Eugene Gendlin was a student of Carl Rogers and probably the single most important influence in the development of what we now call “somatic” or body-oriented therapies (Reich of course as well as others but I’m talking about the contemporary form body oriented therapies take). As the trauma discussion gets more and more medical and… Continue Reading →
Beyond Meds is the single most valuable source for both firsthand and research information about coming off psychiatric drugs. It’s my top referral for people looking for information on the Internet.
A corrupt world is built brick by brick by individual acts of shame and silence. Can we break the silence that protects misconduct even while it means being exposed ourselves? Psychiatry and the mental health system are failing, but they are also just sets of human relationships, relationships we are also part of. …
Outside Mental Health: Voices and Visions of Madness reveals the human side of mental illness. In this remarkable collection of interviews and essays, therapist, Madness Radio host, and schizophrenia survivor Will Hall asks, “What does it mean to be called crazy in a crazy world?” …
Originally posted on Malingering Normal:
Awhile back I posted on emergent tensions in identity politics and self-positioning within the ‘mad movement(s).’ Of course, this issue also affects folks caught up in self definition, psychiatric labeling, and treatment who might not even be aware of a ‘thing’ being referred to as a ‘mad movement.’ A key…
“It’s time for a new understanding of suicidal feelings. Is it really best to force someone into the hospital when they are suicidal? Do suicidal feelings plus “risk factors” really mean professionals can predict whether someone might try to kill themselves? And are suicidal feelings the symptom of a treatable illness that should include medication prescription?” includes video from Make Me Normal … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Will Hall is a nationally recognized mental health advocate, counselor, and speaker. He is also the author of the “Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs,” a 52-page pamphlet containing valuable information on reducing and ultimately ending the use of psychiatric medication. Host Shannon Eliot catches up with him at the recent WRAP Around the World Conference in Oakland to chat about about mental health stigma, the controversy around psychiatric medication, suicidal feelings, and how society defines normality. … [click on title for the rest of the post]
My Grand Rounds talk at OHSU Department of Psychiatry was both video archived on their website, as well as live broadcast to several remote sites, including Oregon State Hospital. Much of the presentation followed my APA talk last October, compressed into an impossibly short timeframe made even shorter by a late start. With one or two exceptions, the crowd filling the lecture room was very welcoming and positive; it was an overall inspiring experience for me to see so much openness to change. A special thank you to Dr. Neil Falk, who helped out when OHSU asked that I have a doctor as sponsor for my talk. … [click on title for the rest of the post]
How can anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and other drugs be used wisely? What are the risks and benefits? How can we collaborate effectively with prescribers, and what about reducing and discontinuing medications? Come learn a pragmatic harm reduction approach that is neither pro- nor anti- medication, but instead based in mental diversity. Everyone is welcome: professionals, survivors, students, family, and anyone taking or not taking medications.
I’m very happy to share the news that Will has been honored for his fine work. Will Hall often contributes and edits Beyond Meds too. He is a close friend and I know very well just how much he deserves this award. These words written by his friend and fellow activist, Oryx Cohen, were read by the presenter when he was given the award:
Everything Matters 