United for a Revolution in Mental Health Care

Home , David Oaks, Judi Chamberlin, Leonard Roy Frank, Linda Andre

Winter 2009-10 www.MindFreedom.org

Protesters give a Mad Pride injection to the psychiatric industry directly outside the doors of the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting during a “Festival of Resistance” co-sponsored by MindFreedom International and the California Network of Mental Health Clients. See page 8 for more.

Victory! MindFreedom Helps Ray Sandford Stop His Forced Electroshock Mad Pride in Media Launched: Directory of Alternative Mental Health Judi Chamberlin Leads From Hospice

United for a Revolution in Mental Health Care www.MindFreedom.org Published PbyAGE MFI • MindFreedom International Wins Campaigns for Human Rights and From the Executive Director: Everyone Has Something To Offer Alternatives in the Mental Health System Please join! BY DAVID W. OAKS all psychiatric oppression “BY This is a TUESDAY.” MindFreedom International Sponsor Group or Affiliate has a Because of generous support from place where www.MindFreedom.org (MFI) is one of the few groups liaison on the MFI Support Coalition MindFreedom groups and members, “So,” Judi said, “that’s what I MindFreedom in the mental health field that is Advisory Council. [email protected] in the last few months I have had want. By Tuesday.” members can post to forums independent with no funding from MFI’s mission: “In a spirit of the privilege of visiting MindFree- In that spirit, here are some tips for and blogs that are or links to governments, mental mutual cooperation, MindFreedom MindFreedom International dom International (MFI) activists in our members in effective leadership open to public health providers, drug companies, International leads a nonviolent 454 Willamette, Suite 216 Norway, Maine, Massachusetts, Min- in MindFreedom International, for a view. You can use religious organizations, etc. Funding revolution of freedom, equality, nesota and California. Talking face- P.O. Box 11284 nonviolent revolution… by Tuesday! this site to easily Executive Director is entirely from members like you, truth and human rights that unites to-face with so many of you inspires Eugene, OR 97440-3484 U.S.A. get out news David Oaks and a few foundations. people affected by the mental health my hope. Start by finding your team, your about you and your group’s activity system with movements for justice phone: (541) 345-9106 project, your passion with MindFree- MFI is rooted in a global Members are spread all over the to the world, and to network with everywhere.” toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE dom. Al Galves on our board puts it movement to change the mental planet, which can make community this way, “Everyone has something other members. Current members health system. The majority of If you are not yet a member, become fax: (480) 287-8833 building difficult. However, MFI to offer. The important thing is to do are invited to join in by going to MindFreedom’s membership, a member or donate, now! If you are is about what Martin Luther King MOVING? Please provide your new it. Just find your own way to help www.my-mfi.org and clicking on board and staff identify themselves already a member, consider an early called “creative maladjustment.” postal address. out.” Community organizing hap- the link “Create new account” in the as mental health consumers and renewal donation. MindFreedom A number of MindFreedom mem- pens when you realize you are an lower left hand corner. psychiatric survivors. However, is a non-profit organization under Privacy: The MindFreedom bers are building affiliates, sponsor MFI leader, a mad movement leader. Thanks also to MindFreedom intern membership is open to everyone IRS 501(c)(3) and your donation database is private. MindFreedom groups are finding a way to pitch in, Anne Blumenthal and expert Oliver who supports our human rights is tax-deductible. (To join or volunteers help in so many ways, WEB 2.0 organizers may be given contact Feakins of WebTalent SEO. With their goals. Advocates, mental health donate, see the back cover or visit dedicated board members continue lists. If you prefer no contact, Jeremy Bensman in our office help MFI and members are now ac- professionals, family members www.MindFreedom.org.) inform the office. to coordinate and so many people recently launched the new Mind- and the general public are all tively using Twitter, Facebook, Linke- You are also encouraged to check respond to MFI alerts. Thank you. Freedom social networking web site, valued members and leaders in the Copyright: Unless noted, you din, Wikipedia and more. out our Mad Market of books and As I was taught in community called “My MFI.” MindFreedom community. may copy for non-commercial continued on page 14 products at www.MadMarket.org. organizing about such successes: use as long as you credit MindFreedom International also Proceeds support MFI’s human “Keep doing what you’re doing, and unites grassroots organizations. Each rights work. www.MindFreedom.org © 2009 do more of it!” Your active leader- tm. MindFreedom ship is the number one way to help Conserve: Printed with soy-based MFI today. ink on partly recycled paper. If you are an MFI member who MindFreedom Journal #50 MindFreedom plants trees to help “simply” donates, great. We “sim- Table of Contents: replace paper used. ply” need many more of you! But if you want to do even more to support Thanks to donors and to members Welcome to MindFreedom International ...... 2 MFI activities with your valuable who volunteer through mailing time, this note is for you. Everyone Has Something To Offer...... 3 parties, research, tips, writing, editing and much more. In my travels I had two evenings Ray Sanford Campaign Wins!...... 4 with a great leader, our wonderful Mary Maddock Interview...... 5 Board: Celia Brown (President), Ted Judi Chamberlin, who is a long-time Chabasinski, Judi Chamberlin, Krista MFI board member. Judi is a move- News In Brief...... 6 Erickson, Janet Foner, Al Galves, ment heroine now in hospice care The Normality of Madness...... 7 Mary Maddock, Matt Morrissey. with an apparently untreatable lung problem. Protestors Overcome Psychiatric Corruption...... 8 Staff: David Oaks (Director), Jeremy Bensman (Director of Member As we reflected on our thirty-three Molly Hogan Interview...... 9 Services, Editor). years working together, I asked Judi, How can the cross-disability movement and mental health consumer/psychiatric survivor “Is there anything I can do?” Minnesota Protest To End Forced Shock...... 10 Webmaster: Hal Noble/NetCorps. movements work together? TC Dumas, Claire Seminara and Bjo Ashwill, shown above, She said, “Remember when you presented with David Oaks at a successful conference to 70 people co-organized by sponsors Poetic Justice with Bonnie Schell...... 11 Desktop publishing: showed up at Mental Patients Liber- MindFreedom International, LILA and Bazelon Center. The workshop presented the model McKenzie Printers Guild, Mental Health Alternatives Directory Launched...... 12 ation Front? You were so optimistic. of the Opal Network, where allies are mobilized to amplify the voices of those diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities. Together we can help implement the goals of the US Supreme Court TV Highlights Mad Movement...... 13 [email protected]. You put a sign on the wall.” Olmsted decision, to integrate our people into the least restrictive community alternative. Spread the Word - Truth Injection Flyer...... 15 ISSN 1537-5013 I did remember. The sign These Opal Training Institute workshops are now available nationally. instructed our members to end Ask about bringing this training to your area.

