Letters from Sufferers & Relatives
Letters to Dr Maureen Roberts [Shared with
Permission]
As Martin Luther King said, 'Injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' An important facet of my work
is to do my best to be a voice for those who - because they have been
disempowered by being labelled as either 'mentally ill' or mental health
'consumers' - find it hard to be heard, or taken seriously. I can only be
a voice for these voices, however, by respectfully allowing these folk to
speak for themselves.
Far more than squabbles between rival
'expert' camps, coldly statistical reports, drug company propaganda, or
Government 'mental health reform' rhetoric, the heroic, often tragic,
always heart-warming tales which many folk share with me dramatize, earth
and humanize what the urgent need for 'mental health reform' comes down to
in the end: real people, real pain, widespread injustice, understandable
fears, fragile hopes, urgent needs. I feel privileged to be the recipient
of these sometimes anguished people's trust and personal stories and am
constantly inspired by their courage, passion, wisdom, honesty, love - and
good ole common sense. I hope these letters will inspire you to add your
voice to mine, my supportive colleagues', and theirs.
[Most of the letters are edited to preserve
anonymity, since the writers are often afraid for themselves, or for
relatives, or patients who are unwillingly in the hands of the Mental
Health System. I have also italicised key comments which might help the
reader understand the experience of psychosis - as an acute spiritual
crisis - from the inside.]
My name is Matthew Daly from Ireland. I
belong to an advocacy group seeking reform in psychiatry. I am also a
recently qualified psychotherapist, dealing mainly with addiction. My wife
Eileen is in hospital and is being treated for 'neuroleptic malignant
syndrome', resulting from use of the antipsychotic drugs mellerill and
largactill. She was diagnosed years ago with manic depressive psychosis.
She speaks a lot about childhood sexual and physical abuse, especially
before she becomes ill. The psychiatrists don't take any notice, of
course. I hope we can keep in contact.
Yours sincerely
Matthew Daly
I came across the "Schizophrenia Depth
Psychotherapy Helpline" page on the internet, and for perhaps the first
time, I feel I have found some information that resonates with what I have
always personally believed concerning schizophrenia.
I am 27 years old, the only child of a
single mother. My mother has experienced symptoms of schizophrenia
(specifically hearing voices) since I was 13 years old (around 1986). I
have never really sought help in treating her illness, but instead have
allowed other members of my family to make most of the decisions. I've
generally felt helpless, and so I have simply remained as supportive and
unbiased as possible. I have been torn between wanting to urge my mother
to take medication, and simply empathizing with her own feelings (denying
that the medication works). I have always felt somewhat suspicious of
traditional clinical treatment of mental illnesses like these. I feel that
your approach is exactly what I have been looking for, and I hope that you
can find the time to read my story and hopefully point me in the right
direction to find help in my area.
My mother's symptoms originally began
around 1986 after she made the very difficult decision to have an abortion
of a down syndrome baby. Due to her strong religious (Catholic) beliefs,
the experience was extremely traumatic for her, triggering intense guilt,
and leading to the experience of hearing voices. Since that time, she has
grown more and more intensely religious, obviously as a way to try to come
to terms with her guilt. She believes that God, various saints, and her
unborn daughter all communicate with her in the form of voices. Her
religious devotion culminated when, just over 3 years ago, she decided to
join a bizarre sect of Christianity. She believes that her experience with
this sect caused serious harm to her soul, and she complains that (the
leader invades her spirit on a daily basis. This often causes her to stay
up all night, sometimes screaming to try to get the leader out of her.
She often talks with me about what she is
being 'told' by God. If you can recommend any respected Jungian/Depth
psychotherapists in Southern California who share your practices and
methods, I would be more than grateful.
Thank you very much for listening. Best
regards and holiday wishes,
Seth Horvitz Irvine, CA 92714
I am a Lifeline counsellor and I volunteer
to work all night and daily shifts. My favourite callers are schizophrenic
folk. They are such talented human beings who wish only to talk and feel
'normal'. Many of the callers I receive talk of the difficult choice they
wish to make - going off medication. To address their fears and anxieties,
they only need someone to talk to and support what they feel is right for
them, rather than put up with droll, prescribing, non-supportive visits to
a psychiatrist. I thought I would let you know that I understand your
passion for securing a service that undoubtably will be a godsend to all
those sufferers who feel lost and have nowhere to turn. My callers are so
thankful for the 'visualisations' (within Lifeline's code of ethics) that
they can put to practical use with their own situations. I love talking to
them.
Regards Ken Abrahams
To a mainstream psychiatric practitioner:
After a productive seven-year struggle to
heal from dissociative personality disorder (following 12 fruitless years
of therapy and medication), I am in the process of integrating my final
known sub-personality through a combination of meditation, shamanic
journeying and psychospiritual work, without medication.
Much as I respect your work, I must express
my experience that if I allow myself to identify with your approach, it
simply places me back in my old helpless and victim-like mindset. Your
efforts to debunk the "myth" that the soul cannot be freed from the babble
of inner voices without drugs, simply do not mesh with my experience.
There are other alternatives. Recently I
sent you information put out by Dr Maureen Roberts, an Australian
psychotherapist using Jungian and shamanic techniques to cure
schizophrenia. Please take the time to look at these resources, and to
consider that perhaps the deep desire of those saddled with these
disorders to heal from the inside out, rather than by ingesting chemicals,
might possibly be their own body/mind wisdom. It is indeed possible.
