Update 6/27/2022 Independence Day is in a few days, but where is independence for David Italiano and thousands of other people who are institutionalized against their will? For those of you who are new, you can find more information about the Shield HERE or read up on all of the direct actions taken to find…
On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, our friends at PA ADAPT demanded Pennsylvania lawmakers find find and free David Italiano, a disabled person who was disappeared by his guardian for two years. They risked arrest to demand a meeting with Secretary Torres who heads the Department of Aging in PA to ask what are you going…
See our latest update 6/28/2022: Still no independence for David Italiano. Update 6/12/2022: Our allies at Pennsylvania ADAPT and Roads to Freedom recently held a major demonstration this past Wednesday, June 8, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. A recording of a livestream from one activist is available on Facebook here. Update from 18 May 2022: Update…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: Strength in any human rights movement is usually measured by people power — this can be witnessed both in the courts and on the streets. Protests against psychiatric oppression have taken place around the world. Worldwide electroshock rallies organized by MindFreedom Ireland call to abolish…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: To fight the misinformation that persists in our society, psychiatric survivors have mounted a campaign to educate the public. Whitaker’s book “Mad in America” has been highly influential in reaching the public. Whitaker’s following grew into MadInAmerica.com, which publishes blogs and news articles about science,…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: Many psychiatric survivors arrive at the conclusion they want to change the system but aren’t sure where to begin. Mental health activism comes in many forms and can be overwhelming at first. There are many ways to get started in the movement. Guidelines exist, but…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: Many groups have led social change movements around the world, but most people have not heard of community organizing and activism led by survivors of human rights violations committed by the mental health system. People who have experienced mental health challenges are often quiet about…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: Peer support involves having people with lived experience provide services. Having peers in a support role allows them to model what is possible after one goes through extreme emotional distress. Peer support is mutually beneficial. According to the “helper therapy” principle described by social psychologist…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: Psychiatric drugs are controversial. Some people take the drugs and find a benefit, some people take the drugs and are harmed, and some people avoid them altogether. Medical journalist and author Bob Whitaker has uncovered a deception in psychiatry’s claim of scientific progress. It sounds…
Watch the rest of the Voices for Choices series NARRATION: In an effort to reduce the harmful experiences occurring in psychiatric hospitals, compassionate alternatives are being created around the world. For people who need a respite from their lives, it’s important to ask, “What would you want that to look like?” One form of crisis…