PAGE • www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 3 It was good. It was difficult but it strengthened our bond Stopping Forced Outpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy: MARY MADDOCK INTERVIEW and enlightened us on our mutual journey together. Jim is a great support to me. He is my best friend and is more Ray Sandford Campaign Wins! Can you tell us a little about your experiences in the mental and more conscious that his role is respecting me as an health system? equal. He was very courageous to allow me to ‘BE’ and refrain from taking me over. I am forever grateful for hav- If you’ve visited the MindFreedom turned to electroshock. It does not I first encountered the controlling ‘mental health’ sys- ing him as part of my life. website in recent months you have appear that any alternatives had tem at the age of 28 after the birth of my first child, Claire. What’s next for you? And what do you see for the future of the undoubtedly seen the regular alerts been offered to Ray and his fam- After a horrendous experience of drug ‘treatment’ and movement? about the campaign to help end the ily beyond psychiatric drugs and electroshock I finally emerged and was free again for forced outpatient electroshock of Ray shock. seven productive years. My heart will always be with this nonviolent revolution until the day I die. I will not be happy until we have much Sandford. (Electroshock, also known MindFreedom’s position on ex- However, I was trapped again with more hospital ad- more freedom, equality, truth and human rights. In order as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT, tremely intrusive and potentially missions. The drug ‘treatment’, which caused brain dam- to achieve this we need to divide the marriage between runs electricity through the head in- irreversible procedures is that “No age, was so effective that psychiatry and the state. ducing a convulsion.) always means no” - Whatever the I remained on them for We need to promote and If the idea of forced outpatient circumstance. The bottom line is almost 20 years. I be- expand the successful electroshock seems archaic and that there is no good reason to forc- came a psychiatric slave, ways of healing of the unlikely to happen today, you are ibly electroshock anyone, at any a prisoner in my own spirit which are part and not alone. Ray called David Oaks, time. home, with many serious real effects of the toxic parcel of our society. executive director of MindFreedom MindFreedom’s coalition took a drugs I was consuming We can influence our International, in late October, 2008. large number of actions to support religiously every day. governments to support “At first I was skeptical about what Ray in his struggle for self-determi- I even believed I was these goals. We can ask Ray told me,” Mr. Oaks said. “I nation. In addition to applying pub- lucky to be hospital free! our centers of educa- knew that Involuntary Outpatient lic pressure to Ray’s guardians and tion to have a new look Electroshock – or IOE – was theo- elected representatives, his forced I believe, now that at real education for life retically possible, but I wondered electroshock was also covered in Ray Sandford endured dozens of forced I am drug free, I was and living. Then maybe how something so outrageous could the media, from a front-page article electroshocks on an outpatient basis. coerced to receive toxic we will have a produc- really be happening, and how Ray in the Minneapolis newspaper City brain disabling drugs could be so clear about it.” because I was unable tive economy and not a Pages to an investigative report on his insurance company. With the to make informed de- disease economy as we MindFreedom checked out Ray’s National Public Radio. help of MindFreedom, Ray was able cisions about my life. have now. story. He was telling the truth. Ray’s final electroshock occurred to find a new psychiatrist - one who This is why I am so Since the alert went out After months of forced electro- on Tax Day in the USA, April 15. By opposes forced electroshock. happy to be part of our about Ray Sandford, forced shock, Ray phoned his local public coincidence, April 15 also marked Then, finally, on 22 October 2009, amazing FREE move- MindFreedom board member and a founder of MindFreedom Ireland outpatient ECT has been library’s reference desk and asked the seventy-first anniversary of the after more than forty involuntary ment: MindFreedom Mary Maddock (holding sign) protests ECT in Ireland. shown to be much more about human rights groups. The very first electroshock, which took outpatient electroshocks, Ray re- International. common than formerly reference librarian referred him to place in Italy, 1938. ceived notice that the court had What was your introduction to the movement for human thought. What are your thoughts on Ray’s situation and what MindFreedom International. In early May, 2009, MindFreedom agreed to change his guardianship. rights in mental health? advice would you give to people who want to get more involved? Ray described the weekly forced held a protest on Ray’s behalf inside His new guardians support his right I think it is difficult to understand that some people still electroshock as “scary as hell.” He the capitol building in Minneapolis. to say “no” to intrusive procedures The discovery of the survivor/thriver movement, es- think they know better than those who have personal ex- was absolutely opposed to having MindFreedom executive director like electroshock. pecially MindFreedom International. I was amazed that people like David Oaks, Don Weitz, Judy Chamberlin, perience of their own psycho/social difficulties. Through- the procedure, claiming that it was David Oaks and board member Al Ray made this comment for Mind- Leonard Roy Frank, Peter Lehmann, etc., etc., and in my out history it has always been this way. Some people wish causing poor memory for names Galves flew in to attend. Freedom International members own country people like Paddy McGowan, many more to dominate others for ‘their own good’. But we are true - including those of friends and his Ray’s shock, scheduled for only a and supporters, who have backed Europeans and others worldwide, had found their free- human beings when we respect each other as equal part- favorite niece. “What am I supposed few days after the protest, was post- his campaign for almost exactly one dom for such a long time. This helped and inspired me ners. I believe that medicine has little to do with what is to do, run away?” Ray asked. poned, literally at the very last min- year: “I’m a bit overwhelmed. This to believe that I could do it also. referred to as ‘mental health’ and in order to find our true While he was not being shocked ute. Ray