Sincerely
Philomena Hoopes
Dear Maureen
I visit Anna De Jonge regularly and was so thrilled to read the
information she gave me about your Centre. This is what we desperately
need in NZ. I have spoken to people whose main problem is not having a
venue and appropriate support for coming off medication.
I have known of Loren Mosher, Peter Breggin, Abram Hoffer etc. and all the
other "greats" for years through my internet probing and have boxes of
information. My son (39) has been pumped with drugs for nearly 15 years
now and is only just alive. He was a mild-mannered kind, loving and very
spiritual person who has lost two wives, a house, job and friends. He has
wanted to die on and off for years and has made several attempts. His
family and friends are anguished by the whole thing.
I have tried the orthomolecular approach through Dr Chris Reading and his
representative here, Heather White, but he ended up in hospital again
after 6 months because of lack of support when the going got tough (there
was only me), so back to square one. He is flatting (unsuccessfully) and
still on four drugs.
I dream of having somewhere to take him and others, but there is nowhere
in NZ. I would love to pack up my son and come over to your Centre, but
it would be more sensible to be involved in starting something up here.
Anna agrees that what is needed is backing, premises and professional
support, all difficult to come by. What would it take in practical terms,
Maureen? I have tons of motivation but don't know what to do with it? I
have had years of trying to negotiate with psychiatrists re treatment and
have toyed with the idea of chaining myself at the steps of Parliament in
frustration to make them listen (but I am only a typist and mother).
I would love to know how things are progressing for you. I do admire
what you are doing. There is such a great an urgent need out there.
Kind regards
Grace Simpson
Hamilton, NZ
Dr Roberts
It is so refreshing to come across your
website. It's refreshing to read what you have written, simply because
I believe I've had spiritual awakenings and have gone through a spiritual
growth process, during what others would consider to be schizophrenic
episodes. I also believe that I can hear other people's thoughts
sometimes, but I don't share this with others for fear they'll think I'm
mad. I'm merely psychic, that's all.
I am tempted to stay off of the
antipsychotic medication. Do you have any suggestions about whom I might
speak to concerning your shamanic approach?
Mary D'Aiuto
I was doing a search on biologics and
schizophrenia and your site came up. I am upset and excited and hopeful.
My son, who seemed to be depressed for about 16 months starting at the age
of 19, had an acute psychotic episode, where he went manic and thought
God was talking to him and telling him to convert the world. He was
kissing everyone and saying I love you and it was a gift from God. He was
hospitalized and given risperdol. He is still there, having had one more
episode where he thought God was telling him to hurt himself and so he
punched himself in the nose and bit his lip. They upped his drug to a
hefty dose. He came home last weekend and walked like a drug addict and I
could tell his vision was blurred. He is lucid again and says he ignores
his voices and doesn't hear them very often. He is a very religious boy,
as we are a devout Catholic family who have always gone to church and said
prayers together. He was very involved in World Youth Day 2000 and went to
Rome. He drew a picture of Jesus and a rainbow and they think he is still
delusional and want me to keep him away from religious things and church.
He is much better since they gave him cogentin to manage the side effects
of the drug, but they won't leave him home until this "religious stuff"
stops. I cannot stand the thought of him having these drugs for life. Is
there anything I can do for him in Canada? Please help.
Do you have any reliable contacts,
therapists, support, in Brisbane? What happens to the patient who is
regulated and running from the Police because he is TERRIFIED of the
forced injection side effects if he is caught - which makes him live on
the streets and is face becoming psychotic just from the fear of the
Doctor, the drugs, the whole system? Forced to sleep in refuges every
night for the rest of his life unless someone catches him and takes him
back to "the Unit"? The only answer he can see is suicide. Who can he see
who could help him without "dobbing him in"? This system stinks. He is
now a criminal, wanted by the very people who are supposed to help him,
unable to tolerate even a TINY dose of their medication. Even I do not
know where he is right now. Can you offer any help, please? Am so glad I
stumbled across your website. Thank you.
Thank you for accepting my call without
notice and making yourself available for a generous period of time. How
refreshing and reassuring to know I am indeed "not alone" but on the
contrary, very much in trusted company through my journey. I have always
known with total certainty that whatever I need will come to me. How and
when is not so relevant; the fact that it does reinforces my deep belief
in a universal whole.
I will make plans to be at the conference in Adelaide in August, and look
forward to receiving the brochures to distribute. Close to two years ago,
I reclaimed by birth names - being the first names of both my grandmothers
- both healers. They're not just pretty names which I had a nostalgic
impulse to re-establish; both names are linked in to my ancestors -
incredibly gifted women who were born way before their time and left their
mark by their deep capacity to give and heal.
I cannot imagine sitting in time and space waiting to die. I, too, was
born at this time to do what my grandmothers before me did, to heal and
comfort by recognising the uniqueness of each individual soul. It's been
a long journey and I am enjoying the return home. Bless you, Maureen.
Thank you for caring for our youth, for my child and for all the children
who are waiting to blossom into adulthood.
I have always been a seeker and have
explored many different spiritual paths. During the last ten years I have
struggled to come to terms with my identity, and I have searched through
many different paradigms to find that 'golden fleece'.
