Meet Bob! See more of this incredible class!
Part 3 is coming soon. I'll probably sneak in an intermission, too.
This series is a total blast to produce, btw. I'll be sad when it's over...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Certified Peer Specialist Training - Part One
I was fortunate last week to not only attend the CPS Training, but to film it. I've wanted to do this for ages but since it's never been filmed, I assumed it wasn't allowed. But all the participants agreed to be filmed, and I got so much footage that this is turning into a mini-documentary!
So many of you have heard about this training from me mentioning it here and there, but I don't think I ever went into any details about it. When I took the training in 2003, it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. There is a certain type of transformation that occurs during the training -- from believing yourself to be a hopeless mental patient, dependent on the system forever, and having no concept of "recovery," to believing something surprisingly different. This training enlightens you and fosters hope and specific tools to not only help yourself but to help others who are still trapped in the old mindsets. It's like a de-programming process that occurs, and your thinking changes forever.
This video covers the 2nd day of training where the participants were instructed to discuss ways that the system keeps people stuck. Many people have never allowed themselves a discussion like this, but as soon as they realized they were not alone in what they felt, they began to loosen up.
Beth was my teacher back in 2003, and this was her last training. It's sad to see her go. Bob Patterson is the new Project Director, and this training was his first. It's a "passing the torch" training and I am so honored to have been a part of it!
Please stayed tuned for Part 2!
So many of you have heard about this training from me mentioning it here and there, but I don't think I ever went into any details about it. When I took the training in 2003, it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. There is a certain type of transformation that occurs during the training -- from believing yourself to be a hopeless mental patient, dependent on the system forever, and having no concept of "recovery," to believing something surprisingly different. This training enlightens you and fosters hope and specific tools to not only help yourself but to help others who are still trapped in the old mindsets. It's like a de-programming process that occurs, and your thinking changes forever.
This video covers the 2nd day of training where the participants were instructed to discuss ways that the system keeps people stuck. Many people have never allowed themselves a discussion like this, but as soon as they realized they were not alone in what they felt, they began to loosen up.
Beth was my teacher back in 2003, and this was her last training. It's sad to see her go. Bob Patterson is the new Project Director, and this training was his first. It's a "passing the torch" training and I am so honored to have been a part of it!
Please stayed tuned for Part 2!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Drugging of Our Children
I debated about whether to post this video or not because it is 1hr and 43min long. But because it is so incredibly powerful and informative, I decided it was worth it if even one child is helped by its showing. The video is a full-length, professional documentary, and it describes absolutely everything I have wanted to say for so long but could only say it here and there with small clips and articles. It sums everything up for me and hopefully for anyone else who watches it. Nothing more needs to be said on this subject. Turn off your TVs this evening (unless American Idol is on, lol) and watch this video instead. It is definitely worth your time.
Speaking of American Idol, CAN YOU BELIEVE SUNDANCE HEAD DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE FINAL TWELVE??? I nearly fainted when I saw him leave! He SHOULD have been in the top five at the very least. What an insult to his incredible talent! What an insult to the whole show and its obviously faulty voting system! It reminded me of the shocking night when Jennifer Hudson was voted off after her kick-ass performance the night before. Or when Chris Daughtry was voted off last season. He should have won it all! Well, well, well -- Chris Daughtry AND Jennifer Hudson are now basking in success without the help of American Idol -- and I hope Sundance does the same! Meanwhile, please get rid of that kid (Senjayah?) who should never have made it to Hollywood to begin with! What were Simon, Randy, and Paula thinking? Why are teenage girls with too much voting time on their hands running the show now? Why am I such an addict?
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Patient pleads: please stop my shock treatment
If you can get past the sound blips, this is a video worth watching. It breaks my heart to see this. No one deserves to be forced into ECT. Please!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Let Me Live
I went to Milledgeville, GA the other day with a friend, and we visited the cemetary at Central State Hospital. It is an inspiring place to visit because of the memorial that honors all the nameless patients who died there. I first learned about this memorial in 2003 when I took the Certified Peer Specialist training. If you've read my recovery story, you might remember that my training was held at this state hospital, and the thought of it made me call and cancel my training. I didn't think I could handle being anywhere near a state hospital for two weeks, even though I wasn't a patient. But I went, and it turned out to be one of the most inspiring times of my life -- largely because of this memorial. I hope you enjoy the video..