said, “I got to the hospital. is wonderful! I’m very thankful. liberation we need to take our psycho/social problems out for any criminal justice reasons, Ray I was all prepped... They were ready Without your help I probably would Your book Soul Survivor has been well received. What was of the hands of the medics. has been in and out of the mental to go with the electroshock. A psy- still be sitting somewhere getting it like to revisit these traumatic experiences in writing? Were I believe it can be torture to force someone to do health system for over 30 years. Ray chiatrist sat down with me and said, more forced electroshock. So thanks there any surprises in the process of creating this book? something she/he finds harmful for themselves. It is claimed that the shock was making ‘We’re going to postpone this.’” a lot to and your group. Praise and I found revisiting my traumatic experiences to be very very wrong to assume that those who have been labeled him worse and was causing him thank the Lord, amen!” Soon after, the doctor who ap- painful but also very liberating. It helped me to do the ‘mentally ill’ cannot decide for themselves. I think we great pain and suffering. According proved his forced shock, Dean K. To read more about Ray Sand- grieving I needed to do so badly. It was especially good need to be firm on the human rights abuses involved in to his mother, the mental health sys- Knudson, resigned as Ray’s psy- ford and the campaign to end that Jim and I did this together with both our strengths. cases like Ray’s. We need to expose them in every way tem first tried psychiatric drugs on chiatrist, allegedly claiming that all his forced shock, please visit: The biggest surprise was that I became a writer! we can but always in a nonviolent way. Ours is a non- Ray and, when those didn’t work, the public attention had frightened www.mindfreedom.org/ray What was it like to co-author a book with your husband, Jim? violent revolution. PAGE • 4 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 5 MindFreedom Board Member Enters Hospice Care The Normality of Madness

As some of you may know, MindFreedom board member and long-time “mad movement” heroine Judi Chamberlin has had severe health problems for many years. BY JOHN MCCARTHY munity ourselves. So I refuse to ever In 2008, Judi investigated getting a lung transplant but that turned out to be impossi- When I first started to use the word again be subdued or denied my right ble because of her health issues. Judi’s physician estimated she had a high risk of living madness or being mad in reference to stand up and state that I am very less than six months, and Judi decided to enter a home hospice care program. to myself, a number of years ago, I normally mad. In fact I now see the generally received laughter, love and positives to being mad and I am very She, we, everyone hopes she is one of those fortunate folks who survive hospice and opposition in equal proportions. But proud of that fact. live for many years and many decades to come. But she has now publicly stated that I persisted and that persistence has she agrees with her doctor that she does not “have a very long life expectancy.” I meet so many young people who paid off. More and more people are descend into madness. Ignorance and John McCarthy of Mad Pride Ireland is an Judi has decided to become a public activist and communicator – in her own power- beginning to feel very comfortable in stigma have prevented them from be- activist, a poet and one of the founders of ful way – for hospice patients, too. She has launched a public blog and is discussing and around the use of madness as an ing able to stand up and acknowledge MindFreedom Ireland. her hospice experiences. She is an author and a great writer, so it’s especially effective. alternative phrase to mental illness. their sexual orientation, or indeed She would like everyone in the movement to change the mental health system to know So let’s have a little thought as to simple confused emotions. How won- about her blog: http://judi-lifeasahospicepatient.blogspot.com/ voice” I replied (and I know the per- MFI board member the word madness. That’s simply derful would it be if our young people son was a little taken aback) by saying Judi Chamberlin We’re all sending love and positive support to Judi! what it is, a word. A word that has could walk home and state, “I am cry- “please be my ear as I have my own been stolen from us, we, who live ing a lot lately, I think I may be getting voice.” with the normality of madness as a depressed.” As simply as they can say, Utne Names David Oaks One of 50 Visionaries for 2009 reality in our everyday lives. “I have a runny nose, do you think I Can you imagine the gay movement succeeding if a straight person The word madness has been stolen am getting a cold?” Utne Reader magazine periodically names “50 had led it? Can you imagine the black to acknowledge the ‘mad movement’ to deeply change and perverted into something to be It is your call: Embrace us for our Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World.” David movement succeeding if a white per- the mental health system. Utne is really recognizing afraid of. You see, the mad commu- difference rather then reject us. Your Oaks, director of MindFreedom International, son had led it? Can you imagine the our whole movement’s vision. This shows we are still nity is the most peaceful, loving and lives and ours would improve so dra- was named as one of these visionaries in Utne’s feminist movement succeeding if a connected to all the other movements for social and caring section of the total community. matically. man had led it? November/December 2009 issue. environmental justice, just as when our movement first We are the people who give you mu- As it was and is with all human Said Mr. Oaks, “Utne is one of the few media leaders started. Can we have a nonviolent revolution now?” sic, art, poetry, playwrights, actors, So it is with the mad movement rights campaigns, we in the mad com- in this area of abuse of our human musicians and yet despite these gifts munity, if we are ever to gain a place society chooses to persecute us. rights. If we are to become equals in MFI’s Youth Committee Member Becomes of equality and dignity within the gen- this society, then we of the mad com- There is no doubt that we who are eral community, have to lead this call munity have to stand up and say, “I Lane County’s First Youth Support Specialist mad are different. It is how you treat for our human rights ourselves. am mad and I am proud.” You of the that difference that is the issue at We must request all of those well- so-called “sane” community have to hand. Christina “Chrissy” Peirsol, one of MindFreedom’s youth