On my journey I studied psychology at university and completed my degree
with some difficulty, for as I progressed I began to realise that many of
the ideas that were being promulgated did not sit well with me. I read the
work of Szasz, Laing, Jung and Breggin and found solace in their
teachings, but in the mainstream of these disciplines such people are
often viewed with scepticism. During this time I struggled to survive at
times, but I did and in the past few years I have worked as an employment
consultant. I resisted traditional psychiatric medication but instead
treated myself with nutrition, exercise, meditation, counselling and sheer
determination and through the application of these processes I recovered.
In the last twelve months I have been working for an agency which focuses
on providing employment placement, vocational guidance and support to
people with mental health problems.
In this role I have enjoyed my work, but have frequently felt frustrated
when confronted with the rigid pedagogy of the psychiatric mainstream. I
have for some time been searching the internet for alternative approaches
and have found many sites in the USA which have given me hope. But it was
only just today that I found your site and was absolutely relieved to
have finally found someone in this country pursuing a path that I believe
in. Your site is excellent and I must commend you on the superb quality of
the information contained within.
I have reached a point now in my life where I feel that I can no longer be
part of a system that is so dehumanising. For although I love the work I
do, and feel that work is crucial to recovery, I also feel constrained by
the fact that virtually all my clients are on medication and are under
the supervision of psychiatrists who are enamoured with the 'medical
model' and all its baggage.
I would describe myself as an artist, musician and spiritual seeker who
yearns for a better way. I am determined to see that more people are freed
from the tyranny of psychiatric oppression. I will establish a centre
here, but I will need to gather assistance and advice. Any advice that you
would have on this subject would be absolutely invaluable. I am sure that
you would have much to teach me and would relish the opportunity to learn
from you. Furthermore, I would love to come to Adelaide to meet you and to
see if we might collaborate on this project.
Once again thank you so much for bringing a
glimmer of hope and for sharing your time with me today.
To the members of the Tribunal Panel:
My son's medical report further
substantiates my well researched claim that Schizophrenia is not a
biological/organic illness such as Alzheimers, MS, Parkinsons. The
neurological tests conducted on James such as CT scan, ECG, CXR and MRI
confirm the above. When Dr T has isolated a schizoid gene from my son's
genome, then and only then can he refer to him as Schizophrenic.
Psychiatrists, blinded by their 'medical'
bias, fraudulently pathologise and label people's serious life or
existential crises as "symptoms" of "mental illness" or "mental disorder"
and "personality disorder". It appears that since Dr X diagnosed, labelled
and treated my son for Paranoid Schizophrenia before his 18th birthday
(unbeknown to the family), that subsequent doctors have followed suit.
I strongly object to Dr Y's diagnosis
(refer to the medical report). He further goes on to profile my son as a
criminal, down to the medical tests that were conducted. His main agenda
is to push for Clozapine trial treatment. However, Dr Z recommends further
tests prior to Clozapine and ECT as listed in the medical report. He is
totally disregarding the other medical report findings, such as Prolactin
levels elevated, red cell folate elevated, Zinc Umol elevated as well as a
neurologist's report indicating certain abnormalities of movements are
most likely medication induced.
As for the clinical psychologist's report,
she should well know that such tests should not be conducted while he was
still under the influence of Olanzapine and Diazapine.
The various psychiatric medications that my
son has endured for the last 4 years have produced the following side
effects: Akathisia, Toxic Psychosis, Drug induced OCD, Tardive Dyskinesia
and Parkinsonism. If this treatment is allowed to continue even without
Clozapine and ECT, he runs the risk of developing drug induced diabetes,
memory loss, Dementia and last but not least, an extremely serious life
threatening condition (NMS).
The psychiatric profession is not about
practicing medicine, it is about being agents of social control (the likes
of the Spanish Inquisition) via the Mental Health Tribunals and the Mental
Health Act.
"The official process that led to the
manufacture of late medievil witches started with the publication Malleus
Meleficarum in 1486. The Meleficarum was a precise diagnostic manual for
witch hunters, and it was published specifically to implement a Papal Bull
empowering inquisitors 'to precede to the just correction, imprison and
punishment' of heretics who corrupt the Catholic faith by conversing with
the devils. After the publication 'there soon followed an epidemic of
witchcraft' and people manifesting the malignant signs were discovered
everywhere".
Quoted from Dr Richard Gosden's book, Punishing the Patient.
The psychiatric bible - or shall we call it
the new Malleus Maleficarum , namely the DSM-IV - is the eqivalent
thereof. In it, sleeping disorders, even Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well
as 200 odd 'disorders' are now, according to DSM-IV, labelled as mental
illness. Is anyone going to remain sane or safe with all this in mind?
In the words of one medical scientist:
"Physics is the only exact
science.....everything else is stamp collecting".
SANE-MD
(Schizophrenics Against Neuroleptic Experimentation- Medical Detective)
Although I am familiar with quite a bit of
'antipsychiatric' writings, I must say that I found this [book extract] so
powerful and loving, that I really savoured the reading of it.
Thankyou for all the eloquent, meaningful
effort you have put into speaking out about this terrible thing which is
going on to members of our community. As we know, many of these people
have absolutely no rights, and the fact people like yourself ARE speaking
up for them is real love.
