Blogs on changing the mental health system, human rights and alternatives

Here are links to just some of the blogs related to changing the mental health system, including topics of human rights and alternatives in psychiatry. Disclaimer: "Blogs" or "Web Logs" usually contain individual perspectives that may be extremely controversial. Views of the blog owners are theirs and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MindFreedom International. Listing a blog here does not imply endorsement of all or some of the content. Some viewpoints expressed may be offensive to readers.

Alison Hymes in Virginia by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-10-08 10:55

Alison Hymes describes herself as a "Token" Member of the Commitment Taskforce of the Chief Justice's Commission on Mental Health Law Reform, Virginia.

Anti-Psychiatry Web Log by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-11-24 18:43

Livejournal provides web space for a number of communities, in this case one calling itself "Antipsychiatry." It's entries are like a blog, along with other resources. This is from their self-description: "This is a community for people who are opposed to the practice and theory of psychiatry. It is a place for people to post information about patient's rights, the dangers of psychiatric drugs, personal experiences, questions, and thoughts. Please stay on-topic, and please do not join or post if you are just going to laud the 'benefits' of psychiatry. There are plenty of communities for that already."

Bipolar Blast Blog by Mark T — last modified 2007-07-21 14:08

From the blogger: "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1985 at age 19. I was medicated off and on from 1985 to 1988 and then medicated in 1992 to the present after having the daylights scared out of me by what I now see as ignorant doctors. About three years ago I started questioning the heavy drugging of my symptoms as well as the diagnosis itself. I began the slow and difficult process of withdrawing from my psych meds. I hope to share with the readers of this blog this journey as it continues. This journey includes my ultimate disillusionment of psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry."

Blogs on changing the mental health system, human rights and alternatives by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-04-30 13:34

Here are links to just some of the blogs related to changing the mental health system, including topics of human rights and alternatives in psychiatry. Disclaimer: "Blogs" or "Web Logs" usually contain individual perspectives that may be extremely controversial. Views of the blog owners are theirs and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MindFreedom International. Listing a blog here does not imply endorsement of all or some of the content. Some viewpoints expressed may be offensive to readers.

Bruce E. Levine -- dissident psychologist -- blogs via Huffington. by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-11-24 18:10

Bruce E. Levine, PhD has been a practicing psychologist for decades, and he's a dissident. Perhaps it's that Bruce was raised working class, but he connects the dots between social change and societal despair. Bruce has several books in the MindFreedom MADMARKET. Bruce blogs via Arianna Huffington's site.

Canadian Mindscape Monitor by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-09-12 10:18

Canadian journalist Rob Wipond of Canada has a blog that he describes as, "Monitoring and critical analysis of current events, media coverage and scientific research surrounding 'mental health' issues in Canada and globally."

Coalition Against Psychiatric Assault in Toronto, Canada by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-05-14 18:09

From the blog: CAPA is an organization - a coalition of people - committed to dismantling the psychiatric system and building a better world through strategic activism. We see the very concept of mental illness as flawed. We object to incarceration, electroshock, and the vast array of brain-damaging drugs. We oppose the violation of human rights which is endemic to psychiatry. Currently, CAPA members are working on developing strategies and actions aimed at curtailing the use of psychiatric drugs and electroshock.

Colin Eadie: A Life by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-07-26 12:08

This entry, the blogger says , "refers to psychiatry and mental health, and problems that were encountered in the past 50 years, immortality, and acts and miracles performed by myself."

CounterPsych Blog Talkspot by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-11-02 13:04

CounterPsych's motto is "Blazing Bright New Trails of Understanding, Hope and Collective Change." The blogger identifies as "a former aid who was employed to work one to one with ‘clients’ inside a psychiatric hospital, through a health care agency," as well as an individual who has experienced the psychiatric system and recovered after diagnosis of "psychosis."

Different Thoughts by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-02-09 16:39

This blog is in English though it originates in Denmark. From a quote by Jack Kerouac on the blog, "Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble makers., The round pegs in square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status, quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve, them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is, ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire."