committee members, minded articulate people who so pas- embrace us, allow us the beauty of the has become Lane County’s first Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS). She said, “I Ignorance, prejudice and stigma at- sionately wish to speak on our behalf, normality of our madness in our lives. wanted the hiring committee to know that there was no way that I was going to tach to us like limpets but in my opin- allow us to do it for ourselves. When Allow us to be different, to celebrate support blindly drugging youth, and I think they wanted someone who was into ion the only people who can shake off one of these kind academics said our difference for what it simply is, alternatives.” In her new position, Chrissy will be able to help young people in the those limpets are we the mad com- to me once, “please let me be your just that, DIFFERENCE. mental health care system get support through alternatives. Chrissy herself is a psychiatric survivor who experienced over-drugging as a Alternative to Meds Center teenager. Chrissy has spoken at a variety of MindFreedom events, most recently at a Based on the Orthomolecular, Naturopathic and Addiction Medicine Models launch of a MindFreedom affiliate at the University of Oregon. “I work with a lot of 40 Goodrow Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336 good nonprofits,” said Chrissy ,”But I love MindFreedom, it’s the best!” Christina Peirsol www.alternativetomedscenter.com 800-359-9698

At Alternative to Meds Center, we specialize in the processes of medical testing and discovery to determine why a person may be experiencing mental health issues. In many cases, we find that a person may be toxic to heavy metals, or a wide array of organic and bio-toxins. These toxins IND REEDOM AUNCHES OCIAL ETWORKING ITE then interfere with natural systems such as neurotransmitter synthesis, hormonal cascade, nutrient uptake and metabolism, and can manifest M F L S N S as developed allergies and sensitivities, depression, psychosis, anxiety, OCD and addictive issues as well as the vast array of other functions involved in neurochemistry. Through chelation and sauna and specific natural substances, we gently detoxify the system, and add the organic This summer MindFreedom launched a new website for members only: My-MFI. Designed not only foods and Orthomolecular nutrition specific to correct that individuals brain chemistry. We can then help to help members network more easily, but to give them a public forum to share their stories and ideas, the individual reduce or eliminate dependence upon psychiatric medication. the My-MFI site offers forums, profiles, blogs and more. If you’re a member of MindFreedom, you can Our help line is (800) 359-9698 and the website is alternativetomedscenter.com. create your own account on the site today! Just click on the My-MFI link on the MindFreedom site, or go We are located in Sedona, Arizona, a beautiful place to undertake a healing process. directly to: http://www.my-mfi.org/user/register International Mental Health and Wellness Institute

PAGE • 6 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 7 Protesters from Five States Vow that “Creative Support” SPEAKING OUT FOR HER FAMILY Will Overcome “Psychiatric Corruption” MOLLY HOGAN INTERVIEW Can you tell us a little about your background? What As psychiatrists arrived at the brought you to the movement for human rights in the mental Moscone Center in San Francisco, health system? California, on May 17, 2009, for I come from a family which has been greatly affected their annual meeting, they were by psychiatric labeling and psychiatric “treatment.” My greeted by survivors of psychiatric mother had electroshock and many, many psych drugs. human rights violations and their At one time, I’m told, she was on 28 medications, obvi- allies, a powerful sound system ously not all psych drugs, but she had no major physical and stories of psychiatric abuse and medical problems so I think it was psych drugs, drugs survival. About 50 protesters from to deal with the symptoms of psych drugs, drugs to deal fi ve states participated in a “Festival with the effects of physical inactivity, etc. of Resistance” co-sponsored by MindFreedom International and the My mother told me that her mother had a lobotomy. California Network of Mental Health My step-grandmother had electroshock, as did my step- Clients (CNMHC). cousin (18 years old at the time) and a close family friend (in his teens or early 20s). My father, whom I never met, The event began with a skit using a must have had some kind of psych label, judging from 10-foot hypodermic needle prop that his circumstances toward the end of his life and the let- said “Mad Pride” on one side and Kristina Yates, a survivor of forced electroshock who, years later, went on to become a licensed mental health family counselor, speaks at the protest. Kristina is a MindFreedom ters he wrote to me. I managed, miraculously I think, to “Truth Hypo” on the others. About activist in the Bay Area. Leonard Roy Frank can be seen over Kristina’s shoulder (to right). weave my way in and around psychiatry without getting a dozen guerilla theater participants hooked. Molly Hogan at the 2009 protest of the APA annual meeting. Mol- in white coats bowed repeatedly • Al Galves, PhD, of New was the investigations revealing ly is shown here with photographs of her mother, who had forced chanting, “Oh Big Giant Hypo, Mexico, psychologist, mental drug money corruption inside the I have been a Registered Nurse for more than 40 years. electroshock (lower left), her grandmother, who had a lobotomy Please Help Us Be Normal!” But health consumer, author, MFI American Psychiatric Association. I worked three stretches in psych nursing: 1967-8, 1970- (upper right), and her stepmother, who had forced electroshock. soon the protesters were giving the board member. One of the speakers was mental 72 and 1989-90. There are many things I did as a psych nurse that I now repent of: restraining people, giving is happening in the current Pharmacaust. How did the APA meeting itself a truth injection. • Ashley McNamara, artist, health worker Ron Unger from them pills and injectable psych drugs, etc. I avoided set- human race survive all these millions of years without The protest was part of a growing writer and activist with Oregon. When asked earlier why he tings where electroshock was used, but did observe it as “Neosporin, every cut, every time?” “Mad Pride” movement that has The Icarus Project & Bay came all the way from Oregon for the a psych nursing student, including one time when the been seeking change in mental Area Radical Mental Health protest, Ron said: For some years, I have been considering what my voca- muscle-paralyzing drug