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
TeenScreen is dangerous
Click the picture for the full article and video.
This is why TeenScreen is so dangerous. I don't see anything wrong with suicide prevention programs for teenagers, and I believe it could save lives if the mental health system utilized compassion rather than punishment and drugs toward people who feel suicidal. But even if the mental health system were competent, TeenScreen, from the very beginning, has not been used responsibly. That is just one reason why TeenScreen should be thrown out altogether.
Numerous school boards have already voted against it for their schools, and I hope others follow suit. The petition against TeenScreen has reached 19,792 signatures so far. If you'd like learn more about it and sign the petition, click here
I hope all of you are doing well. I'll post more about what's going on in my life soon. It's all good!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Mentally Ill Inmate Dies Alone
60 Minutes ran a shocking story on Sunday and posted the video online. You can access it by clicking the picture. I have never seen anything like this on TV before, and it falls in line with my recent posts about how people with mental illness are treated every day. This is how we've always been treated, and thanks to technology, the word is finally getting out to the general public. Reports like this cannot be ignored any longer.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
We Made it to the Exhibit
Beth and I made finally it to the exhibit titled "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death" on Saturday. Hmmmm... pretty intense - and extreme. Videos were blaring constantly in every corner of the large room. I thought I was "anti-psychiatry," but after seeing that display, I guess I am a bit more balanced. It reminded me of a tabloid news segment by Geraldo Rivera in the 90's. Very dramatic and sensationalized. It wasn't the message itself, but the presentation. Talk about in your face!
The message needs to be heard, though. I remember when I was 15 years old, my family and I watched "Roots" together. I had never been taught a thing about black history, and the series was shocking and eye-opening. The impact of that movie stayed with me for life. Back then, black history was not taught in schools. I never learned about the Holocaust in school, either. The history of psychiatry should be taught, at the very least, to college students, especially those who are entering any helping profession.
People need to know the history of psychiatry. So many of the attitudes and practices are still being used today. People are dying every day from psychiatric abuse. I just saw 60 Minutes where a 21 year old guy who was diagnosed with a mental illness died in prison (the new asylums) at the hands of the prison guards. They restrained him for hours on end -- as punishment -- and he finally died of dehydration right before their eyes. It was all caught on video. Some of the cameras were shot by the guards themselves. Other footage was caught on the surveillance cameras. It was absolutely horrendous. It made me sick.
Deaths happen all the time in mental hospitals but the public doesn't hear about most of them because they are routinely swept under the rug. And the history of psychiatry is also swept under the rug because it supposedly doesn't happen anymore. The truth is, it's happening right before our eyes. Nowadays we have the internet, and we have cameras practically everywhere. Please, please educate yourselves! Learn about what is really going on. The information is just sitting there, waiting for you to find it - and to care. You don't have to go through CCHR (Scientology) to learn about it either. The internet is right at your fingertips. If books are more your speed, I highly recommend "Mad in America" by Robert Whitaker. That was the most profound and informative book I have ever read.
All I can do is my part. And you're reading it.
The message needs to be heard, though. I remember when I was 15 years old, my family and I watched "Roots" together. I had never been taught a thing about black history, and the series was shocking and eye-opening. The impact of that movie stayed with me for life. Back then, black history was not taught in schools. I never learned about the Holocaust in school, either. The history of psychiatry should be taught, at the very least, to college students, especially those who are entering any helping profession.
People need to know the history of psychiatry. So many of the attitudes and practices are still being used today. People are dying every day from psychiatric abuse. I just saw 60 Minutes where a 21 year old guy who was diagnosed with a mental illness died in prison (the new asylums) at the hands of the prison guards. They restrained him for hours on end -- as punishment -- and he finally died of dehydration right before their eyes. It was all caught on video. Some of the cameras were shot by the guards themselves. Other footage was caught on the surveillance cameras. It was absolutely horrendous. It made me sick.
Deaths happen all the time in mental hospitals but the public doesn't hear about most of them because they are routinely swept under the rug. And the history of psychiatry is also swept under the rug because it supposedly doesn't happen anymore. The truth is, it's happening right before our eyes. Nowadays we have the internet, and we have cameras practically everywhere. Please, please educate yourselves! Learn about what is really going on. The information is just sitting there, waiting for you to find it - and to care. You don't have to go through CCHR (Scientology) to learn about it either. The internet is right at your fingertips. If books are more your speed, I highly recommend "Mad in America" by Robert Whitaker. That was the most profound and informative book I have ever read.
