Celebrating 25 Years with Mindfreedom

Summer 2011 www.MindFreedom.org Celebrating 25 Years with MindFreedom

MFI Mom’s Initiative: This group of mothers has adult children harmed by the mental health system. Left to right: Sarah Smith (Development Director for MindFreedom International), Terry Danielson, Cyndi Fisher (back), Marcia Meyers (front), Violet Oaks, Linda Mullnix.

IN THIS ISSUE: Stopping Forced Electroshock Therapy: A Win For Elizabeth Ellis! Mathew Morrissey: Supporting Loved Ones Who Have Been in a Psychiatric Institution Bath, England, Mad Hatters Celebrate Mad Culture MindFreedom Delagation Goes to Ghana MindFreedom Starts Global Empowerment Handbook A Look at the Past: Celebrating MFI’s 25th Anniversary and More ! www.MindFreedom.org Published PbyAGE MFI • MindFreedom International Wins Campaigns for Human Rights and You Can Help MindFreedom Moms Take Action!!! BY SARAH SMITH, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Alternatives in the Mental Health System Please join! Your membership goes a long way Choice Campaign My name is Sarah Smith. I am toward enabling us to collectively Sponsor Group or Affiliate has a MindFreedom International MindFreedom International excited to serve as MindFreedom confront the entrenched interests Your gift promotes alternatives in liaison on the MFI Support Coalition (MFI) is one of the few groups www.MindFreedom.org International’s new Development within the psychiatric system and our communities, including MFI’s Advisory Council. in the mental health field that is 454 Willamette, Suite 216 Director. I am passionate about the take action on multiple levels. alternatives directory. independent with no funding from MFI’s mission: “In a spirit of P.O. Box 11284 environment, justice, and human A gift of $25, $50, $100, $500 or Electroshock Human Rights or links to governments, mental mutual cooperation, MindFreedom Eugene, OR 97440-3484 U.S.A. rights, especially since my 21 year anything you can afford above and Initiative health providers, drug companies, International leads a nonviolent old daughter’s experience in the beyond your membership gift will Your gift allows MFI to speak out religious organizations, etc. Funding revolution of freedom, equality, phone: (541) 345-9106 mental health system. be used for our son’s and daughter’s for members like Elizabeth Ellis is entirely from members like you, truth and human rights that unites toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE Little over a year ago, my daughter rights and to keep these important who are involuntarily hospitalized and a few foundations. people affected by the mental health fax: (480) 287-8833\ was a spirited and loving and have received forced system with movements for justice MFI is rooted in a global [email protected] person as well as a gifted electroshock. everywhere.” movement to change the mental artist with deep connections MOVING? Please provide your new Mad Pride health system. The majority of If you are not yet a member, become to Earth. Today she is a postal address. MindFreedom’s membership, a member or donate, now! If you are broken and traumatized Your gift helps MFI get the board and staff identify themselves already a member, consider an early Privacy: The MindFreedom individual in need of word out about mad pride as mental health consumers and renewal donation. MindFreedom database is private. MindFreedom healing from the harm events that lift the spirit, psychiatric survivors. However, is a non-profit organization under organizers may be given contact caused by the psychiatric educate, and heal individuals and communities from membership is open to everyone IRS 501(c)(3) and your donation lists. If you prefer no contact, “treatment” that she stigmas. who supports our human rights is tax-deductible. (To join or inform the office. received in our community. goals. Advocates, mental health donate, see the back cover or visit Today, I hold her pain, Thank you, professionals, family members www.MindFreedom.org.) Copyright: Unless noted, you as do thousands of other and the general public are all may copy for non-commercial You are also encouraged to check mothers whose children valued members and leaders in the use as long as you credit out our Mad Market of books and have been harmed by the MindFreedom community. Sarah Smith, MindFreedom products at www.MadMarket.org. www.MindFreedom.org © 2011 tm. mental care system. But Development Director MindFreedom International also Proceeds support MFI’s human MindFreedom we mothers also hold our P.S. We need your help to unites grassroots organizations. Each rights work. children’s hope. And our Conserve: Printed with soy-based Sarah Smith, MFI Development Director, with her daughter, succeed! Your gift of $25, $50, hope is justified! ink on partly recycled paper. Hannah, shown here during happier times. $100, $500 or any amount MindFreedom plants trees to help We know that with will help us consumers, replace paper used. groups like MindFreedom issues on the national front burner. survivors, loved ones, and allies MindFreedom Journal #51 International leading the way, Thanks to donors and to members Please keep in mind, that if your move forward in a dynamic, unified, our sons and our daughters have Table of Contents: who volunteer through mailing membership is lapsed this is also a international movement to create a many opportunities to heal, be new paradigm of mental health care parties, research, tips, writing, good time to renew! Electroconvulsive Therapy, A Partial Win For Elizabeth Ellis...... 4 empowered by networking with throughout the entire world! You may editing and much more. their peers, and -- hopefully -- Today, MindFreedom is donate at www.mindfreedom.org. Mutual Support Protects Human Rights...... 4 Board: Celia Brown (President), organize with us for change! celebrating twenty-five years as one of the leading organizations in Supporting an Institutionalized Loved One...... 5 Krista Erickson, Janet Foner, Al As with many non-profit Galves, Mary Maddock, Matt this movement. With your support MindFreedom Mad Hatters of Bath, England...... 6 organizations, this has been a MFI can continue the following Morrissey. challenging year financially for Choice Committee... 25th Anniversary of MFI...... 7 important work: Staff: David Oaks (Director), MFI, yet we are primed to capitalize … asks you to check out the Challenge the globalization of this Mad Pride Celebrates...... 8 Shasta Halley (Director of on new trends and opportunities MindFreedom web site. Look broken system! MindFreedom Youth Are Awesome...... 10 Member Services), Sarah Smith within the movement for change for the searchable “Directory of within the mental health care system. Global Mental Health Handbook...... 