Although all of what I read was wholly
significant, I noted this bit:
"......the only difference between the two 'priesthoods' is that the
biologic
mock-religion is based on materialism instead of spirituality..."
I would like to add the insight from this,
which I am sure you are aware.
The definition of 'spirituality' by the corrupt Christian religion was one
in which 'matter' was demonized. The Earth was thought of as the "Devil's
shit", thus Nature, woman, sexuality (especially for ecstatic reasons) was
thought of as evil and their "Devil" was placed right in the centre of
matter! So one can see a complte duality here, and thus this fear they
projected onto their victims.
On the other hand, the biologic dogma is
exactly the inverse, here we have spirit/soul not recognized at all. And
if it is recognized- i.e. its manifestations, negative or positive - it is
seen as being a "mental illness" of 'matter'. God bless you.
I had some overwhelming experiences over
the last week which triggered my hyper-awareness. It's been many years
since I've had such an episode, but of course when it happens it does not
seem foreign, but pervasive and eternal. Anyhow, after delving into your
site and practicing some intense Yoga, a rather huge weight was lifted
over the night and I am rather substantially grounded at the moment. It
comes with both relief and disappointment, since the heightened awareness
of borderline psychosis grants poignant insight into human nature and the
world around me . . . trouble is that the 'gods' don't seem concerned with
the fact that I have bills to pay.
At least I know it's there, and in a safe
enough environment heightened awareness and the darker sides of reality
can be explored, and potentially integrated. Now the real work begins.
I mentioned it in my first e-mail (I still
have yet to get my home machine up and running), but are there any groups
or individuals you know of (can vouch for) in the San Francisco Bay Area
who I could contact about further pursuing these issues?
Fundamentally a person in the midst of
psychosis requires non-judgmental, human validation of the reality of
their experience, since generally the cause of the condition is a result
of extreme loss of trust and faith in people and the world around them.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Jesse Moore
From: Maureen B. Roberts
To: Jesse Moore
Hi Jesse
Thanks for your encouraging feedback - it's
always reassuring to know that my hat-dipped-in-the ocean offerings are
helping to uplift and re-empower sufferers - instead of further empowering
those who have power over sufferers. Tragic that Jung has been almost
totally ignored - when he had so much healing and wisdom to offer to our
ailing culture. Jung Circle was a shared labour of love - glad it brings
some warmth and comfort to those who seek reassurance that 'soul' is alive
and thriving in the midst of the arid deserts of Western materialism. Good
to hear from someone who understands 'the reality of the psyche'. I'm
wondering if you'd grant me permission to quote your e-mail (you can
remain anonymous, if you prefer?)
Kind wishes & safe journeys
Maureen R.
Jesse Moore wrote:
In breaks at work, I have been perusing
your site more deeply and I am completely blown away. It is almost
impossible for me to believe that such a thing a exists. Part of my
psychosis was that all of reality was 100% subjective, and therefore any
semblance of hope was just a manifestation of my grasping (as well as
mocking my predicament). As I said, it's hard for me to accept, but over
the years, with the help of good people, I have gathered enough
experiences to know the 'other' exists, enough to trust human connection
under the right circumstances. Please allow me to say: Thank You!
I'm still trying to come to terms with the
fact that someone out there has actually bothered to give issues such as
schizophrenia, Jungian psychology, synchronicity and mysticism such
earnest and authentic attention... and that you have actually chosen to do
something about it. It is a shame (for me) that you are located in
Australia, otherwise I would have already booked an appointment.
Gratefully yours, Jesse Moore
Hope you are feeling well again. Sam is
still on the run and I need to know if there is anyone in NSW that you
know of who could help him? His main concern is to find a way out of the
corner he's been backed into and wants me to contact lawyers, etc., to
have his status changed. Are there any of your therapists in NSW? Also,
do you have ANY idea of people I can contact who could grant him
'asylum'? I know the answer will probably be 'no', but I have to start
somewhere.
He has exhausted the list of people like
Government, patient Health Care Complaints, everyone he can think of and
now he has gone and blames me for the whole mess he's in. He classes his
treatment as 'rape' and I agree that it is. He has taken my car, also,
but the police were practically at the door. We have no public transport
out here! But I'd still rather rely on taxis than have him fall into
their hands again. First, I am going to try the National Disability Abuse
and Neglect Hotline, and go on from there. I will sit at this computer
until I find SOMEONE. Thanks, Anne.
I stumbled across your site while
intentionally searching for links on Schizophrenia and synchronicity, and
it was by far the most welcoming.
I think I am realizing that I have a somewhat mild version of the disease,
although I really hate to call it that; it's more of a way of seeing
things. While I did have several psychotic breaks in my teenage years and
a number of speedbumps since then, at 28, I am leading a productive life.
That said, my experiences still loom over me like a spectre and are too
valid to discount. I fear that if I deliberately abandon them, they will
come back when I least expect it and cause all sorts of trouble - and my
fear is not unfounded.
Anyhow, I'm not really sure why I am writing. Well, maybe that's not
necessarily true. I'm looking for help - and I want to help as well. I am
currently seeing a therapist with a Jungian background (I believe), but I
don't think she really knows what sort of help I require. I was
previously seeing her husband, who was the perfect therapist for me, but
ironically he died from cancer over a year ago.