Discover and Recover: Resources for Mental Wellness by David W. Oaks — last modified 2009-01-05 22:42

Blog author Duane Sherry, M.S., CRC says, "I’ve come to believe in the human spirit, and the strength that comes from learning how to tap into its source. When we do so, we open ourselves to new levels of hope and inspiration, and endless possibilities to experience the fullness of life." Duane received a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services Administration from the University of North Texas, and has professional experience as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Duane says, "It has been with humility that I have witnessed the courage of many people who have faced enormous obstacles - and seen their spirits in action. These individuals serve as examples for each of us - to face our challenges head-on, and do our best to rise above them - to focus on our gifts and talents, and use them to do extraordinary things."

DJBarney by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2008-06-05 12:05

This blog is authored by MindFreedom member Barney Holmes, who describes it as a "blog that fits the treatment of emotional issues into the wider context. My blog will not always dwell on those health system subjects, but I will examine them when I can as my life was almost taken because of them. I support change, and dignity for patients in the wider context of the big changes that we see happening at the beginning of the 21st Century."

Furious Seasons by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-09-14 11:19

Furious Seasons is authored by a journalist/patient Philip Dawdy who was diganosed with bipolar disorder and who seeks to hold the mental health industry accountable. The author is opposed to outpatient commitment and forced electroshock treatments.

Gábor Gombos in India by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2008-08-28 16:59

Long-time psychiatric survivor and human rights activist Gåbor Gombos of Hungary has gone to spend the last half of 2008 in India working with the MindFreedom sponsor group Bapu Trust coordinated by Bhargavari Davar. This blog is about Gåbor's experience. He writes, "I am very much looking forward to spending 6 months starting on 1st June in India where I shall work together with Bapu Trust on Research of the Mind and Discourse. I want to share my impressions, thoughts, experiences on mental health, disability rights while in India."

IS SOMETHING NOT QUITE RIGHT WITH STAN by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2008-11-17 11:32

"Bipolar is mood disorder that has affected many others and my life in the most profound of ways! Through my experience within the constraints of these highs and lows of the expressed roller coaster life. The reflection of emotional rainbow colors twisted into both failures and successes. I live by a sheer gift of grace and hope as I come here to share my journey, articles, humor, and more."

Lunar Roses blog covers man allegedly in psychiatric solitary confinement 15 years. by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-08-04 14:34

The blog LunaRose published an alert about how a Virginia psychiatric institution has allegedly kept an individual alone in solitary for more than 15 years.

MindFreedom Blog by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-04-29 11:08

This web site also maintains a blog for MFI activities.

MindFreedom member holding 100 day vigil in front of psychiatric facility. by David W. Oaks — last modified 2009-06-30 17:49

MindFreedom member Godly Mathew is vigiling at least one hour each and every day, in front of a psychiatric facility where he said he was abused, Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. At this posting, Godly is half way through doing this for his pledged 100 days. He intends to end in mid-August 2009. Here is his announcement for his blog, as well as an excerpt.

Naturalgal’s Weblog by David W. Oaks — last modified 2009-05-05 14:24

The motto is, "A journey away from medication and into healthy eating to stay sane." The blogger describes her effort, in this excerpt from 'About': "After years of suffering from depression, I went to the medical doctors for help. I was told I had a biochemical imbalance. Since my family is in the medical field. I believed the doctors could help me. But with the medication, I only got worse. ... A few years ago I decided I would use nutrition, supplements and other methods of self-affirmation to help myself. This blog will include updates on my eating, supplements and psychological efforts to help myself."

Patient Anonymous by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-04-06 17:06

This Canadian blogger with diagnoses such as "ADD" and "bipolar" states that the blog covers "all things psych and neuro and medicine medicine."

Rayne's World by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2008-11-26 15:04

"This blog is my voice, uncensored. I am an advocate for people who have been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, and I am a survivor of the mental health system. I also have Multiple Sclerosis, which I treat with diet, exercise, supplements and lots of hope. It is phenomenol what hope can do when you have it."