10 (Development Director), Heather Your gift will increase our capacity Alternatives” of mental health Marek (Office Manager). We remain dedicated to being to mobilize consumers, survivors, providers who have signed off MFI Academic and Scientific Allies...... 11 the independent voice for change and allies in other countries. on tough principles. Ask your Webmaster: Hal Noble/NetCorps. while taking ACTION on behalf of MindFreedom Visits Ghana...... 12 Lay down the groundwork for mental health provider to sign individuals who are being abused. Desktop publishing: nationwide action! up! And while you are on the Poetic Justice with Bonnie Schell...... 13 McKenzie Printers Guild, Unlike other mental health MFI web site, look for a free MF Your gift helps MFI reach activists [email protected]. advocacy groups, MFI does not Choice Committee webinar you Amplifing the Voice of Mental Health Clients...... 14 and membership organizations, giv- accept money from government, can watch about taking charge of Affiliates for the Revolution...... 15 ISSN 1537-5013 ing them how-to info on organizing drug companies, mental health your life. in their communities. systems or religions. PAGE • www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 3 Stopping Forced Outpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy: Tips for Family Members A Partial Win For Elizabeth Ellis Supporting a Loved One Who Has Been in a Psychiatric Institution Elizabeth told MindFreedom: “I’m doing real fine. I am BY MATTHEW MORRISSEY eventually lead to a breakdown?” MFI member Elizabeth Ellis, a 67-year-old resident of Second, she or he might be deeply Minnesota, was court-ordered to receive electroshock so appreciative of such good support from MindFreedom Your sister or father, brother or supporters. If it hadn’t been for MindFreedom I would be daughter, niece or cousin has just ashamed of having had a breakdown. (also known as ECT or electroconvulsive therapy). She The message here is: “I was unable to received more than a dozen involuntary electroshocks by getting forced shock. Thank you, thank you, thank you so been released from the psychiatric much for the support!” hospital. You wonder what you control my own life, I must be really the end of 2010. broken inside.” Your loved one may Thank you to all who sup- can do to be supportive. After all, In January, MindFreedom you can see he or she may be in a be filled with insecurities, worry, and International launched a ported and advocated for lots of what cognitive psychologists Elizabeth. This victory is proof fragile state and you don’t want to public campaign to support cause any more stress. There is a call “negative self-talk.” His or her Elizabeth’s right to say “no” to that there is strength in num- self- esteem and confidence may have bers! strong temptation to pretend like forced electroshock. She stayed nothing happened and to quickly been eroded. in her home instead of report- The ruling is also a sign leave behind what was likely a high- These considerations provide clues ing for an involuntary electro- that the judge paid attention anxiety episode for all involved. All for what you can do to be helpful. shock, and was locked up. to the USA Food & Drug these factors are confusing and can Administration hearing in The most positive action you can The State of Minnesota paralyze you into inaction. take is to casually invite your loved asked a court to allow more January which recommended that electroshock finally be This is not what your loved one one to take part in fun, low-key forced electroshocks. Elizabeth K. Ellis, 67, of Moorhead, Minnesota, standing investigated for safety and needs from you. activities with you. Activities that are with her husband, Robert, is a forced electroshock survivor. But on April 25, 2011, a efficacy, after 70 years of es- To begin with, it is helpful to keep engaging on a physical, bodily level, Matthew Morrissey is a counselor, judge issued a ruling saying sentially no regulation or oversight. The panel also made in mind two facts about the emotional and especially those that accomplish and serves on the board of MindFreedom that there would be no further forced electroshock over an exception for “catatonia.” state of your loved one. First, he or something tangible are preferable to International. Elizabeth’s expressed wishes unless she is diagnosed activities that are passive and cerebral. Said David Oaks, director of MFI, “The USA govern- she may be terrified at the daunting “catatonic.” task of resuming life in our everyday The idea here is that you want to criticism (what is known as “high ment should listen to the judge’s logic here. Since the FDA encourage your loved one get out of expressed emotion” in psychological Being able to say “no” to electroshock was Elizabeth’s panel said electroshock had problems with safety and ef- world. An underlying worry may be: main goal, and she has won that. However, the judge did “can my familiar coping mechanisms her or his head (a place filled with jargon). Research shows that in ficacy, then ‘no should mean no’ to electroshock. The US unpleasant thoughts) and to put the families where high expressed rule for a variety of other involuntary psychiatric interven- should immediately halt all taxpayer payments to any be relied upon or will they again tions such as forced psychiatric drugging. focus of the interaction on something emotion occurs, the rate of recovery electroshock over the expressed wishes of the subject.” neutral. Good examples are: hiking is significantly lower. While this On May 24, 2011, Elizabeth was finally discharged and For more information, including a summary of the or walking in a beautiful setting, might seem obvious – after all, no returned home. judge’s ruling, visit www.mindfreedom.org/elizabeth. cooking something nourishing one performs well under criticism it together, repairing something around is harder to practice day in and day the house, and sculpting with clay. out. You can easily fall into the trap MindFreedom International Shield: Be sure to choose activities that you of wanting to ‘rescue’ the loved one Mutual Support Protects Human Rights yourself will also enjoy doing so you and get resentful if he or she does not can genuinely smile and laugh. If ‘get well’ soon enough. This builds BY KRISTA ERICKSON are always nonviolent and usually something along the your loved shares some of the difficult up over time and leads to flare-ups Many MindFreedom members have experienced lines of a request to call or write an administrator or public feelings with you, listen quietly within the family. official to end the threat of or use of forced psychiatry. MFI involuntary mental health treatment which makes us without giving advice, try your best Try and remember that your loved can’t guarantee the results of the Shield, but it works more passionate about making absolutely sure that never to empathize, and then tactfully one is on a personal healing journey often than not. Recently, for