Your sentiments about prescription drug therapy and detached analysis are
uncanny reflections of my sentiments, but unfortunately it is difficult
for someone who says 'I think I might be schizophrenic' to find much
else. I really haven't told anyone, although I did say so to my current
therapist and she asked me why I thought so. I think she might have been a
tad frightened of the notion. Anyhow, I have consciously camouflaged my
abnormal perceptions, thoughts, etc. so well, that I can convince any
psychiatrist that I am perfectly centred and grounded - but that is
honestly not the case. You seem to understand the extreme levels of
perception that schizophrenics possess, so you will understand that I
don't wholly trust the 'system' to help me much.
So, I write to you, I'm not quite sure why, but maybe it will turn into
something that produces something bigger than I imagine, or maybe not. I
have recently been having multiple experiences of synchronicity, so I
wouldn't be surprised if some hidden wheels are being set in motion. I
live in San Francisco. I realize that you live in Australia, so we can
safely write sessions off, but maybe you know of some quality individuals,
groups or organizations in the SF Bay Area that I might be able to
explore?
I have been told that I am highly intelligent, but I have difficulty
believing that, or claiming it, since most of my mental development has
come from constantly trying to deliberate through 'delusions' and is
slightly bound to it. I can shift between light psychosis and normal
perception almost at will (not something I like to do, but it can come in
handy) and have a moderately developed spiritual practice in the form of
Yoga and some Meditation. I am beginning to feel that my career will not
fulfill me for much longer, and I have frequently given thought to going
back to school. I would like to give back, if only I can integrate that
which I've been given.
I hope I have not overwhelmed you with information. I've only just started
to write about my 'delusions' and I'm finding it far too easy to do - I've
been walking the razor's edge for far too long. I give you salutations,
and kudos for your willingness to listen to people who have never felt as
though they could be heard.
[The following, deeply moving letter is a
beautiful example of the true medicine practised by the heart-centred
'wounded healer', who has gone though the equivalent of a shamanic death
and rebirth initiation . . .]
I was given your name by R, with whom I
have shared some improvised theatre and shamanic experiences in Sydney
over the past couple of years. My particular quest at present is to
explore working with a young man diagnosed with schizophrenia 4 or 5 years
ago.
My own background is as follows: 30 years
ago I graduated as a medical doctor, worked in hospitals for 3 years,
then trained in women's health and worked in that area whilst attending
full-time Art school for the next 3 years.With the birth of my first
child, I descended into my own "underworld" with the onset of severe
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome lasting about 5 years. While receiving
psychoanalytic therapy, I began my own training in child psychoanalytic
psychotherapy based on the training at the Tavistock Institute in London
(Freud, Winnicott, Klein etc.) This lasted 7 years, at the end of which I
began my own practice in this model. The birth of a second child brought
joy and the onset of the second serious assault on my health: breast
cancer. This was a pivotal experience for me, as a completely new reality
opened up: dolphins literally came to me when I called for help and direct
communication between us happened at a crucial time. That was now 7 years
ago and I am still alive and much enriched although the journey has taken
me to hell many times.
My work as a therapist took on completely
new dimensions and outcomes. Very often I was working with very unwell
people and I myself did not know how I managed to access the skills that
appeared when I needed them, usually when the situation seemed hopeless,
beyond my previous knowing. People blossomed in front of my eyes in a
magical way. However, soon my own health was again problematic, with the
loss of my voice, then my hearing and onset of intense body pain. Finally
2 years ago I stopped the work and then descended even further into a
prolonged dying - excruciating body and mind pain often culminating in
'dissociation'. This was a very horizontal time for me, as I spent most
of the year in bed sequestered away from the world, including my own
family. As I emerged periodically into the light of day, I came across a
form of somatic work called 'Hakomi' which gave me great hope. I then
began to religiously 'track' my body sensations as a way of preventing the
dissociative symptoms which were so distressing.
Throughout all this time, the animal
kingdom brought me great support in terms of real physical visits as well
as 'visitations' in altered states of consciousness. And now here I am
at last feeling well enough to begin living more normally: I have set up
my lounge-room as a studio and am doing what my heart has ached to do all
my life - painting and drawing. The journey is still often painful but I
am no longer 'dying'. There are moments of exquisite joy and new wisdom
and hope.
And now into my life steps a 18 year old
boy with schizophrenia. I actually went to paint a portrait of his mother,
who is a famous composer, but my heart was captivated by her son, whom she
harangues badly and who suffers intensely. He had a psychotic breakdown 5
years ago. He is heavily medicated (3 drugs) so talks and moves slowly but
in his eyes and soul I see great beauty and potential for health. I would
like to help him, however, would appreciate help from anyone who has
worked in this field and from a perspective which includes the
transpersonal or any other field that may be useful. Hence I write to you
and include my own life story in a nutshell so that you may have some
sense of me. I would love to hear from you and to hear any thoughts that
you may have on any of the above.