took effect before the anesthetic health care for 40 years, and is fi nally Collective. “APA corruption has resulted in a tion as a Christian should be. We express our gratitude and the patient was still conscious but unable to breathe. for what God has done for us by serving others. How can gaining more public attention. • Matt Morrissey, mental multi-billion dollar industry which When I returned to psych nursing in 1989, I discovered I best serve? There are many appealing ways to serve, but The focus of the day was about health counselor, MFI board tells lies to keep people trapped on that all the psych labels (“diagnoses”) that I was famil- a lot of other people are serving in those ways. Very few individuals, supported by their allies, member. drugs that shrink their brains while iar with, which had never made much sense to begin people are speaking out against forced drugging, forced who have experienced abuse in the shortening their lives. If the APA told • David W. Oaks of Oregon, with, had been replaced with new labels. I noted that it psychiatric tortures and the biomedical model. It has mental health system. One speaker the truth, many people could fi gure psychiatric survivor and director was now much easier to get a psych label. I started see- come to me strongly that, with my background, I need to was Molly Hogan, a nurse who is the out how to use alternatives to retake of MindFreedom International. ing people who identifi ed by their psych label - “I’m speak out on these issues. coordinator for the MindFreedom responsibility for their own mental a schizophrenic,” etc., and bought into the notion that San Francisco Bay Area Affi liate. • Ron Unger of Oregon, wellbeing.” How did you decide to start a MindFreedom affi liate? these “diseases” are genetic, caused by “brain chemi- Molly told the story of her mother mental health counselor and Many people helped support the cal imbalances,” and that the only thing to do is to take David Oaks called for more affi liates, and made it who had forced electroshock. coordinator, MF Lane County. protest by providing water and psych drugs for life. sound really easy, so more or less on whim, I said “I can Other speakers included (partial • Sally Zinman, long-time snacks, creating props, carpooling do that.” client/survivor activist. The biomedical model takes away hope and responsi- list): participants to public transport, What advice would you give other people who are interested creating posters, making signs, bility: if it’s all about brain chemicals and is genetically • Frank Blankenship of An open mike period was also in organizing? organizing a pre-event reception, determined, there is no hope of improving one’s life, and Florida, MindFreedom Affi liate available that included a number of providing housing to protesters no reason to accept responsibility for one’s actions. The I’m just getting my feet wet with organizing for Mind- Support Committee Chair. other speakers. and much more. Said Oaks, “We theories behind the biomedical model are bad science, Freedom. All I can say right now is “just do it.” Jump • Delphine Brody, a protest The protest, held under a hot all got to see the power of unity and easily recognized as propaganda from pharmaceuti- in and talk to people - I know from working with other organizer and client/survivor sun, was endorsed by the CNMHC and nonviolent direct action today! cal companies. organizations how miraculously ideas can multiply and advocate, Mental Health Services Social Accountability Work Group, Mutual support and activism worked I am a Christian. I believe that humans are “fearfully energy grow. the Bay Area Radical Mental Health Act Director, CNMHC. hand in hand. Thank you everyone! and wonderfully made.” I do not believe that God cre- I am in awe of the old-timers in our movement, who Collective and The Icarus Project. • Leonard Roy Frank, activist, Please ask people to join and support ated so many people with defective brains (and defective have been doing this work for 20, 30 years. I’m just a author and electroshock survivor. A steady theme for the protest MindFreedom International” physical bodies) that they need to take so many drugs, as newbie, and have a lot to learn. PAGE • 8 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PPAGEAGE •• 9 language of the incarcerated Protest Inside State Rotunda to End Forced Shock Poetic Justice by Chris Krych of Minnesota For three hours on May 1, 2009, sev- for Ray during a public speak out. MFI board member by Bonnie Schell “I’m having trouble with my decision, Mr. Krych. eral dozen participants successfully Then, after a post-protest lunch, Al Galves addresses You have a history of not being respectful held a peaceful MindFreedom Inter- the gathering at the about nine MindFreedom activists Don’t Tell Me!: the language of alienation To people in authority. You have a history national protest of the forced electro- Minnesota State visited a number of Ray’s elected Of being very disrespectful to the court system.” shock of Ray Sandford, a 55-year-old Capitol. by Raymond W. Jones of Colorado officials. The delegation discovered CRIMELESS POLOTICAL IMPRISONMENT resident of Columbia Heights, Minne- special interest from Ray’s state OUTDATE HOPELESSNESS 24/7 sota. The loud protest was held direct- Don’t tell me I can’t have a service dog or giraffe. representative, Carolyn Laine, who Security Stalking & Harrassing ly inside the majestic Rotunda of the Don’t tell me I can’t smoke on the back porch. met with the delegation for about Twenty-four/Seven Treatment! Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Don’t tell me I have to plea bargain to reduced charge of guilty! half an hour. Ray is a constituent of Four cell snoop checks daily. Don’t tell me I can’t take my meds, on my schedule, as needed. Speakers during a news conference, Rep. Laine, who pledged to work Forever Camera Intrusivity Don’t tell me my jacket doesn’t match my pants. covered by both mainstream and al- with the new ECT Work Group that NO LUNCH @ PAWLENTY’s ily clearly stated his desire not to be Don’t tell me I have an attitude. ternative media, included: has been formed by several mental State-Created Guantanamo Bay shocked. (see page 4 for the complete Don’t tell me I can’t look cross-eyed at you health agencies because of the Ray • Louise Bouta, long-time psy- story.) “It’s amazing that a man who when you’re looking cross-eyed at me. chiatric rights activist and electro- Campaign. is supposedly being protected by Don’t discount the value of my experiences: language of falling shock survivor. The reception was much chillier at Minnesota court-appointed guard- I was a fire fighter. • Al Galves, PhD, psychologist, the office of State Senator