All I can do is my part. And you're reading it.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Scientologists? Nope!
Beth and I decided to catch the anti-psychiatry exhibit displayed at the Woodruff Arts Center. It was held by CCHR (Citizen's Commission on Human Rights) which is a front group for Scientology. Neither of us are Scientologists but both of us are interested in anything outside of mainstream psychiatry. This exhibit was called "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death." Scientologists aren't the only group that exposes the abuses that occur within the mental health system, but they are among the few that actually do something like show exhibits for the general public to see. I wish more groups would take such an active role. Just because a person questions the ethics and history of psychiatry does not make them a Scientologist! It makes them an informed and educated citizen. I'm not saying that everything CCHR says is true, but they sure do put a spin on certain aspects that I know are true. The average person has no idea that psychiatrists used to market torture devices used for "treatment' of the mentally ill. Most people don't realize that Thorazine was marketed as the "new lobotomy" and that lobotomies were halted because of Thorazine and other anti-psychotic drugs. Why spend time and money on surgery when a simple pill can do the same thing? Because of this ongoing ignorance, now kids are being prescribed anti-psychotic drugs every day. Do we really want a society of zombies? That's where we're headed. It's time to wake up!
BTW, we never got to see the exhibit. We tried, though! See the video...
Sunday, January 28, 2007
In My Language - a person with autism speaks out.
This is the description for the video: "The first part is in my "native language," and then the second part provides a translation, or at least an explanation. This is not a look-at-the-autie gawking freakshow as much as it is a statement about what gets considered thought, intelligence, personhood, language, and communication, and what does not."
This is the description for the video: "The first part is in my "native language," and then the second part provides a translation, or at least an explanation. This is not a look-at-the-autie gawking freakshow as much as it is a statement about what gets considered thought, intelligence, personhood, language, and communication, and what does not."
Friday, January 19, 2007
Paula Abdul drunk (video banned from YouTube)
| Okay, I am not one to make fun of someone, but today is an exception because Paula, in my opinion, deserves it. If you watched American Idol Wednesday night, you saw a side to Paula that made the show reach an all-time low. I saw the most horrendous bashing of people, not only for their lack of talent, but for their physical appearances and other superficial quirks that had nothing to do with singing. I've grown to expect that from Simon, but even he was worse than his usual pompous self. Paula called one guy "awesome" (right after Simon said he looked like a bush baby), but as soon as he left the room, she broke into laughter and openly made fun of him right along with everyone else. Paula, dear, what is up with you? Here is my little way of giving Paula a taste of her own medicine. Go ahead and laugh. I did :o) | |
Monday, January 15, 2007
When Doves Fly
This is just a cute little video from the footage I had left on my camera. The doves are settled in with each other, and it looks like they are most comfortable with their fighting. At least no one gets hurt! I do keep an eye on them, though. I honestly think, at this point, they would miss each other if they were separated. Angel is far less demanding of my attention now that he has Rozee to pester. And Rozee is happy to be out of the cage for most of the day. He didn't have that before. In the video, you can see them swoop around the other's territory. It's like one is saying "Bring it on!" and the other one always complies. They are incredible to just watch. I use them for meditation.
I hope all of you are off to a good start in 2007. It's been quiet in my world, and I am simply enjoying the peace. Ahhhhh... the simple life...
I hope all of you are off to a good start in 2007. It's been quiet in my world, and I am simply enjoying the peace. Ahhhhh... the simple life...
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Expect a Miracle in 2007
Why should you expect a miracle in 2007? Because here's one right now. I found some video footage of my baby dove, Miracle, who died last year. This is the reason why I film everything I see. The song I used is my favorite song of all time. I only used a couple lines in this short video, but they are my favorite lines of all time! There's something about Freddie Mercury's voice that makes me melt into my seat.
2007 is the year of miracles. It is the year of NINE. Triple three's! In September we will have three sets of triple three's - on September 9, September 18, and September 27. Each of these dates are 9 9 9. Very powerful! Expect miracles. Expect changes. You will be surprised...