Warm regards - Ewa Henner
My 22 year-old daughter has recently been
diagnosed with schizophrenia. In the space of weeks, we have been
bombarded with a Mental Health System that is totally centred on the use
of heavy anti-psychotic drugs, with Magistrate hearings and court orders
to enforce their use. It has been one of the most terrifying experiences
because, as far as this system is concerned, there is absolutely no other
way. At the moment she is on Olanzapine and is suffering from the huge
metabolic changes in her body. She has gained so much weight and appears
to be suffering from blood sugar imbalances. All of the doctors we have
seen are determined to place her on these newer 'atypical'
anti-psychotics. In the space of weeks I have discovered so much material
against their use - class actions etc. and warnings about the use of
Olanzapine from bodies such as the British Medical Journal and the
Japanese government. The doctors and the nursing staff we are dealing with
don't want to hear my concerns.
When I read through your article it was an
amazing relief - that there are people in Australia who are looking at
alternatives. I am well aware of Jungian and Freudian approaches and
shamanistic material. In fact, some of the things my daughter is saying,
when in a delusional state, such as experiencing the sense that her
internal organs have been cut up, etc. seem to be closely linked to
shamanic initiation processes. She has been 'unwell' for some time and,
according to one psychologist, has been 'self-medicating' in her use of
marijuana. But my perspective has always been that this is part of her
spiritual journey, a very difficult and painful one but nevertheless, very
powerful. She has forced me to confront many aspects of my own life by her
'challenging' behaviour. It is only in the last couple of months that she
agreed to getting some help and we went to a psychiatrist. Then, all of a
sudden we became caught up in this terrible system that can only be
described as legalised drug-pushing, with the corporate drug companies
calling the shots at every level.
So at the moment we are desperate to find
healers who are on the same wave-length. Can you suggest anyone who has a
similar attitude to your own? Also, would you mind if I continued to email
you, since we need all the support we can get in this time of incredible
pressure from the psychiatric profession.
Later: We have seen another psychiatrist
(I'm afraid we have to do this to get C. away from the other psychiatrists
at the hospital). He does take a different approach to those in the
hospital. He doesn't seem to think C. has schizophrenia, which is a great
relief, but that it is a combination of a genetic weakness and the drugs.
He feels that she can be weaned steadily off the medication, starting with
the Olanzapine, over about the next six to nine months. It all depends on
C. co-operating and completely stopping the marihuana and the alcohol. She
seems pretty determined at this stage and pretty scared by the prospect of
doing any more damage, which is good.
He doesn't pull any punches, and will be
quite tough with her, especially if she doesn't co-operate, but I feel he
actually has a conscience, which is something you can pick up in the first
meeting with any of these guys. He is also a child and family therapist,
which means that he goes for gentler treatment methods, as opposed to the
heavy-handed use of the drugs. The ones at the hospital seemed to be
running things more for expedience sake, as opposed to really wanting to
investigate the individual's needs.
I think it's about as good as we can get at
the moment, and while I myself would run a mile from a drug-based
approach, given that C. has created a lot of this with drugs, she may need
this for a little while to wean her back to life without any chemicals.
Maybe, as we work through the chemical cleansing we can be looking at the
spiritual side as well. She does get upset with me, though, if I mention
anything about our family's incest problem to a doctor. She's really not
ready to deal with that yet.
My son is in the throes of a psychotic
breakdown. He is 28 years old, quite brilliant, a musician and artist,
and adamently against taking any medication. We still have not received a
firm diagnosis, but in the past week has hallucinated, been paranoid, had
delusions. He is opening up for the first time in his life and is talking
a lot about all the pain and isolation, etc., that he has been suffering.
He is realizing that he must look at the problems we have had in the
family, which he has tried to avoid for years.
He is currently hospitalized and is beginning to calm down - less manic,
as it was described to me. The hospital is ready to have him
involuntarily committed if he does not begin medication. He is firmly
opposed, though he knows that he must change his lifestyle and get help.
My husband and I see that he is not ready yet to be able to function on
his own, but want to support him in the best way possible.
What kinds of resources are available in the US? We live near Washington,
DC. How could I get in touch with Dr Loren Mosher? Thank you.
I would very much like to receive further
info. - I am deeply concerned about our client's need to 'comply' or be
refused medical services, to be forced into the medical model against
their will, to be handcuffed and taken away in a police divisional van
...blah blah blah and so forth - it is a saddening refrain. You may or
may not have seen an article in the Psychiatric Journal (Boston
University), where comparisons were made between psychosocial
rehabilitation in India and in the US and UK. It was noticed that
although prevalence of illness was seen to be similar, rehabilitation was
far more successful in India, with less medication. The relevant
difference was that India provided more familial support due to cultural
expectations and also, due to the agrarian nature of the society; people
were expected to and did return to work more successfully. It is to be
hoped that such societies don't work hard to "upgrade" their services to
those of western countries and deny positive opportunities for such
individuals.
I recently experienced a first-time
psychotic episode in reaction to stresses which had been building up for
some time and which came to a head this year after I broke up with my
girlfriend, was fired from a job, etc. Starting in August I had several
real-life experiences (not hallucinations) related to the idea of rebirth,
and on Oct 7 a particularly stressful public performance (I am a musician)
led to an intense week-long delusion, probably involving hallucination,
during which I believed I was to die in order to save the world. I
was hospitalized for four days during which I agreed to take Zyprexa for
three weeks in order to avoid involuntary commitment. (I have always
thought it wrong to prescribe medication for pyschological disorders.)