example, the alerts MFI issued happens to ourselves or anyone else again. One easy and resume the activity. and will proceed at her or his own helped Shield registrant Geetha Rathnamala win her effective way to do that is to become involved with the Just spending time with your pace. You can’t and shouldn’t try release from a Pennsylvania psychiatric institution. MindFreedom Shield campaign. The concept behind the loved one serves as an antidote to living your loved one’s life for her Shield is simple: one for all, all for one. The MFI Shield MindFreedom is the only organization to offer a the shame she or he may feel, since or him. The safest and most direct is a short, written document stating that the registrant service such as the Shield. Registration is simple; current Family conflict can wreak havoc shame, left to run amok, will cause way to help is to offer your presence, doesn’t want to be threatened with nor subjected to any MindFreedom members can fill out a simple online on people diagnosed with psychiatric him or her to withdraw from contact attention, and ongoing concern. forced psychiatry. No forced psych drugging! No forced form and register their Shield. For more information disorders. A Way Out of Madness offers with others (thus reinforcing the These simple but powerful gestures electroshock! about the MindFreedom Shield, including registration guidance in resolving family conflict notion that they are “broken inside”). in and of themselves will sow seeds instructions and examples of past successes, please visit If the MFI office is notified that a MindFreedom and taking control of your life. The book Also, engaging him or her in of healing. www.mindfreedom.org/shield. member who has a Shield on file with the MFI office is also includes personal accounts of family activities that achieve something real Matthew Morrissey, MA, MFT, San being threatened with or subjected to forced psychiatry, If you are a MFI member without Internet access who healing by people who were themselves builds confidence and self-esteem. Francisco, California. Matthew volun- steps will be taken to verify the details of the situation wants to register a Shield , please mail your request and psychiatrically diagnosed. This book is You also will need to protect your teers on the Choice Committee, and helped and, if appropriate, issue an alert asking all other Shield a self-addressed stamped envelope to MFI, POB 11284, available through MFI’s Mad Market at loved one from open verbal conflict, launch the Directory of Alternatives on registrants to take action on that person’s behalf. Actions Eugene, OR 97440-3484, USA. www.MadMarket.org. strong displays of emotions, or the MFI website. PAGE • 4 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 5 Mad Hatters of Bath, England, Celebrate 25th Anniversary of MindFreedom International

Mad Culture and Identity BY DAVID W. OAKS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR democracy getting “hands on” with mental well being, and that impacts everyone. BY CLARE CRESTANI Personally, this is my 35th year as a community organizer for deep change in the mental health industry. While it would be difficult to thank everyone who has The Mad Hatters of Bath have I find it incredible that a decade into that activism – 25 helped MindFreedom, I can think of one way you can celebrated Mad Pride Day for the last years ago – I had the privilege to begin working with so thank these supporters: Make MindFreedom stronger four years. It all began in 2007 with a many of you to launch and build our global community. than ever. Help build this community. Multiply the mini festival in the centre of Bath, and a number of members. Take leadership in MindFreedom. bed push with Rufus May and the rest MindFreedom started with different names, but By taking action, you will be thanking every one of of the crew. In 2008, rather than try to the spirit has stayed the same: To combine mutual the thousands of people who have volunteered with, better the festival, which was an awful support and activism, so we can work for a nonviolent donated to, or cheered on MindFreedom International. lot of work for us, we went with the revolution in the mental health system. classic Normality Testing event, which I can’t count the number of people I’ve met When I meet with young people you can see on Youtube. By 2009 we through MindFreedom who have shown who are interested in our decided we would celebrate our mad me glimpses of the human spirit never, movement, and who are its culture with a campout in Ox- fordshire. ever giving up. Those of you who have future, I frequently get the It seemed like a good idea at the time, been traumatized, like me, by forced question, “Why? Why is there such and it was fantastic. psychiatric drug injections and off-the-charts extreme oppression by the psychiatric industry?” In a way, There is nothing quite like a dozen solitary confinement. Those of I too am still searching for that answer, crazies all together on a campsite for you who have been pressured, too. But I think it has to do with being a long weekend. It’s hard to describe tricked and coerced to have human. To be human is to wrestle with immense what it is about a gang of nutters chilling electricity run through your and overwhelming challenges, as we are now around a campfire that is different from brains in electroshock. The many seeing with our world’s environmental problems. doing it with ‘Normals.” I suppose it is of you who have experienced Science has found that no one has a grip on reality. never having to hide who or what you discrimination because of your Our movement is about reclaiming what it is to be are that makes it so much better, a feeling psychiatric label... or who have been made homeless by truly human. of relief. Here, the socialization and that trauma... or who were desperate for some kind of ‘Mad Hatters’ having a Mad Tea Party at a Mad Pride event. inclusion policy is one where we honor our help that you could not find... You have persevered, and Our movement is united with many other movements right to be ourselves. We accept each other and our strange us, we have to conform to the establishment’s definition are contributing to society by helping to change it. for social and environmental change envisioning truly behavior because we are all multi-dimensional time and of us as ‘mentally ill.’ So, we learn, and remember, how One of the reasons MindFreedom is still here after enormous change, a global nonviolent revolution, of the space travelers. Once that is accepted as per- fectly normal, to behave with our psychiatric label firmly pinned to us 25 years, is that we’ve seen allies as equals. Advocates, “beloved community” that Martin Luther King asked then let the wild rumpus commence. as a sign of deficiency. attorneys, family members, psychiatrists, psychologists for. Some may call such a vision crazy. However, we are not worrying about what can happen. We are calling for This year, we decided to share our culture with the Anyway, if we are scaring the establishment so much and just everyday people have all been welcomed into what must happen. Lead on, everyone! good people of Bath, except in Bath most of the people that they try to pretend we don’t exist, then we can be MindFreedom, because we realize that our issue is about you encounter are foreign tourists. But that’s OK. We get pretty sure we are onto something that they really don’t to practice our language skills and they get to experience like. For the anarchists amongst us, that will always the freedom of insanity celebrated. I know many people bring a smile to our faces. Mad Pride Bath continued from page 6 Altogether, it was a fantastic day. We spread the word about Mad Pride and we gathered together, but not as find the idea of Mad Pride offensive, asking what is there So this year we brought Madness to the people. We the vehicle. We raided charity shops for tea pots, cups, service users or the “mentally ill.” In this space, we were to celebrate in mental distress. The answer is that we are invited them to embrace their hidden insanity and join saucers and plates. Then we descended onto the Abbey people who experienced mental extremes and we were all different because of what we have been through, and the Mad Hatters Tea Party. We emailed everyone we Churchyard, Bath. About a dozen of the Mad Hatters sharing our culture with the ‘Normals,’ who appeared to deny that is to deny our identity and our culture. The knew, resulting in emails of support and positive vibes, who turned up dressed for the occasion, and brought to enjoy it. This is what Mad Pride is about in Bath. The Mad Hatters are a creative political group. We honor even from those who couldn’t make it. A lot of people teabags and cakes. We turned on the gas cooker, put the whole event cost us virtually nothing, with the biggest our experiences, our understanding of the world, our can’t get to Bath on a rainy Wednesday, even if they kettle on to boil, and laid the table. expense being batteries for the CD player, a fiver on flyers compassion and tolerance, our comedy, and most of just live up the road, what with paranoia, panic attacks Soon, we were offering tea and cakes to passers- and another fiver on some fabric for the magical mirror. all, our culture. We do not do ‘anti-stigma’ events. We and anxiety, and who wants to sit in the rain and eat by; many sat down and joined us at the table. All the are not asking the ‘Normals’ to accept us as ‘like them soggy cake anyway? BBC radio Somerset and BBC radio booklets about Mad Pride went to interested locals We offered people the opportunity to walk through really.’ We are proclaiming our differences, our right to a Bristol called in the morning for a live interview about and tourists alike. “Happy Mad Pride Day” was said the magical mirror into their own magical wonderland. cultural identity. Mad Pride. How sweet are they, trusting a slightly hundreds of times as we wandered the churchyard Then we tested them for normality, with the use of two Psychiatry and society combine to belittle our identity, manic, multidimen- sional anarchist to talk about Mad sharing cakes and inviting people to sit down. A brief fans, some bells, and three hula hoops. An important to turn us back into Normals. Rather than allow us to Pride. We made and printed 150 little booklets about rainfall did nothing to dampen the spirits, as we had part of any Mad Pride event is props. Never underesti- find common ground in our ways of understanding the Mad Pride. We acquired some baroque minuet music on all brought umbrellas. The scene looked even more mate the usefulness of a completely unexpected prop. world, we are isolated from our peers, so that often our a CD. We borrowed some tables from a local church and surreal as we sat in the rain around a fully laden table When a man with white hair and wearing a suit will do only access to them is through the drop-ins, etc. This gathered all the chairs we could find that would fit in with baroque music playing in the fabulous eighteenth the hula hoop in the city centre and laugh, you know means that if we want to spend time with people like continued on next page century setting of Bath. your culture is one worth sharing and celebrating. PAGE • 6 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 7 The festival associates madness MAD PRIDE CELEBRATES THE UNIVERSAL with fun and families, breaking the MindFreedom 2012 Vision stigma of danger and hospitals. CRAZINESS OF BEING A HUMAN BEING Mad Pride parades and marches MindFreedom International is • We need to allow time have been held in Belgium, Ghana, calling on everyone to “Boycott and find ways to involve your BY MINDFREEDOM INTERNS our minds are unique, emphasizing weighty and challenging. Through Canada, USA, Brazil, Ireland and Normality” with peaceful grassroots leadership. Mad Pride celebrates unique, the diversity. Mad Pride, people are invited to learn more. “creative maladjudstment” • And we need to use 21st eccentric, creatively maladjusted protests from now until 5 May Mad Pride reminds us of the great about these issues in entertaining Toronto, Canada has focused on century web technology so that we individuals. Mad Pride applauds the 2012, when the American cultural contributions that those ways, such as theatre, literature, the theme of celebrating “Psychiatric are our “own media.” diversity, strength, and resilience of poetry, film, music, parades and Psychiatric Association is deemed mad have made in our Survivor” resiliency and pride. They MindFreedom International the human spirit. public rallies. Mad Pride events scheduled to give their blessing world. When you think of madness, have regularly held a week of arts, proposes that Saturday, 5 May combine compassion and hope with to their new label bible, the There is no wrong way to hold remember that Vincent van Gogh, workshops, film, and parades. 2012 is the day we do all these a Mad Pride event; it can take some comic relief. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5. Ernest Hemingway, Emily Dickinson, Gallery Gauchet in Vancouver, things and more. We invite your many forms. Have a party, parade, Frances Farmer, were all non- In the words of John McCarthy, poet Canada has held Mad Pride events What role do peaceful, feedback! celebration, picnic, or a concert. conformists considered to be “mad.” and organizer of Mad Pride Festivals creative, direct action protests using their art gallery to hold art Our movement does not have Create art, theatre, music, or poetry. in Ireland, “There is not enough fun in and street theater play in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exhibits, poetry, speakers, and billions of dollars. But we have Hold peaceful protests or vigils. It is the debate around madness, yet some challenging the mental health repeatedly said he was proud to parties. principles, people and dramatic only limited to your imagination. of the best fun I have had and some of and psychiatric drug industry? be psychologically maladjusted to Independent Living Resources stories. About Mad Pride the funniest people I have met have oppression, and proclaimed that Center in San Francisco has had a The MindFreedom been in psychiatric units.” Madness is To be a success, this needs your Mad Pride emerged at the end “salvation of the world lies in the Mad Pride Mad Hatter competition. International (MFI) board invites a gift that allows us to be creative and leadership. of the 20th Century as a mass hands of the creatively maladjusted.” Contestants make a hat, the madder your input & feedback about this ‘think outside the box.’ Mad Pride movement of psychiatric survivors MLK believed that, through such the better, Using whatever is at proposal: Inspired? Concerned? events allow the public to ‘let their and their allies. Today, Mad Pride maladjustment, “we will be able to their disposal: found objects, 5-5-12: Million Mad March! Curious? We welcome your is an international movement emerge from the bleak and desolate hair down’ and to discover the liberty ideas, suggestions, involvement, recycled objects, buttons, cloth, Every day is a good day for that celebrates the human rights midnight of man’s inhumanity to (and fun!) that comes with dropping brainstorms! paper...the limits only exist in your peaceful activism for human and spectacular culture of people man, into the bright and glittering social norms and busting out of the imagination. The only rule is: HAVE rights and alternatives in the Please contact us with considered different by society. The daybreak of freedom and justice.” ruts of conformity. FUN. mental health system. But let suggestions and input at movement is about taking ownership Examples of Worldwide Mad Pride Why Organize a Mad Pride Event? Mad Pride Vigils have been held us chose one day to coordinate www.MindFreedom.org. of our “madness,” and having pride Events in the Past Decade We need vibrant Mad Pride events around the globe. Vigils honor and united, international, peaceful, Organizing principles in who we are. Bonkers Fest was in England. They to increases awareness, address the bring awareness to those who have simultaneous creative actions. Our diverse actions can include Some groups focus on held a free one-day summer arts and fear and misinformation surrounding suffered and/or died due to the What if we applied lessons art and drama that show the ‘normalizing’ being different and music festival in a park, illuminating psychiatric survivors, and bring failure of the current state of mental from our “mad movement’s” world effective alternatives to eliminating the stigma of mental and celebrating madness, creativity, human rights into the media and the health services. four decades? corporate mental health care. We illness, highlighting that madness is individuality and eccentricity. They forefront of the public’s mind. It’s Crazy Easy To Get Involved! can use ‘mad pride’ theater and something all humans share. Others started with a staged cannon launch • How about we truly unite stories and protests. We can use prefer to rejoice in the ways in which Discussing human rights violations of little plastic bananas! 1. Register your Mad Pride event in cities and towns all over the in the mental health system can be for free via MindFreedom at world for creative activism? web technology like YouTube for The Great Escape Bed Push has been [email protected]. Ask about our own ‘live’ media coverage. held in England, Canada, Germany, MindFreedom’s Mad Pride e-mail list and the USA. In this guerrilla theatre, for planners. a group in costume pushes a bed with a mannequin tied down in four- 2. Write press releases and letters to 25th Anniversary Mad Pride “Brain Balloon” T-shirt point restraint through the streets, the editor of your local newspapers, escaping from the psychiatric system radio and TV stations about Mad Introducing the limited edition to a place of safety and celebration, Pride and your event. Email MFI 25th anniversary T-shirt. raising awareness about the over-use everyone you know, and promote it of forced treatments in mental health on Facebook. Backside proudly displays services and the need for holistic 3. Take photos or make short videos “Mental Health Nonviolent choice based services. and upload them to YouTube, Revolutionary.” Mad Pride Ireland holds festivals, Twitter, and Facebook. Let the Finally, a label that means where they host a fun family day in madness ‘go viral!’ In the twenty- something! The price is $25, of the park with clowns, music, food, first century, you are the media. course! Full color on high quality theatre, face painting and puppets. For more information about MFI’s blue cotton. Order yours today! continued on next page campaign to support Mad Pride see: www.MadMarket.org www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/ Mad Pride Ireland plans annual “Family Fun Days” in the city of Cork. Their events Craziness continued from page 8 focus on everyone in the community, young and old, enjoying themselves. madpride. Ask for a FREE one when you donate $75 or more to MFI’s work! PAGE • 8 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PPAGEAGE •• 9 There are so many people and organizations for MFI to appreciate in this Thanks Scientific MindFreedom Youth are Amazing 25th anniversary year. Here is a chance to thank two groups of professional allies who have officially lent their credibility as academics and providers Advisory Board The youth at MindFreedom are winter and spring. Christy Peirsol and to MFI’s mission. amazing as always. Brandon Chambers volunteered with Originally launched during MFI’s TheMFI Yout Initiative helped the Eagan Warming Center, where MindFreedom Academic Alliance successful hunger strike in 2003, the MindFreedom put on its parade people seek shelter on nights when Scientific Advisory Board is a network of Piers Gooding, a young graduate entree for the Eugene Celebration. temperatures drop below freezing, psychologists, clinicians and doctors who student in Melbourne, Australia It was themed “Mad Hatter,” from and Project Homeless Connect, offer- support MFI’s work. Al Galves, MFI (see photo), interned with MFI, the story Alice and Wonderland, and ing information and support to peo- board member, coordinates it: and helped launch a network of we wore the craziest of hats. We also ple having mental health challenges. David Antonuccio, Ph.D. professors and others in academia had many of the other Wonderland We also worked at the Hosea Professor in the Department of who support MFI’s work. He said, “I creatures there too. shelter for homeless transition- Psychiatry