has taken a "step backward in time." He noted a "growing public revulsion."

Testimony of seven witnesses spelled out details, starting with the intake of inmates who have a mental illness or substance use disorder. Also noted are:

•solitary confinement for symptomatic behavior;
•lack of on-site psychiatrists;
•revolving doors of psychologists and psychiatrists;
•high rates of suicide;
•the transfer of youngsters to juvenile justice system to enable them to receive mental health treatment……
BuzzNet Tags: mental illness,prison

A two-hour webcast is available (perhaps temporarily), as is testimony at the website of the Senate Judiciary Committee

MIWatch - Loathsome prison conditions for mentally ill

Virtual Recovery Center » Myra: My Mental Health Issues

BuzzNet Tags: recovery

My mental health issues stem more from childhood abuse than genetics so it is very hard for me to trust anybody or to believe what I am told. I also suffer from a very severe case of ADHD. It has taken me several years and multiple attempts to get the right combination of medication to get this under control.

I was diagnosed with a mental illness at the age of 9 when my mother put me in a home for wayward kids even though I had mental illness. I moved out of my mother’s home at the age of 17. I was homeless for two years from age 17 – 19. My grandmother found me and took me in to live with her. After she died I was in and out of trouble constantly. I had four children and three miscarriages. All four children were taken away by the court system.

Virtual Recovery Center » Myra: My Mental Health Issues

Next MindFreedom Free Live Blog Talk Radio — MFI Portal

Technorati Tags: recovery,MFI radio show

Your calls are invited on this free 90-minute radio show, hosted by MindFreedom director David Oaks.

Topic: Mad Pride vs. Mass Media
Guests: Bonfire Madgian Shive, Ruth Ruth, Ann Rider. Host: David Oaks

For a news release about the next show with more info, including how to listen and when, click here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/radio

More information about this event…

Next MindFreedom Free Live Blog Talk Radio — MFI Portal

WHO | Suicide prevention (SUPRE)

 

The problem

• In the year 2000, approximately one million people died from suicide: a "global" mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds.
• In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is now among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 years (both sexes); these figures do not include suicide attempts up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicide.
• Suicide worldwide is estimated to represent 1.8% of the total global burden of disease in 1998, and 2.4% in countries with market and former socialist economies in 2020.
• Although traditionally suicide rates have been highest among the male elderly, rates among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of countries, in both developed and developing countries.
• Mental disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are associated with more than 90% of all cases of suicide; however, suicide results from many complex sociocultural factors and is more likely to occur particularly during periods of socioeconomic, family and individual crisis situations (e.g. loss of a loved one, employment, honour)……
  Technorati Tags: recovery,suicide

WHO | Suicide prevention (SUPRE)

Using Advocacy as a Self-Help Tool | Psych Central

 

To truly experience wellness and recovery I have learned that I want to be, and have to be an advocate for issues that I feel passionately about. A big part of recovery for me has been learning to advocate for myself. When I began work on my recovery, I had no idea how to ask for what I wanted, needed and deserved. I don’t think I even knew what it was that I wanted. Over the years that has changed dramatically. I have become a seasoned self advocate. I know what I want for myself and work on it until I get it, or until I decide it is really something else I want and start working toward that. From time to time I have advocated for another person or a program. But now, with major cuts proposed in programs that are very important to me, and with the focus of our government being oppositional to many of my beliefs, I have become convinced that I must become a strong advocate in my community, region, and even nationally……..

Technorati Tags: recovery,advocacy

Using Advocacy as a Self-Help Tool | Psych Central

The Key To Overcoming Shame Is Making Connections

Technorati Tags: recovery,shame

Van Vliet's research shows that people who feel debilitated by shame tend to internalize and over-personalize the situation. They also seem resigned to being unable to change their feelings or their fate.
"When people experience shame, they may say to themselves 'I'm to blame, it's all my fault, all of me is bad, and there's nothing I can do to change the situation,'" said Van Vliet. "They identify so much with shame that it takes over their entire view of themselves. That leads to an overwhelming feeling of powerlessness." Van Vliet found that one of the key steps to overcoming a profound sense of shame is making connections, be it with family and friends, a higher power, or humanity as a whole. While it is one of several aspects of moving forward, Van Vliet notes that the step can often blend or lead into others.
"Connecting to others helps to increase self-acceptance, and with self-acceptance can come a greater acceptance of other people as well," said Van Vliet. "People start to realize that it's not just them. Other people do things that are as bad or even worse sometimes so they're not the worst person on the planet. They start to say to themselves, 'This is human, I am human, others are human.'"