My parents have been incredibly supportive
throughout my hospitalization and nascent recovery, and my mother
communicated with you via email. I read your keynote address from the
Temenos conference and was struck by the many similarities between what
you describe there and what I experienced. In addition to having
several real-life experiences before my delusion involving imagery
associated with rebirth - which I interpreted as signs of my own spritual
rebirth - I also made several conscious links between my "prophecy of
doom" and mankind's failure to unite rational and irrational ways of
thought. (I was trained as a physicist before choosing to become a
professional musician.)
My purpose in writing is to ask if you can
refer me to any psychologists, psychiatrists or other counselors in New
York City who may be able to help me understand this startling episode in
my life. (I have never before been diagnosed with any sort of mental
illness.)
Thank you for your time.
[My reply included a semi-humorous
suggestion that since training in psychiatry, psychology and counselling
usually does not involve a deep undertstanding, or direct personal
experience of the psyche and spiritual crises, one may as well ask if
there are any friendly NY plumbers, or hairdressers who might be of help .
. . You can't guide someone where you ain't been yerself.]
To Whom It May Concern:
Having found www.jungcircle.com while searching the Internet, I was
immediately drawn to the drug-free approach to treating “mental illness”.
I am currently 24 years old and have been prescribed clozapine for almost
three years. I am on a dosage of 100mg at the moment, but I find myself
increasingly concerned at the “spiritually dead” feeling that accompanies
the taking of the drug. The side effects include tiredness, and a mental
dullness that permeates most days. I am hesistant to discuss ending my
clozapine treatment with the psychiatrist, as I am afraid he will see it
as a lack of “insight” and have me committed again, despite there being no
indications or “symptoms” that I am unwell. At present I am not on a
community treatment order, and have not had an admission to hospital for
close to three years.
I do not want to spend the rest of my life
taking medication that is probably doing more harm than good and I am
writing you to ask what the best options are for me at this stage, in
terms of drug-free treatment.
I have the right to stop taking these
medicines if I want to. It pisses me off that my psychiatrist forced me
to take clozaril for a year- despite it being ILLEGAL to force me to take
it. This medicine is making my body age, dramatically. People who see me
say I look forty. Old friends are so surprised at how bad I look.
Genetically, I was given the gift of longevity. Thanks to clozaril, I
will probably die at fifty or sixty. And my dad is so brainwashed by the
psychiatrists that I need this medicine. How can you help me fix my
schizophrenia without drugs?
Thankyou indeed for your email reply. I was
so glad to receive such a reply. I would like to tell you a little about
myself. I completed my Higher School Certificate in 1999 with a University
Admissions Index of 74.40 and the following year I studied a Bachelor of
Science in Mathematics at University and enjoyed studying. However, in
September 2000 I made an appointment to see a academic psychologist and I
told him about my experience at university and he came to the impression
that I had onset schizophrenia. At the time, I thought the problem was
minor and I was asked not to attend any further lectures or tutorials for
the rest of semester. I attended and attempted 2 exams at the end of that
year and the following year I left my studies for a long year break.
However, worse was yet to come! In January 2001, I went to my GP, who
presribed me Stelazine and Lovan. I had only taken these drugs for a few
weeks before totally withdrawing against the GP's advise that I should
stay on. I was then referred to a psychiatrist who then presribed me
Zyprexa (olanzapine) and I took it for about 4 months.
The worst was yet to come. In April, 2001 I
went to hospital complaining of suicidal thoughts. I continued with
Zyprexa and then I was administered Cipramil. I was in hospital for 2
weeks before coming home. I felt better but I couldn't believe that I was
walking in the hospital ward like a zombie', sleeping for most of the day.
Upon leaving the hospital, I was then referred to the Mental Health
Service and even worse came. I was encouraged to see a psychologist and
psychiatric nurse for at least 7 months and I couldn't believe these
people. The psychologist did a neuro-pscyhological test and said that I
was of average intelligence and I was absolutely appalled, but he smiled.
I was shocked and disgusted. In the meantime, the psychiatric nurse
continually encouraged me to take my medication and a psychiatrist now
changed my medication from zyprexa to risperdal. The results of taking the
drugs were: sleepiness, dizziness, narcolepsy, depression, inability to do
even basic work such as washing dishes, etc. I stopped seeing the
psychiatric nurse and psychologist at the end of December 2001 and I was
then referred to another psychiatrist, who encouraged me to take my
medication but then forced me onto Seroquel, beginning with a slow dose
and gradually increasing.
The effects were devastating. I was
sleeping all day and I became overweight, weighing 90kgs. I went back to
studying in 2002, but only after 10 weeks I withdrew from my studies due
to stress. I was very disappointed. I was still taking medication during
this time and voluntarily helped at my mum's restaurant after withdrawing
from studies on an occassional basis. I did not consider finding a job
because of my mental state, my ill health, the mysterious mental condition
that these inhuman people like to label as 'Chronic Schziophrenia'. Help
did not come until August 2002 when a friend of my mother's introduced me
to a very experienced accupuncturist who withdrew me from medication under
quick and easy conditions. I attended his home based practice for 15 days
and I exercised a lot. The result, I weigh 75kgs after a lot of exercise,
with no taking of psychiatric medication whatsoever. I am able to walk and
go out.