at the University of believe it’s vital for academics who aged youth. This was the most fun. Nevada School of Medicine. We stayed busy throughout the Brandon Chambers is an 18-year- are working to end human rights Chrissy Peirsol said, old advocate and psychiatric survivor abuses in the psychiatric system to Fred Baughman, MD. “It really helped my who lives in Springfield, Oregon. He not only be aware of each others seasonal depression Mary Boyle, Ph.D. began volunteering with MindFreedom work, but also to be engaged directly to still have a reason Lane County when he was 15 years with community-based activists like David Cohen PhD. Professor of to get out of my house old. Brandon says, “I am happy to be MFI.” The current Alliance: Social Work at Florida International and help youth dur- a part of MFI to be able to meet new University in Miami and a practicing ing the hardest part Bill Anthony, Ph.D. Professor, people who want to help create a positive psychotherapist and consultant. of the year for me. I Department of Rehabilitation change in the mental health system.” Sarah Edmonds, Ph.D. guess the youth at the Sciences, Sargent College of Health shelter and I have that flew to Washington DC to accept and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston Albert Galves, Ph.D. Licensed in common.” Chrissy the Prudential Spirit of Community University. psychologist in Colorado, now retired and living in Las Cruces, New Chrissy Peirsol, (right) young adult activist and leader, & Brandon have also Award. The youth of MindFreedom Pamela J. Birrell, Ph.D. Senior Mexico. serves on the board of Mental Health America in Oregon, started up a youth are quite the amazing bunch! Instructor, Psychology Department, a MindFreedom sponsor group. She is posing with Tom and young adult sup- Youth and young adults are en- University of Oregon. Jay Joseph, PsyD. Practicing port group. Piers Gooding Wittick (founder of 1969 group Insane Liberation Front) couraged to get involved in the Bonnie Burstow, PhD. Faculty psychotherapist in Oakland and and Ron Unger (Chair, MindFreedom Lane County) at a Earlier this year, MindFreedom Youth Initiative. member in the Department of Jennifer M. Henke, PhD, Adjunct Hayward, California. Rethink Psychiatry fair in Portland, Oregon. Brandon Chambers Adult Education and Community Professor at the University of Bruce Levine, Ph.D. Clinical Development at Ontario Institute for Oregon, Eugene, Oregon. psychologist in private practice in Global Mental Health Empowerment Handbook Studies in Education at University of Gail Hornstein, Ph.D. Professor Cincinnati, Ohio. Toronto. of Psychology and Education, Mt. Craig Newnes, Ph.D. As western-style mental health care people who can read English. Basic right – to the training and technical Paula Caplan, Ph.D. Research Holyoke University, Mass. is increasingly exported into poor and illustrated material is necessary to assistance that helped to create an Lloyd Ross, Ph.D. New Jersey Associate, DuBois Institute, Harvard Alicia Lucksted, Ph.D. Assistant developing countries, something is help show that there is indeed a social active social change movement in psychologist. University. Professor, Psychiatry, University of often missing from this globalization: change movement, to explain the richer countries. Stuart Shipko, MD. Diplomate of advocacy by and for mental health Pat Deegan, Ph.D. Doctor of Maryland School of Medicine. basic principles of self- determination, MindFreedom is in a unique the American Board of Psychiatry consumers and psychiatric survivors. Clinical Psychology, Duquesne Robert Menzies, Ph.D. Professor empowerment, and voice, and to position to coordinate an effort to and Neurology. He practices general Organizing in a way that is unifying University. of Sociology, University of Toronto. give a glimmer of hope to the local fill this critical knowledge gap. The psychiatry in Pasadena, California. and strategic, is essential in order communities, which are often very international foundation CBM gave Sue Estroff, Ph.D. Professor in Linda Morrison, Ph.D. Assistant Jacqueline Sparks, Ph.D. to effectively engage in advocacy. disempowered. MFI a grant to create such materials. the Department of Social Medicine, Professor, Department of Sociology With the passage of the UN disability There are new leaders who are The idea is to create a handbook to School of Medicine, and research & Anthropology, Oakland University, treaty, it is more important than ever Chapter on Coercion mental health consumers and encourage the emerging voice of professor in the departments of Rochester, Michigan, U.S.A. that training material be available in the Mental Health System psychiatric survivors in poor and people diagnosed with psychiatric Anthropology and Psychiatry, specifically for mental health Michael O’Loughlin, Ph.D. Available for Free developing nations, but they have and other mental disabilities in poor University of North Carolina at consumers and psychiatric survivors Professor at Derner Institute of The World Psychiatric Associa- little tangible information about the and developing countries so they Chapel Hill. in poor and developing countries Advanced Psychological Studies at tion held an international meet- history of change in this field and may be heard more effectively by Tom Greening, B.A., Ph.D. to support the monitoring of the Adelphi, Long Island, New York. ing on psychiatric coercion in their role in that history. These leaders their communities, care providers faculty member at the Saybrook implementation of its principles. Germany in 2007. Leaders edited need to see and hold photographs and Graduate School, Clinical Professor Laurie E. Powers, Ph.D. Associate and policy makers. This voice is a a book on coercion published Our movement has been active in stories by their peers, especially those of Psychology at the University Dean for Research, Director, Regional very first step toward empowered this year. The book is expensive many poorer nations. In each of these in poorer nations. These leaders need of California, Los Angeles, and Research, Institute for Human development. The idea is not just but a chapter by MFI director, nations, there is some organizing a guidebook they can keep and share Distinguished Adjunct Professor at Services, Professor of Social Work, to be heard but to be our own voice is offered as a free sample, at activity but a lack of even the most with others. These potential leaders Pepperdine University’s Graduate Portland State University. and develop our own programs and www.mindfreedom.org/coercion basic training material, even for in poorer countries have a need – a activities. School of Education and Psychology. Affiliations listed for identification only. PAGE • 10 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PPAGEAGE •• 11 MindFreedom International Delagates Visit MindFreedom Ghana