Satveer S. ians and who has been represented I had a career as an arson investigator. by Chase of Canada author, mental health consumer, Chaudhary, who also represents Ray in court hearings by a Minnesota I owned a home. I raised two children. and MindFreedom board mem- Sandford. When the MindFreedom public defender is suffering this kind In a divorce, I lost everything. my brain works as a euphemism for tongue: ber, from New Mexico. delegation arrived at his office, his of human rights violation,” said MFI Don’t take away my memory the way it twists & slides staff tried to prevent them from en- board member, Dr. Al Galves. with 24 forced electro-shock treatments. gets caught between my clamped teeth • David Oaks, Director, MFI tering, though they did anyway. Galves said that electroshock - also Don’t tell me that I have bipolar disorder slithers out for a momentary scathing. • Daryl Trones, mental health MindFreedom Director David known as electroconvulsive therapy when I know that it’s learned behavior...... activist and father of a psychiatric Oaks opened the door to Sen. Chaud- or ECT - subjects the patient to as Don’t tell me that I have PTSD until you’ve seen what I’ve seen. she survivor. hary’s private office, and gave him much as 600 volts of electricity for Don’t evict me from the homeless shelter because you say is new to a world of wards - • Janet Saugstad, author and material about Ray Sandford. Sen. between one-half and four seconds. I create chaos and drama. but the initiation process isn’t more psychiatric survivor of the Veter- Chaudhary immediately called Capi- “It disables the brain,” Galves said. Don’t tell me I’m not worth the powder than a cursory glance… it would take to blow me to hell. an’s Administration. tol security. Mr. Oaks said to Sen. MindFreedom’s campaign about Don’t tell me that my experience isn’t real. we live polarized Chaudhary, “I just wanted to know electroshock violations continues. • Amy Storbakken, psychiatric Don’t tell me that my experience isn’t true. able to identify our own your real attitude about this, and The US Food and Drug Administra- survivor and promoter of alterna- Don’t tell me that my experience isn’t valid. so each can fall in stride now I know.” tion (FDA) announced that they may tive medicine for mental health. Don’t tell me your rules have changed. to our secret language. further de-regulate the electroshock • John Wilson, a psychiatric A six-month campaign to stop Don’t tell me your program doesn’t meet my needs. device, which was grandfathered in survivor running for Mayor of Sandford’s electroshocks has gained Listen to my experience. we live beneath the radar years ago without ever being inves- Minneapolis. international attention. Sanford was Understand where I come from. she said in solemn tone tigated for safety and efficacy. Mind- shocked more than forty times on Listen to what I stand for. it’s a wonderless beauty we exhibit • Jennifer Padelford, rep- Freedom alerts are mobilizing public an outpatient basis under a court Listen to who I am. the doors are open just momentarily resenting the Mental Health order even though he and his fam- comment to demand accountability. Consumer/Survivor Network of and it is only the chosen who make it in. Minnesota, who spoke out about the need to hear the voice of men- i said tal health consumers/psychiatric we speak the ancient language of falling survivors. and that is what makes our actions immutable our movements in step Louis Kayser, a MindFreedom by step member, drove for hours from Iowa by step to participate, saying, “I have always we lick the madness clean wanted to be in a MindFreedom pro- our colors indiscernible to most test. I want to go to more protests!” Louis made signs for the event, vid- we regret our otherness eotaped the news conference, and but still cling to it as holy. even carpooled speakers back to their homes. A number of speakers told their The delegation visiting Ray Sandford’s elected officials. From left: Louis Kayser, Amy Poetry Editor Bonnie Schell stories, and expressed their support Storbakken, Al Galves, David Oaks, Beth Blick and John Wilson. [email protected]. the language of... PAGE • 10 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PPAGEAGE •• 11 City Affi rms Citizens Rights in the Mental Health Care System Mental Health Alternatives After a fi ve-year process of public forums and Directory Launched committee meetings, the City Council of Eugene, Oregon, USA, unanimously voted for a resolution on October This summer, MindFreedom fi nally launched its free online direc- 26, 2009, to affi rm the human right of citizens to have tory of Mental Health Alternatives, and is issuing an international call more empowering choices in the mental health system, for services that would like to be listed. including more non-drug alternatives, for complete MindFreedom’s new directory is unique in that every provider recovery. The resolution takes effect immediately. listed has agreed to uphold key principles on such issues as the use Psychiatric survivor advocate TC Dumas spoke in front and discontinuation of psychiatric drugs, the “biomedical model” and of the Eugene City Council to thank them for the vote. TC, forced treatment. The principles were devised by the MindFreedom who survived forced electroshock as a teenager and went International Choice in Mental Health Care Committee, and endorsed on to win her PhD, said, “I’ve been in the mental health Ron Unger addresses the Eugene City Council. by the MindFreedom International board of directors. system for thirty-fi ve years. Many people are not offered Ron Unger, coordinator of MindFreedom Lane County, The directory and principles are both available on the MindFree- choices. I just want to say ‘thank you,’ especially to you did a lot of the background work for the resolution. He dom website:www.mindfreedom.org/directory Mayor Piercy, who wanted to see this resolution happen.” told the City Council, “I am a mental health counselor. Providers of services who agree with the MindFreedom Directory The Mayor of Eugene, Kitty Piercy, has offered her One size does not fi t all. Especially to reach young people, Ashley McNamara, artist, writer, and of Alternatives Principles, and who would like to apply to be listed in personal encouragement to mental health consumers and the mental health system needs to be much more positive activist with The Icarus Project & Bay the directory, may inquire at: [email protected] psychiatric survivors during several meetings on human and helpful. Thank you for passing this resolution.” More Area Radical Mental Health Collective, rights and mental health. information can be found at www.mindfreedom.org/lane. speaks at protest of American