Ron Unger's blog on recovery from what is called "schizophrenic" and "psychotic" by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-04-01 12:07

Ron Unger is a full-time therapist in Eugene, Oregon and Coordinator of MindFreedom Lane County. From Ron's blog description: According to what has been called the medical model, people who have been diagnosed with “schizophrenia” and with “psychosis” in general, have a brain disease or chemical imbalance... While the medical model can easily be criticized for lacking evidence, a perhaps more important criticism of it is that it lacks any model for how people recover! If people have a brain disease today, how could they go on to have highly successful lives later? And why is it that most of those who are doing best have all long ago quit their “medical” treatment, psychiatric drugs?

Soulful Sepulcher by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2008-12-02 11:31

'I am on a journey. Take a walk with me. Life is short. So stand tall. "Always go too far, because that's where you'll find the truth."~Camus'

Transforming Health by Jeremy Bensman — last modified 2008-11-04 14:29

"Self-Help for Health -- Inspiring articles about natural healing, affirmations, and yoga by Yoga Therapist Anita Perkins help you transform your physical and mental health, one day at a time."

United Terran Mind Odyssey by David W. Oaks — last modified 2007-04-30 09:41

From the blogger: The purpose and mission of this organization is to unite advocates for the human rights of the mentally ill worldwide, and provide a cyberspace venue to discuss issues pertinent to our cause. We support and affirm freedom of choice in treatment (medication or no medication), and that choice can be made by the individual being treated. We affirm the right of the mentally ill to be treated with dignity and respect. The blog moderator is a member of MindFreedom, International, Medfree yahoo group, schizophrenia.org, and this blog is intended to dovetail their efforts and goals. It is a goal of this organization to establish in the future a "PSYCHIATRIC ABUSE WATCHGROUP AND HOTLINE", that will enable anyone concerned with or experiencing abuse or coercion in the mental health treatment system to receive emergency assistance and representation.

Where Psychology Meets Physics -- A "semi-blog" by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-07-26 12:09

Psychologist Diane Kern describes this as a "semi-blog." Diane Writes, "'Where Psychology Meets Physics' is a book in progress. Readers will be introduced to new conceptions of consciousness. Cognitive science and quantum physicists have taken psychology 'where no man fears to go'. Quantum processes are imbedded within everything in the material world and that means neuronal activity my friends. Profound implications follow from this work; parents, educators, 'therapists' and philosophers, take note. The semi-blog format permits multi-leveled exploration of the work.

Will Brady's Ruminations by Mark T — last modified 2007-03-25 14:13

Will Brady's blog places the names with the faces of Eli Lilly's top executives, and then attempts to answer the question, "Who are they?" According to Brady, Lilly's corporate suites are stocked with managers who have close ties to officals in high places, and who have "knowingly hid information about very real dangers and long-term adverse reactions to Zyprexa..."

Writhe Safely by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-04-09 09:10

From the blogger's 'about us': "I spent 10 years in commercial alt-rock radio before settling in Austin TX where I live on psych disability and legislative tracking when the patriarchs are in session. I’ve been a burden on the welfare state since the day I was born, have been assigned numerous psychiatric labels, and take the safety net very seriously. I’ve been self-publishing my exceptional life history since 1989. This portal leads to my online archive. I am Robin in the leather boots." My no-count husband, Major Depression, is the leading cause of disability in the United States. The black dog pounces and I wallow in squalor, when dogs run free, I try to, as they say, put it out there.

Zyprexa Saga: "My $1,000,000 compensation claim against Eli Lilly" by Mark T — last modified 2007-03-20 12:54

Daniel Haszard was prescribed Zyprexa from 1996 until 2000. In early 2000, he had a medical test called "A1C" with a result of 13.9. Normal is 4-6. He has no history of diabetes in his family. His website documents his efforts to seek recovery and compensation from the Eli Lilly drug company for causing diabetes.