Poetic Justice • The Resilience in Madness A MindFreedom International delegation led by MFI Board President Cecia Brown was able to visit and train with MindFreedom Ghana in April, 2011, thanks to a grant from Open Society Institute’s Disability Rights Initiative. by Bonnie Schell, MFI Poetry Editor MariJo Moore is an essayist, poet, novelist, collage artist, Submissions to [email protected] and Native American business woman in the mountains People who struggle with threatening environments, of western North Carolina, specializing in Indigenous thoughts, and psychiatric labels frequently find inner strength. enterprises and mediation. The two poets on this page speak to that “mad” resiliency. In “Confessions of Madwoman,” she makes a Corinna West, a spoken-word poet, the first certified Peer distinction between acting crazy and being a resilient Specialist in Missouri, and founder of Compassionate Ear, a madwoman: warm-line, describes being able to handle whatever comes her I come from a long line of madwomen way: and of this, I am proud. The courage to pull this all together, to face the fright, There is a difference in madness and craziness: wander through a night of purple stars, Craziness causes one to twirl and twirl Pull panic like a brick to build a place until a great breath sucks her spirit right inside the mind of pain, … home leaving her mind and body to laugh on their own. I can take my unreality because I’m stronger Madness allows the mind and body to function through all the misdirections. while the spirit dances to the heartbeat of the stars. Corinna calls advocates and activists to: I come from a long line of madwomen and of this, I am proud. A shot after meeting with Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Health, Spit those cant’s, shouldn’t, “forget about its” out with Women who folded their shame Hon. Rojo Mettle-Nunoo, in his office to discuss peer support the bones into the gathers of their pride for persons with mental disabilities and the Mental Health Bill. …learn new ways to persevere, Cultural dancing at one of MindFreedom Ghana’s public wrapped them both around their ankles Left to right: Dan Taylor, Celia Brown, the Dep. Minister, to build consensus to concur, outreach activities. Thank you MindFreedom Ghana for and continued to dance, letting everyone Amanorbea Dodoo, David Oaks, and Nii Lartey Addico. That to demur might be to prefer, sharing this wonderful picture! that it’s not weak to keep the peace, know they were not afraid to dance It’s a waste to be a martyr so the try harder, backward if it meant survival. try harder has to become work smarter, go farther…. I come from a long line of madwomen and of this, I am proud. In “Taking Back the Dreams” she writes: I found a tiny hope of a baby dream that I could recover, And worked at it like a prisoner digging a mile through stone…. I marched my psychotic paranoid perplexed poignant self right back into my future.

Doris (middle) is an electroshock survivor. She had her electroshock at Accra Psychiatric Hospital. She said, “I was told there would be no problem, but by the fifth electroshock I knew it was harmful, and had it stopped.” Behind her are key leaders from Mental Health Society of Ghana.

MindFreedom Ghana street theatre: while a group of mental health doctors enjoy their dinner, a psychiatric The MFI delegation met with one of the psychiatrists at Accra patient sits on the ground, in shackles. Psychiatric Hospital. While he was very friendly and said he was very open to change, they noticed his dry erase board had Some of the participants in the MindFeedom International the names of about a dozen psychiatric drugs! While MFI is for “Amplify” workshop about how the general cross-disability choice, the MFI delegation was told throughout the tour that movement can support allies in the mental health consumer/user almost all inmates, with only a few exceptions, were adminis- and psychiatric survivor movement. Three members of the board of directors of MindFreedom Ghana tered psychiatric drugs, sometimes unwillingly. PAGE • 12 www.mindfreedom.orgwww.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 13 Amplifying the Voice of Mental Health Clients We Need Affiliates for the ‘Revolution!’ BY KRISTA ERICKSON • Leaders and emerging leaders in the cross-disability with the formation of these grassroots BY FRANCK BLANKENSHIP MFI’s Amplify Workshop helps disability and mental movement. MindFreedom affiliates. When health consumer/psychiatric survivor communities • Individuals who self-identify as mental health Perhaps you’ve been wondering local and regional affiliates grow, create change together. consumers or psychiatric survivors. what more you, as an individual, MindFreedom International grows can do to support the cause of and gains in strength with them. We Statistically, mental health consumers and psychiatric The workshop covers topics such as: MindFreedom International. If you survivors make up the largest portion of people with have had affiliates start up recently • History of the disability and mental health believe in the mission and the goals disabilities. The disability rights movement, however, has in such diverse places as Minnesota, consumer/ psychiatric survivor communities organizing of MindFreedom International, as often struggled to include people labeled with psychiatric Texas, England and Japan. One of together. drawn up by its board of directors disabilities. We share many issues in common -- access them, MindFreedom Twin Cities, and as laid out on its website, one to housing, employment opportunities, transportation, • Community Organizing 101, including the basics of recently had nine people attend its of the best and easiest ways to show among others. In addition, we have some issues more coalition building. first meeting. I call that a very good support is to start a MindFreedom unique to people who use or have survived the mental beginning. If you can’t find eight • Conflict resolution and mediating differences affiliate in whatever area of the world health system, such as freedom from forced treatment. other local MindFreedom members between beliefs. you reside. MindFreedom affiliates Working more closely together would benefit both readily, no problem. Every little bit • Building independence through fundraising for your allow us to bring the revolution movements. helps, and so—way to go, folks! You coalition work. in mental health home. As a local are helping to extend MindFreedom’s Based on successes organizing in Oregon and inspired • Uniting to educate the public using town forums and affiliate, your group can be at the presence to places previously by the work of leaders in the disability rights movement educational events. forefront of the call for change in the unfamiliar with our revolution such as Judi Chamberlin, Justin Dart and Rae Unzicker mental health system in your