Psychiatric Association, 17 May 2009. Behind her Matthew Morrissey, member of the is Sally Zinman, long-time activist to Remember: MFI 2.0 MindFreedom Choice in Mental change the mental health system. Health Care Committee, worked hard to complete the launch of the directory. Some of you may already know that MindFreedom make the internet more personalized, interactive, and He is shown here speaking at a protest International is increasing its networking via web 2.0 useful. in front of the Annual Meeting of the applications such as twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Look for MFI on: Facebook Groups, Facebook Fans, American Psychiatric Association. Myspace, thanks to help from intern Anne Blumenthal YouTube, LinkedIn, Google AdWords, Twitter and from University of Oregon and volunteer consultant MySpace! And of course, add your own profi le, blog or Oliver Feakins of WebTalentSEO. forum comment on the new My-MFI web site. You may Web 2.0 is the term for Internet tools and sites that fi nd links to all these and more via MFI’s web site. www.mindfreedom.org/directory TV Show Spotlights Mad Movement

The ABC-TV show, Primetime Out- siders, spotlighted the “mad movement.” It included a profi le of creative mad pride musician Bonfi re Madigan Shive, co-founder of the Icarus Project, a sponsor group in the MindFreedom International coalition. David Oaks, Director of MindFreedom Internation- al, was also interviewed. Mad Pride actions from Ontario to Oregon were shown. Unfortunately, the last half of ABC’s show dwelled in a lurid way on Joey Pantoliano, an actor famous for his murders by people with psychiatric roles in The Sopranos and The Matrix, diagnoses. MindFreedom objected to endorsed the Mad Pride movement on a Madigan Shive, composer, cellist, this sensationalism. ABC-TV, which national television show in August that activist and co-founder of the Icarus is owned by Disney Corporation, re- featured MindFreedom International One of the oldest groups in the mad movement is We Shall Overcome (WSO) of Oslo, Norway, which began in 1968. WSO is a sponsor Project, appeared in the ABC-TV show sponded with a letter saying they were activists. group in MindFreedom International, and invited David Oaks to present at their annual conference in August. As part of the activities, Primetime Outsiders as a proponent of trying to cover both sides of a contro- WSO included (above) a protest in from of the Norwegian parliament against involuntary psychiatric drugging. Mad Pride. versy. PAGE • 12 www.mindfreedom.orgwww.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 13 continued from page 3 this movement is our own journalist. ter your upcoming Mad Pride event. www.madmarket.org SPONSORS & AFFILIATES We must all be using our own me- Several MFI interns have also been dia. For example, if you are part of a working on a MFI Mad Pride Event MindFreedom weaves together a movement event, select one or two Organizing Kit. Soteria: Through Madness to Deliverance diverse coalition of groups and in- good digital photos, write up a few SHIELD By Loren Mosher, Voyce Hendrix, and Debora Fort dividual activists, but a coalition al- paragraphs like a journalist and get it This book recounts the story of a revolution in the understanding of schizophrenia. At ways needs renewal to stay alive and out, either on your own or using the Krista Erickson coordinates this Soteria, in the 1970s, young people diagnosed as schizophrenic lived in a home in a California grow. Together, sponsors and affili- My-MFI web site. campaign, to help get out alerts. We suburb with nonmedical caregivers where they were listened to and understood during their encourage ALL members to register ates form MindFreedom’s “Support Consider using creative theatrical altered states of consciousness. Most recovered. This book will appeal to anyone interested in for the “shield” whether you think Coalition.” We encourage you to link approaches, such as MindFreedom’s alternatives to mainstream mental health care. up with your sponsor group or create you need it or not. With hundreds of “Mad Pride Normality Screenings.” Doctors of Deception an affiliate in your region. registered “shield” members, it really MindFreedom street theater actions By Linda Andre makes a statement. MFI Shield also In the mental health field, perhaps not only reach people on the street coordinates MFI human rights alerts, An investigation into the true story behind ninety-five percent of activity – con- directly, but by getting your video such as those for Ray Sandford. The electroshock, Doctors of Deception exposes a ferences, newsletters, events, com- on YouTube MFI reaches thousands MFI alert system reaches more than long history of industry propaganda and the munity centers – is funded by the more. 10,000 interested people, many of obstruction of studies into the safety of this mental health system and the gov- WEB RADIO whom tell others. controversial treatment. ernment. MindFreedom has always Coming off Psychiatric Drugs supported good “system-funded” MFI’s monthly free live web show While there is no way for MFI to By Peter Lehman (Ed.) groups and projects, but there is also is every second Saturday. You can extensively assist all of the people This helpful book is all about successfully quitting psychiatric drugs. It is mainly a role for truly independent groups call in, and we’re always looking who are contacting the office for for people on psychiatric drugs but also addresses their relatives. Learn what works from 28 people like MindFreedom, to keep the social for guest suggestions. For details help, the MFI Volunteer Committee who have direct experience with the challenge of “coming off” psychiatric drugs. Additionally, eight change spirit of the movement going. on how to tune-in, visit: http:// email list is one way MFI has been professionals, working in psychotherapy, medicine, psychiatry, social work, natural healing and even www.mindfreedom.org/radio. If able to help respond to dozens of Good system-funded organiza- in a Runaway House, report on how they have helped in the withdrawal process. you’d like to volunteer to support requests from people inside psychi- tions need to work in synergy with and grow this fun 90-minute show, atric institutions who are requesting totally independent activist groups email: [email protected] camaraderie and advocacy. This vol- Books, DVD’s and many more products, are available from www.MadMarket.org like MindFreedom, because there unteer e-list is the fastest way to find are things each of us can do that the CHOICE CAMPAIGN If you are not on the web, phone to order: 1-877-MAD-PRIDe or 1-541-345-9106 out about ways you can pitch in. other cannot. This synergy must be Find and promote