The Key To Overcoming Shame Is Making Connections

Coming Out Crazy

 

It may surprise you to learn that I've never "come out" in any of my classes, and certainly not at the beginning of a new school term.

But yesterday, the first day of school, I did. I've never done it before. Here's what happened.

My class began at 8 a.m. It's a double-period class. I arrived at the Newnham campus of  Seneca College more than an hour early, at about 6:55 a.m. I knew had a tiny class – with only nine students registered. If I was lucky, maybe six would show up.

8 a.m. classes are loathed and shunned by students. They're never awake at 8 a.m. If they take an 8 a.m. class, usually it's because they need it and it's the only one that fits into their timetables.

Naturally, I was nervous. I always am on the first day – and tomorrow, I'll have another "first day" at another campus. So I'm nervous again, right now.

Yesterday, I was wondering exactly what I going to do with such a tiny group. I was anxious, too. I wanted to make a good first impression. So, I was up until close to 1 a.m. on Monday morning preparing and twigging my lesson plan. Then the alarm went off at 5 a.m. yesterday morning. I was running on raw energy. No gas…….

Technorati Tags: recovery,coming out

Coming Out Crazy

On what to do with moods « Hopeworks Community

 

Moods are processes– not events.  They have a coming and a going.  They have a beginning and ending.  Depending on where you are with the mood there are basically 3 things you can do:

1. Prevention-  Things are either less likely or more likely to happen.  Moods, although they may feel like it, don’t,  for the most part, just come out of the blue……..
Technorati Tags: recovery,mood control

On what to do with moods « Hopeworks Community

State Discriminated Against Mentally Ill, Judge Rules - NYTimes.com

Technorati Tags: recovery,warehousing

New York State discriminated against thousands of mentally ill people in New York City by leaving them in privately run adult homes, many of which are squalid, chaotic institutions that effectively took the place of state-run psychiatric hospitals more than a generation ago, a federal judge ruled in a decision released on Tuesday.

Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, of United States District Court in Brooklyn, ruled that the state was violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by housing more than 4,300 mentally ill people in New York City in sprawling and often poorly run homes. He said the residents in these homes were essentially warehoused with little hope of mingling with others in the wider community…….

Related

Judge Garaufis' Ruling

State Discriminated Against Mentally Ill, Judge Rules - NYTimes.com

NIne components of recovery - Part 2 - Community Blog - Practitioners - Wired In

 

….In their book, Davidson and colleagues describe nine components of being in recovery from mental illness. I outlined the first three components in my last blog:

1. Renewing hope and commitment to one’s life
2. Being supported by others
3. Finding one’s niche in the community.

I now describe the next three components keeping close to Davidson’s description, but referring explicitly to addiction and serious substance use problems when necessary:

 

4. Redefining self or changing one’s identity……

5. Incorporating illness…..

 

6. Managing symptoms……

Technorati Tags: recovery

NIne components of recovery - Part 2 - Community Blog - Practitioners - Wired In

NIne components of recovery - Part 1 - Community Blog - Practitioners - Wired In

 

I am reading another excellent book at the moment, A Practical Guide to Recovery-Oriented Practice by Larry Davidson and colleagues. Davidson has been a leading researcher at the forefront of the metal health recovery movement almost since it began.

This book is essential reading for anyone working in our field who is seriously interested in recovery.

In their book, Davidson and colleagues describe nine components of being in recovery. I will outline the first three components here, as described by these authors, but changed where necessary to be relevant to a person recovering from a serious substance use problem:

1. Renewing hope and commitment to one’s life
People in recovery describe the importance of having hope and believing in the possibility of a renewed sense of self and purpose in the process of recovery. This hope is based on a feeling that life holds more for one than it currently does, and it inspires a desire and motivation to improve one’s life…….