own in mental health, and that is very (all of whom bridged this distance) MindFreedom began Outcomes of the workshop include: locality and community. important. to offer a workshop called Amplifying the Voice of Mental • Train key staff and participants of cross-disability We strive to make the process of Health Clients: How Disability and Mental Health Consumer/ Should you have any doubts as to groups, such as centers for independent living, about starting an affiliate as easy as possible. Psychiatric Survivor Communities Can Create Change the potential for the development cultural competency for inclusion of people with mental There’s nothing to it, really. About Together. of these affiliates, just look to the disabilities. the only requirement we have is for recent accomplishments we have seen The workshop is based on MindFreedom’s work • Identify, empower, and support new and emerging you to notify the MindFreedom office from some of the more established using a model in Lane County, Oregon proving how the leaders in both communities, especially youth. of your desire to start an affiliate. MindFreedom affiliates. For an cross-disability and mental health consumer psychiatric The person doing so would then Frank Blankenship is Chair of MindFree- • Broaden mental health consumer voice, inclusion, example, look at MindFreedom survivor communities can successfully unite together to become the contact person for his or dom Affiliate Support Committee. leadership, and participation among allied groups and Ireland’s 2009 Annual Report, as break down barriers, locate and unite allies, and educate her local affiliate. We usually name agencies in the mental health and disability fields. published on the MindFreedom the public. Workshops can be customized for specific our affiliates after localities, and so website. Another example is in the formation and building of Handouts needed to replicate this workshop elsewhere situations but are generally intended for: naming is no problem. For example, MindFreedom Lane County, who MindFreedom affiliates are helping. will be provided upon completion. • Individual participants in groups and/or staff of if you start an affiliate and live in got the City of Eugene to pass a Keep up the good work, and we agencies that support, serve, or advocate for individuals For more information or to schedule a workshop, Toledo, Ohio, you could then call resolution stating a commitment to are bound to see MindFreedom with disabilities. please contact the MindFreedom office. your affiliate MindFreedom Toledo. human rights, self-determination, International score even more The contact person can request a and choice in mental health. Look successes in its struggle for human Rethinking Psychiatry Mental Health Justice Fair MindFreedom “alias” email address, also to the participation of various rights and social justice for people and will be listed on the Sponsor & MindFreedom affiliate groups in the affected by the psychiatric system in On 13 and 14 May 2011, a gathering was held in Portland, Oregon called “Rethinking Psychiatry” featuring author Affiliate lists on the MindFreedom many Mad Pride celebrations taking times ahead. and journalist Robert Whitaker, as well as 40 workshops calling for deep change in the mental health system. International website. places around the world. MindFreedom is developing new The power and influence of Our revolution is advancing, resources for affiliates, such as exhibit MindFreedom International increases and those of you who are involved materials, teleconferences, email lists, and Facebook pages. Stay tuned!

MindFreedom Radio Talk Show MFI is looking for stories, photos, poetry, and artwork Join us for our FREE radio talk show! Calls, questions, comments, all from persons affected by are welcome! Listen, call in live, or check out the archive later. the mental health system. A wide variety of guests are interviewed, with plenty of opportunities We welcome submissions for your live comments and questions. Some of the guests have included from psychiatric survivors, authors Bruce Levine, Paula Caplan, Linda Andre. Electroshock survivor consumers, and loved ones. Kicking off Rethink Psychiatry were, Left to right: Robert Ray Sandford is a frequent visitor. To get invoved contact Whitaker (author of Anatomy of an Epidemic), Terry Danielson Here are the other three panelists at opening night, Friday, It’s free for anyone around the world! During the talk show you can [email protected] or (mom of psychiatric survivors, and an event organizers ), Saty- 13 May 2011: Laura Van Tosh and Brandon Chambers call, email, Skype, or participate in a live online chat. call 541-345-9106. anarayana Chandragiri, M.D. (psychiatrist at Oregon State (psychiatric survivors), and Gina Nikkel (on board of directors For more information, visit MFI’s website: www.mindfreedom.org/radio Hospital, President of Oregon Psychiatric Association). of Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care). PAGE • 14 www.MindFreedom.org www.MindFreedom.org PAGE • 15 “I am a member of MFI because the organization fights for my rights more effectively than groups with funding from big pharma. My family and I stopped supporting those groups, and have been MFI fans ever since.” - Levi Chambers, a sociology student, organizer, and psychiatric survivor working toward mental health justice in Olympia, Washington Books, DVD’s and many more products, are available from www.MadMarket.org If you are not on the web, phone to order: 1-877-MAD-PRIDe or 1-541-345-9106

Anatomy of an Epidemic By Robert Whitaker In this astonishing book, award-winning science and history writer Robert Whitaker investigates a medical mystery: Why has the number of people considered disabled with mentally health problems in the USA tripled over the past two decades? Every day, 1,100 persons are added to government disability rolls because they have become newly disabled by mental illness, with this epidemic spreading most rapidly among our nation’s children. The book concludes by recommending MFI’s approach to activism. Doctors of Deception By Linda Andre An investigation into the true story behind electroshock, Doctors of Deception exposes a long history of industry propaganda and the obstruction of studies into the safety of this controversial treatment. Coming off Psychiatric Drugs By Peter Lehman (Ed.) This helpful book is all about successfully quitting psychiatric drugs. It is mainly for people on psychiatric drugs but also addresses their relatives. Learn what works from 28 people who have direct experience with the challenge of “coming off” psychiatric drugs. Additionally, eight professionals, working in psychotherapy, medicine, psychiatry, social work, natural healing and even in a Runaway House, report on how they have helped in the withdrawal process. 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