I am starting off this year with miracles. I never thought it was possible for me to move out of government housing. But when I look around, everything has been replaced by beauty, tranquility, and abundance. I can't believe how peaceful it is here. No one is knocking on my door all day, every day. I can sleep in, it's so quiet. Even inside my apartment is sheer beauty. I am so blessed to have these two white doves, Angel and Rozee. They are getting along well, now, although they are not buddies who do things together. They have established their territories, dividing the living room into half. Each bird challenges the other to win over the other's territory at least once a day. They have their quiet times, too. It's amazing to just sit and watch how they communicate with each other, which they are doing all the time It's so crystal clear, and they are incredibly predictable. They have established their own daily routines.
People often ask me why I like birds so much. It's simple. They can fly! I have these wonderful symbols of freedom within my reach every day, reminding me of my own freedom, if I choose it.
I haven't made any New Year's resolutions, except to stay open to receive all the miracles that I know are coming my way. I hope you'll do the same.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
2007 is the year of miracles. It is the year of NINE. Triple three's! In September we will have three sets of triple three's - on September 9, September 18, and September 27. Each of these dates are 9 9 9. Very powerful! Expect miracles. Expect changes. You will be surprised...
I am starting off this year with miracles. I never thought it was possible for me to move out of government housing. But when I look around, everything has been replaced by beauty, tranquility, and abundance. I can't believe how peaceful it is here. No one is knocking on my door all day, every day. I can sleep in, it's so quiet. Even inside my apartment is sheer beauty. I am so blessed to have these two white doves, Angel and Rozee. They are getting along well, now, although they are not buddies who do things together. They have established their territories, dividing the living room into half. Each bird challenges the other to win over the other's territory at least once a day. They have their quiet times, too. It's amazing to just sit and watch how they communicate with each other, which they are doing all the time It's so crystal clear, and they are incredibly predictable. They have established their own daily routines.
People often ask me why I like birds so much. It's simple. They can fly! I have these wonderful symbols of freedom within my reach every day, reminding me of my own freedom, if I choose it.
I haven't made any New Year's resolutions, except to stay open to receive all the miracles that I know are coming my way. I hope you'll do the same.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Heather Martin - When Are You Coming Home?
This 6-year old is missing her brother who is in Iraq this Christmas. Grab a tissue before watching.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
My New Apartment! YES!
I finally got some clips together to make a video of my new place. They are mostly shots of the grounds, but there are few indoor shots as well. I skipped the kitchen and the bathroom because if you saw the video "I Want it All" then you saw a kitchen and bathroom identical to mine.
I took these video clips while walking to get the mail. I just love the feel of this place. It's so serene. I feel like I am at a resort or something. It's very, VERY different from where I came from. I am so glad to be out of that high-rise. I DO deserve better -- and now I have it. Life is good!!!
This morning it occurred to me that I moved on November 29. If you are into numerology, you know it was 11/11. No wonder why it went so smoothly! I didn't choose that date on purpose, either. The only 11/11 I paid attention to was November 11th. And now we are heading into the year of 9, probably the most powerful of all the numbers. Three 3s! If you're not into numerology, then you probably think I'm crazy. Well, guess what -- you're right!
I'll be going to my sister's for Christmas. Both her boys will be there this year. Hopefully I can talk them into making videos! I hope everyone has a great holiday. I'm sure the celebrating will begin Friday at 5:00pm and end on Tuesday morning. Ya think? Have fun!!!
I took these video clips while walking to get the mail. I just love the feel of this place. It's so serene. I feel like I am at a resort or something. It's very, VERY different from where I came from. I am so glad to be out of that high-rise. I DO deserve better -- and now I have it. Life is good!!!
This morning it occurred to me that I moved on November 29. If you are into numerology, you know it was 11/11. No wonder why it went so smoothly! I didn't choose that date on purpose, either. The only 11/11 I paid attention to was November 11th. And now we are heading into the year of 9, probably the most powerful of all the numbers. Three 3s! If you're not into numerology, then you probably think I'm crazy. Well, guess what -- you're right!