Technorati Tags: recovery,book

NIne components of recovery - Part 1 - Community Blog - Practitioners - Wired In

Recovery Stories - National Empowerment Center

Technorati Tags: recovery stories

NEC receives many requests each week of people looking for information on recovery from mental illness. We believe one of the most helpful resources is to hear the stories of those who have an actual experience of recovery. For that reason we are excited to begin a new page on our website dedicated to the stories of some folks who have had an experience of severe emotional anguish some call “mental illness” and who have had the experience of recovery. Their words can tell you most authentically about the real experience of recovery. As you read several stories, perhaps you will notice certain themes that may help you in your own recovery. May you receive hope and inspiration from their stories.

If you would like to have your story considered for the website please send it to the National Empowerment Center by using our Contact Form for Recovery Stories.

Recovery Stories - National Empowerment Center

Whole Health Campaign — support wellness of mind and body

Technorati Tags: recovery,whole health campaign

The Whole Health Campaign (WHC), an unprecedented collaboration among more than 107 mental illness and substance use prevention, treatment, research and recovery organizations, has created a series of new policy papers outlining the urgent message that substance use and mental illness issues be considered a health care policy priority during the reform process. The papers focus on access, quality, choice and cost of care for people with these disorders and their family members.

“We want to ensure that substance use and mental illness are going to be included during the health care reform process,” said Eric Goplerud, Ph.D, Director of the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health Policy at George Washington University. “It’s critical that legislators and consumers alike insist these issues are addressed – especially when a third of uninsured individuals and their families are struggling with these issues.”

Whole Health Campaign — support wellness of mind and body

H.R.3065: Mental Illness Chronic Care Improvement Act of 2009 - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

This bill seems like a Federal support system for PATH programs and has 2 Michigan co-sponsors…

Mental Illness Chronic Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into chronic care improvement program operator agreements with applicant states to provide for the development, testing, evaluation, and implementation of severe mental illness chronic care improvement demonstration programs……

From the Bill:

care management plan for a targeted beneficiary shall be developed with the beneficiary using person-centered planning principles and shall, to the extent appropriate, include the following:

(A) Explicit general health care goals, measured on a regular basis, such as--

(i) improved access to primary care services;

(ii) improved prevention;

(iii) early identification and intervention to avoid serious health issues; and

(iv) better management of chronic diseases, including but not limited to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

(B) A designated point of contact responsible for communications with the beneficiary and for facilitating communications with other health care and related community providers under the plan.

(C) Coordination and communication with family members who are actively engaged in supporting the targeted beneficiary’s participation in the program.

(D) Self-care education for the beneficiary in recognizing and managing symptoms of threshold conditions, educating parents and family members, and educating physicians and medical specialists as appropriate.

(E) Education for physicians and other community providers on required collaboration to enhance communication of relevant clinical information.

(F) Active coordination of supportive community services, including peer support, transportation, day care, personal assistance, housing, primary care (including accompanying targeted beneficiaries to medical appointments), mental health care, and other required services.

Technorati Tags: recovery,health care,PATH

(G) The use of monitoring technologies that enable patient guidance through the exchange of pertinent clinical information.

H.R.3065: Mental Illness Chronic Care Improvement Act of 2009 - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

MFI Alert: ABC-TV on Mad Pride Tues. 8/25

Debate on Mad Pride:

Tuesday night, 25 August 2009, ABC-TV has confirmed plans to air a segment on the global MAD PRIDE movement, including a number of groups in MindFreedom International, and an interview with David W. Oaks, Executive Director of MindFreedom International.

The Mad Pride piece is slated to air on ABC-TV's national Primetime show at 10 pm ET and PT tomorrow in the USA, but check your local listings for the exact time.

ACTION:

You can read about the Mad Pride story on the ABC-TV web site, and add your comment now. There is already a lively debate on the ABC-TV web site, here:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=8382903

MindFreedom International board of directors agree to communicate with ABC-TV on the project, fully realizing there are absolutely no guarantees on results, but choosing to take this risk anyway to break out of our "mad ghetto" and alert a greater diversity of the general public.

"As never before, the psychiatric industry is targeting the general population, especially in poor and developing countries," said David Oaks, who is currently speaking in Norway at a conference and protest sponsored by one of the oldest groups in the Mad Movement, "We Shall Overcome," founded in 1968. "It is time to warn the public, because it is now the public itself that is at greatest risk. A debate beats even more silence."

Join the debate!

MFI Alert: ABC-TV on Mad Pride Tues. 8/25

Technorati Tags: Recovery,Mad Pride,ABC news