USA News
Paula J. Caplan and the “DSM 9” call upon the APA to stop the harm of psychiatric diagnosis
Paula J. Caplan, dissident psychologist and human rights activist, is working with a group of psychiatric survivors and allies to officially call upon the American Psychiatric Association [APA] to stop the harm that often results from psychiatric diagnosis.
ACTION – USA Senate Fails to Pass Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The USA Senate has failed to ratify this important global disability treaty, created in the United Nations with advice from hundreds of advocates, including a MindFreedom International team. Let your senator know how you feel about their votes!
VICTORY: Forced Electroshock of Glen K. in a New York Psychiatric Institution Halted!
Within 48 hours of the launch of a MindFreedom Alert Campaign, the Attorney General for New York announced that Glen K. will receive no more forced electroshock under his court order. Rockland Psychiatric Center was giving involuntary electroshock over and against Glen’s expressed wishes. Despite his psychiatrist’s pessimistic predictions, Glen K. did well without the forced electroshock and has been discharged to a community facility. You can read the updates and then the original alert here. [Update 4]
Celia Brown & Jacki McKinney Speak at MindFreedom Lane County Event
You can watch video from a speaking engagement at MindFreedom Lane County by two African American psychiatric survivor leaders.
Success – Creative Revolution: Mobilizing Our Healing Resources
PHILADELPHIA, Thurs., 1 Nov. 2012: MFI held this successful special event to help participants learn about, discuss and build connections and resources for alternatives to and within the mental health system. [updated 4 Nov 2012]
Ask the USA Senate to Ratify the CRPD: Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
{Updated August 30, 2012] An historic global disability treaty created in the United Nations with advice from hundreds of advocates, including a MindFreedom International team, now awaits in the USA for ratification. Please ask the USA Senate to pass this important global agreement.
Electroshock Survivor Leads Successful Protest Near Portland, Oregon
Here is a report and photos from a successful grassroots protest. Deborah Schwartzkopff is a survivor of multiple electroshocks (electroconvulsive therapy or ECT) in Oregon private psychiatric institutions. She single-handedly called for a peaceful protest on Wednesday, 27 June 2012, in front of her shock facility, 12 miles south of Portland in Clackamas, Oregon. MindFreedom helped sponsor the protest. (Updated 6 July 2012.)
Take MindFreedom Survey on Hope in Mental Health Care
You are invited to take the new “Survey on Hope in Mental Health.” Contribute your experiences to the “I Got Better” campaign to promote knowledge of resilience in mental well being.
One-Woman Protest at Central Vermont Medical Center
Last week, MindFreedom International member Jeannie showed up at a talk by Bob Whitaker to put a human face on the suffering in the mental health system that he writes and talk about. It all went fine until the Medical Center staff got angry about her being there.
MFI Free Web Radio: Susan Rogers & Frank Blankenship on Protesting American Psychiatric Association
Why protest the American Psychiatric Association (APA)? Psychiatric rights activists Susan Rogers (photo on right) and Frank Blankenship reported about the protest in Philadelphia of the APA Annual Meeting. “Why – or why not – protest the APA?” Host: Celia Brown.
Christina Walko Alleges Forced Outpatient Psychiatric Drugging in Pennsylvania
This MindFreedom International member, Christina Walko of Pennsylvania, is being forced to take many psychiatric drugs on an outpatient basis, even though she is living peacefully in the community. She says, “People do not heal when they are bullied or forced!” Her hearing is this Friday, 27 January 2012. Please take action.
Why get labeled? Describe yourself in the People’s DSM!
Here’s a peaceful revolutionary response to psychiatry’s label bible, the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual” (DSM). MindFreedom Portland has launched a “People’s DSM” where you can describe yourself!
End of Rotenberg Painful Shocks Ordered for New Admissions
Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Massachusetts used thousands upon thousands of electrical jolts to induce pain in young people diagnosed with mental disabilities. Disability Rights International (DRI) targeted Rotenberg with an investigation last year. In a major victory, DRI announces that JRC has been ordered to end their shocks for “new admissions.”
Nebraska Couple Issue Human Rights Alert about Mental Health Abuse
Rose and Bill West are MindFreedom members in Nebraska. They have issued a public alert about the years of psychiatric abuse they say Bill has experienced. MFI Member Cindi Fisher prepared this alert.
Moms Celebrate and Thank MFI Members for Their Support!
The M.O.M.S. Movement – a sponsor group of MindFreedom International – issued an urgent alert: Two mothers need your support now for their adult children in the psychiatric system.
Victory Against Painful Shocks: Rotenberg Director Resigns After Indictment
Rotenberg Center in Massachusetts has used thousands upon thousands of electrical jolts to induce pain in young people diagnosed with mental disabilities. Disability Rights International (DRI) targeted Rotenberg with an investigation last year, and now there’s a victory: After an indictment, Matthew Israel who is Rotenberg founder and director, has resigned.
“Rethink Psychiatry” Was Topic Latest MindFreedom Mad Pride Live Free Radio Show
Hear the excitement as we broadcast from the “Rethinking Psychiatry” grassroots mental health justice fair held recently, 14 May 2011, in Portland, Oregon. Hear the latest news, interview participants at the conference, and take your calls.
Chris Busche, 29, forcibly drugged, kept isolated from advocate
Essex County Hospital Center in New Jersey is holding Chris Busche against his will, forcing him to take powerful psychiatric drugs, and refusing to allow an advocate to speak with staff. Chris has activated his MindFreedom Shield. [Update 12 March 2011]
Ron Unger: Latest News on Brain Tissue Shrinkage from Antipsychotic Drugs
Ron Unger, chair of MindFreedom Lane County affiliate, is a full time mental health counselor, who has raised concerns about the way the neuroleptic or “antipsychotic” psychiatric drugs have been linked to shrinkage of brain tissue.
Opinion: Mental health advocate Ed Knight calls for investigating SAMHSA, including employee Risa Fox
A long-time advocate in mental health, Ed Knight, is calling for an investigation of the way a US federal agency has been controlling mental health consumer and psychiatric survivor activity. Ed specifically is concerned about the role of Risa Fox, a Public Health Advisor who often oversees mental health consumer grants for the huge federal mental health organization SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Systems Administration. [Update 29 Oct. 2010]
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