I'll be going to my sister's for Christmas. Both her boys will be there this year. Hopefully I can talk them into making videos! I hope everyone has a great holiday. I'm sure the celebrating will begin Friday at 5:00pm and end on Tuesday morning. Ya think? Have fun!!!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Two turtle doves and a cockatiel named Cinnamon
Karla came to visit the other day and she brought her white dove, Rosie, and her baby cockatiel, Cinnamon. Karla's mother told her she had to find a new home for Rosie, so guess who volunteered to take her? I can't turn away a homeless dove. It's against my nature! So this video shows Rosie's introduction to Angel. Even though they have female names, they are both male doves. (Don't ask me how that happened). Anyway, male doves must establish domination, and they do this by climbing on top of the other and holding down wings. This means they are dominant, at least for that moment. Lots of dove fighting in this video. Some pretty candid words from Karla, too, about men in general.
I plan to make a video of my new apartment, but I wanted to be more settled in first. You can see some of it in this video. I just love my new place! It's so clean and new and plush! The grounds are gorgeous, too. I could be video taping the grounds right now, but I have been incredibly busy unpacking and hanging pictures and all the stuff you do when you move. I have to admit, I'm loving the whole process. I am so OUT of government housing! I still can't believe it!!!
Angel had no problem whatsoever adjusting to her new home. She settled in immediately, and you can tell by the picture how content she is here.
Beware, this video may offend some viewers.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Moving Day!!!
I'm all moved into my new apartment! I'm tripping over boxes and rearranging furniture and making this place my own. There's so much to do! I just now got internet access -- I've been without a phone or internet for 5 whole days! I'm still without cable - or even an antennae! I feel like I've been at a retreat of sorts. That's what this place reminds me of. There are pathways and water falls and picnic areas. There's even a clubhouse with a bar and a gazebo with two large swinging benches! I keep discovering new things every day. Well, what else can you do (besides unpack boxes) when you don't have anything else to do? Oh I've missed the internet! But I'm BACK!!!! I haven't even checked my email yet. I wanted to put this video up first. So many people have shown interest. I'm simply amazed at the quality of friends I have. I am one lucky girl!
Buy the time we began moving in to my new place, my camera battery died, and I had no energy left to retrieve my spare battery. But I'll have plenty of opportunities to film this place. Meanwhile, this video is of friends and family moving me out of government housing once and for all!!!! (Yes, I helped. I sure didn't shoot videos the whole time!)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thanksgiving in four and a half minutes
A typical Thanksgiving at my sister's house. BTW, I'm moving today!!! More later...
Friday, November 17, 2006
I did it!!!
Today I read my recovery story downtown at the Department of Human Resources (DHR). A videographer filmed it all, and he'll be making recordings available to everyone at DHR! I should be getting a copy, too (or else I will raise hell).
This was such an empowering experience, and I got a GREAT response! One man asked how long it took me to write my story, and he told me it he thought it was incredible. One or two of the governor's advisors were there, and a bunch of program directors. They were all so positive!
I just couldn't believe all these bureaucrats sat and listened to recovery stories all day long and got something out of each one. They seemed truly interested!
I've always been terrified of public speaking for fear of my mind going blank and the notes not helping. But I learned today that it is TOTALLY OKAY to read your speech word-for-word rather than use notes as guidelines. Last night I read my story to Angel a few times (lol) and then I pulled it out right before speaking. I will never turn down a speaking engagement again. It felt natural and effortless.
In college I flunked speech and dropped out of school altogether because the final speech overwhelmed me to the point of hospitalization.
Kinda ironic.
The positive responses posted on this blog and in private email tipped the scales for me going. If I made any difference whatsoever today, so did you. That's what I call the "ripple effect."
This was such an empowering experience, and I got a GREAT response! One man asked how long it took me to write my story, and he told me it he thought it was incredible. One or two of the governor's advisors were there, and a bunch of program directors. They were all so positive!
I just couldn't believe all these bureaucrats sat and listened to recovery stories all day long and got something out of each one. They seemed truly interested!
I've always been terrified of public speaking for fear of my mind going blank and the notes not helping. But I learned today that it is TOTALLY OKAY to read your speech word-for-word rather than use notes as guidelines. Last night I read my story to Angel a few times (lol) and then I pulled it out right before speaking. I will never turn down a speaking engagement again. It felt natural and effortless.
In college I flunked speech and dropped out of school altogether because the final speech overwhelmed me to the point of hospitalization.
Kinda ironic.
The positive responses posted on this blog and in private email tipped the scales for me going. If I made any difference whatsoever today, so did you. That's what I call the "ripple effect."
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