Alternatives to the Traditional Mental Health System

Consumer-Driven Resources by margit — last modified 2008-01-16 13:25

 

Non-Drug Alternatives for Label of Schizophrenia by margit — last modified 2008-01-16 13:25

 

Mental health system due for radical reform by David W. Oaks — last modified 2006-11-04 09:56

A guest column by dissdent mental health worker and MindFreedom Lane County activist Ron Unger says that a range of real choices in mental health care is crucial for for recovery.

Truama model as alternative by David W. Oaks — last modified 2006-11-12 22:13

Viewing emotional distress through a trauma perspective can be one alternative to the domination of the medical model.

ecopsychology by David W. Oaks — last modified 2006-12-04 18:45

Alternatives to the traditional mental health system that involve nature and the environment.

yoga-for-depression by David W. Oaks — last modified 2006-12-28 19:33

An MFI member said, "Here is the site I mentioned to you. I have book 'Yoga For Depression' which has been EXTREMELY helpful to me these past months. I checked out her website which is chock full of interesting stuff. Also check out her newsletter esp. one on teens & the dangers of antidepresents."

Easy access to acupuncture, Freedom Center in Northampton offers free treatments by officevolunteer — last modified 2008-01-16 13:25

Freedom Center is a sponsor group in MindFreedom International. This newspaper article is about how Freedom Center, which is run by and for psychiatric survivors, offers acupuncture as an alternative to the traditional mental health system.

Alternative Healing: How to navigate the psychiatric system if you're caught, and how to present yourself as "normal." by David W. Oaks — last modified 2006-11-04 10:11

An anonymous psychologist wrote this article about how to avoid and escape psychiatric oppression if you find yourself caught up in it. Calling himself "Dr. Deceptively 'Normal,'" this mental health professional is a longtime MindFreedom member who has worked at psychiatric institutions and in mental health settings for years. His opinions are his own. (Pictured here: "Tranquilizer Chair" designed by Benjamin Rush who is widely considered "Father of American Psychiatry.")

Positive Psychology is Getting a Tryout at McLean Hospital by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-01-15 09:17

The major psychiatric institution McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, a Harvard teaching facility, announced it is introducing "positive psychology" as an alternative approach to assist in mental and emotional well being recovery.

Recovery and Mental Health by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-02-23 18:25

Full and complete recovery -- meaning re-integration into society without dependence on the mental health system, is an achievable goal for every known problem labeled as a "psychiatric disorder."

Consumer-Driven Services - International by Mark T — last modified 2007-03-20 22:12

International consumer-driven resources

"Inspiration for a Creative Revolution" by Janet Foner by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-08-01 16:23

Janet Foner, board member of MindFreedom International and Chair of Choices in Mental Health Committee, presented this speech on Thursday evening, 12 July 2007, at the MindFreedom International Conference: Creative Revolution: Turning Our Minds Around near Litchfield, Connecticut, USA.

Nutritional and Orthomolecular by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-08-09 21:04

This is a folder about alternatives to the conventional mental health system that involve supplements, vitamins, nutrients, orthomolecular approaches, herbs., etc.

peer support by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-08-21 07:38

Peer mutual support is now proven through studies to, in many circumstances, add to the likelihood of recovery following a diagnosis with some mental health problems.

Hearing Voices by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-09-14 13:07

There are a range of alternatives that individuals have successfully used to address the problem of experiencing extremely distressing voices, thoughts, visions, etc. that others do not experience. While some individuals choose a medical model approach, such as psychiatric drugs, many others have reached recovery or manage their challenges with a wide variety of options and choices. For example, the peer support network Hearing Voices USA is a sponsor group of MindFreedom International. There are many Hearing Voices peer support groups in Europe.

Alternative Medicine Resources by Mark T — last modified 2007-09-23 18:44

Links to websites providing alternative medicine resources

Review: "Alternatives Beyond Psychiatry" reviewed by Mary Maddock by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-10-18 11:21

Mary Maddock of Cork, Ireland reviews the new book "Alternatives Beyond Psychiatry" co-edited by Peter Lehmann and Peter Stastny. Mary is co-founder of MindFreedom Ireland.

BBC News: "More funds for talking therapies" by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2007-10-30 15:09

The English government will spend millions more on "talking treatments" for depression and anxiety.

Finland Open Dialogue by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-12-19 18:37

A Finnish alternative to the traditional mental health system for people diagnosed with "psychoses" such as "schizophrenia" is "Open Dialogue." This approach aims to support the individual's network of family and friends, as well as respect the decision-making of the individual.

Bruce Levine's New England Book Tour (New England, from 2008-03-22 00:00 to 2008-03-30 00:00) — by Jeremy Bensman

A New Englnad tour to promote Bruce Levine's new book: "Surviving America's Depression Epidemic: How to Find Morale, Energy, and Community in a World Gone Crazy"

Link to info on Chinese herbal psychiatry by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-05-28 19:58

Here is a link to a simple "pharmacopoeia" of traditional Chinese medicine herbal blends for mental heath diagnoses from depression to psychosis.

Brainstorm of our favorite alternatives from Opal Meeting in Lane County, Oregon, USA by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-10-24 16:54

Psychiatric survivor and vet Hugh Massengill addressed the sixth meeting of the Opal Network in Eugene, Oregon on 29 July 2008 about moving from madness to mental wellness. The Opal Network brings together advocates for empowerment of people in mental health system in Lane County. Moderators Bjo Ashwill and Tom Wilson led a brainstorm about our favorite methods to reach and maintain mental and emotional well being. Here is a draft based on notes by David Oaks.

A New Group for People Who Hear Voices Celebrates Mental Illness Diversity by David W. Oaks — last modified 2009-07-04 00:10

A weekly newspaper in Portland, Oregon covers "mad pride" alternative medicine, and profiles MindFreedom member Will Hall.

Mental health: Out of the cuckoo's nest by David W. Oaks — last modified 2009-11-20 17:54

UK Guardian is one of the most influential English-speaking newspaper in the world. They ran an article about psychiatrist and psychiatric survivor Dan Fisher, and his work for more empowering alternatives in the mental health system such as peer support.

Therapy Without Force: A Treatment Model for Severe Psychiatric Problems by Matthew Morrissey — last modified 2010-02-01 18:48

This paper offers real-world examples of how therapists can avoid resorting to coercive interventions while attempting to respectfully help those in severe distress. (Author is responsible for content.)