more humane two-way. GLOBAL alternatives! A high priority way you MindFreedom members need to can help the Choice in Mental Health Celia Brown, MFI board president, Truth Injection Flyer more firmly remind good system- Campaign committee right now is has provided years of leadership to You can find mental health industry brochures almost everywhere funded groups – in a friendly sup- to find more alternative health care the MFI UN team. As you may know, you go, in libraries, community centers and hospitals. Now there’s portive way – to keep independent providers who will sign up to be in Celia and hundreds of disability ad- an antidote. With every issue of this MindFreedom Journal we are groups like MindFreedom on their MindFreedom’s searchable directory! vocates had a major success by win- continued from page 14 including a Truth Injection flyer to help you dispel some common radar. Ask potential candidates to email ning a new historic UN treaty on dis- their interest to: creativerevolution@ ability rights. MFI is involved with a mental health consumer, retired myths about mental health care. This can be as simple as language. psychologist and author, on the MFI It took years to win recognition for mindfreedom.org the United States International Coun- If you’re interested in learning more, you can find the sources that cil on Disabilities (USICD), where I board. Al chairs MFI’s Development “psychiatric survivors.” So if your MAD PRIDE Committee. Al has been persistent support the flyer on our website:www.mindfreedom.org/truth local mental health consumer group am a board member, to assist with One of our most popular cam- US ratification of this binding treaty, and dedicated in helping MindFree- Isn’t it time all mental health agencies backed up their own is dropping off the words “psychi- dom raise funds, which is challeng- atric survivors” please remind them paigns ever! There have been dozens which is called a “convention.” statements in the same way? of ‘anchor’ events for more than a ing with a grassroots group, espe- to re-include people who have been Now MFI has applied to an inter- decade. For example, John McCarthy cially this past year. Al needs support Creative ways to administer your Truth Injection: harmed by the mental health system. national charity to publish a basic has held multiple several-thousand- from members who want to help on If your local system-funded group handbook intended to help psychiat- person mad pride events in Cork, grant writing, events, products and • Hand out at your local mental health system… insists on using the term “mentally ric survivors and mental health con- Ireland by emphasizing “family, fun, more. If you’d like to help the Devel- ill,” remind them firmly – in a friend- sumers organize in poor and devel- • Insert in literature racks at your library or community center… food, free.” John is breaking out of opment Committee email: developme ly, productive, supportive way – that oping countries. Intern Jessica Wier- our “mad ghetto.” [email protected]. there are other models that ought not zbowski is helping to gather material • Give to friends, relatives, students, colleagues… You’ve got the idea by now, and to be excluded. This campaign is now ready to see for this. Globalization of psychiatric MindFreedom has lots of these brochures printed, folded and ready hundreds of events, whether large there are other ways to take leader- MEDIA ON OUR OWN human rights violations is one of the to go, cheap. To order your bundle, contact the MindFreedom office or ones like John’s or tiny ones involv- most serious threats we face. ship with MFI. I’m looking forward As you can see in this issue, we to how you show your own empow- order online at: www.madmarket.org. (Bundles of the MindFreedom ing a handful of people. That takes DEVELOPMENT can break into mainstream media organizing and focus. Jeremy has ered “creative maladjustment” in organizational brochure are also available.) Or download and print now and again. But as never before, re-done the mad pride section of our MFI is so lucky to have Al Galves, 2010. Let us know how MFI can sup- your own brochures at www.mindfreedom.org/brochure. in 2010, each and every one of us in web site where you can easily regis- continued on next page port your leadership. PAGE • 14 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 15 “Fighting the mainstream is one thing. Fighting a mainstream subsidized by gigantic corpo- rations like the Pharmaceutical Industry is something else entirely. MindFreedom has been doing just that for over 20 years with campaigns against forced psychiatrization and the excesses of ECT and other treatments which kill the body, spirit or both.” — Craig Newnes, PhD • UK

• MindFreedom International is doing great work. • MindFreedom International helped Ray Sandford get free of being electroshocked against his will. • MadPride events are springing up all over the world. • MindFreedom International is planning another Choices in Mental Health conference. • MindFreedom International is one of the few totally independent international mental health advocacy coalitions. • MindFreedom International needs every single one of its supporters to give fi nancially. • Each one of you knows how much the current mental health system is hurting people. • Each one of you knows what good help really looks like. • Join with MindFreedom International in this non-violent revolution to change the mental health system today. • Renew, join and donate whatever you can. ••• Let’s do it now! ••• Donate at www.MindFreedom.org Or use the below form, today!

Your support funds MindFreedom campaigns for human rights and humane alternatives in mental health care. You may join, donate and renew on the MindFreedom website; www.MindFreedom.org, or mail in the below info

__ Donation (circle one): $1,000 $500 $100 $75 $50 $35 (regular level) $20 (recommended low-income minimum) other: $______Your Donation is Tax Deductible Regular monthly gifts multiply to provide stable funding for MindFreedom. __ Please sign me up to give a monthly donation of $______automatically.

Name (please print):______Address:______City:______State/Province:______Postal Code:______Country:______Phone:______E-mail: ______You may donate with check or money order made out to MFI. Or use your credit card. Mail to: MindFreedom I want to charge my gift. Circle one: Visa MasterCard International Card number: ______Expiration:______P.O. Box 11284 Name as printed on card: ______Eugene, OR 97440-3484 Signature: ______USA phone (541) 345-9106 or toll free in the USA, 1-877-MAD-PRIDE, or by fax at (480) 287-8833 PAGEYou • may also donate on-line at any time using the secure form at www.MindFreedom.org.www.MindFreedom.org 8