My accupuncturist couldn't believe the
amount of damage done by the use of antipsychotics and antidepressants
over a short period of only 1.5 years. He was appalled. I haven't been
taking any psychiatric drugs since August 2002 and I am glad to say that I
am well, but far from happy. I have developed a condition now called 'tardive
dyskinesia' and my accupuncturist is continually trying to treat as many
symptoms as possible. I have recently had serious symptoms as a result of
taking psychiatrics drugs, including: poor memory, concentration, impaired
cognitive function, speech impairment (I talk like a 3 year old!),
suicidal thoughts, narcolepsy, social withdrawal and many other symptoms
including losing contact with reality. I call this man "The living Buddha"
for saving my life. He says serious nervous system damage has resulted,
but he is trying his best to treat my problem. If I am forced to see a
psychiatrist in future, I will definitely refuse, or cheat them. At the
moment, I am trying to get a CT scan from this psychiatrist and giving the
result to my accupuncturist. I will definitely lie and make up a story
when I see the psychiatrist and then I will say "NO TO PSYCHIATRY". "
Psychiatric drugs work by destroying or disabling the brain, mind, heart
and spirit of a person - my own comment from experience.
I would appreciate any most up to date
evidence and information that you may have available; showing scientific
proof of the harmful effects of antipsychotic medication. I am on a
carer's pension - how would I get access to the possible option of
orthomolecular treatment when Darwin does not provide it? How do I get it
if I don't go through Government? How do I create a clinic here? I have
downloaded from the net Dr Peter Breggin's psychiatric drug facts and some
of his legal victories. Could there be through all of this a legal victory
for John and myself ? John was received into hospital on the 4th August
2000. He was initially managed in a closed ward with observations of his
mood, behaviour, appetite and sleep. Following review by a Consultant
Psychiatrist, he was admitted as an involuntary patient. Collateral
history was sought from his family and inner city clinic. John commenced
his medication on the 4th August 2000 and was discharged on 2nd January
2001.
My son by now had disappeared and I had a
person dealing with severe side-effects to the antipsychotic medication,
even at low doses. The doctor told me these side-effects where symptoms of
schizophrenia. I argued the point. Then John lived with me from 2/1/2001
until I left Perth in July 2001. I arrived in Darwin burnt out;
frustrated, angry, confused, without direction, totally overwhelmed by
the illness and the handling of it by Mental Health Services. I saw a
doctor who put me on a course of Zoloft and remained on these for several
months. John continues to be an involuntary taker of these antipsychotic
medications that are enforced down him or via injection, through a court
of law, and if he does not, then he goes back to hospital via police
wagon. Maureen, how do I get my wish come true for all the sufferers of
psychotic illnesses here in Darwin NT? I am but yet a grain of sand;
however, I still have endurance and determination, I am just waiting for
someone to jump on this wagon with me. After reading Breggin's Toxic
Psychiatry, then writing many letters and confronting psychiatrists,
with all my evidence and findings, I have been sent on this epic journey.
I do need to speak to you very urgently.
My son has been an involuntary patient at a psychiatric hospital for well
over12 months now. The psychiatrists are killing him with neuroleptic
drugs. So far they have experimented with 9 different psychotropic drugs
that we are aware of and they are hell-bent on putting him on Clozapine
and ECT, which I have been fighting against for some time, but it is now
getting to the stage that they will push ahead with this without our
permission. As it is, he is on the maximum dosage of Zypreza and 10mg
Valium 6 hourly.
I am extremely desperate for help and any information and assistance you
can provide will be greatly appreciated. For your perusal I enclose a copy
of an e-mail I have sent to a journalist and some members of Parliament:
It is evident to everyone that the Mental Health Act has to be amended if
not abolished altogether. Knowingly or otherwise, the legislators have
created a monster. The monster that I am referring to is a so-called
branch of medical science, namely: the psychiatric profession; more
specifically, the mainstream kind that operates in public institutions.
They are given so much power, which is alarming, immoral and should be
illegal. While you and I are aware of this, unfortunately, everyday
citizens are not. The reasons for this are many and complex, nevertheless
I would like to name a few.
As it has been in the past, it is socially
if not politically acceptable to treat the 'mentally ill' with contempt.
Add to this the fact that the psychiatric profession is propagating a myth
in relation to mental illness, thus preying on fear and ignorance among
the general population. Further adding to this is the backing of the
powerful multinational drug companies, who appear to have a major
influence on the politicians as well as the media, etc.
Did you know that our sons and daughters
are potential victims of "EPPIC proportions"?
EPPIC - Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre
PACE - Personal Assistance and Crisis Evaluation
NEPP- National Early Pyschosis Project
YIPPIE- Young Peoples Prevention and Early Intervention
Unsuspecting, emotionally disturbed young
people, or those experiencing drug-induced psychosis are deemed 'mentally
ill' and treated with psychiatric drugs, instead of being given
counselling and rehabilitative treatment. They are locked in mental
institutions and without consent, exposed to chemical lobotomy or ECG, as
well as denied other basic human rights. The general public is not aware
of these experiments. One has to wonder about the high rate of suicide
amongst our youth. Shame, Shame, Shame!
Thankyou for today's letter of
encouragement. Yes, I am well familiar with Jung's work, as I have read as
many as many as a mother of 5 who is also studying can manage, including
his biography.
Even though the shrinks have had my family emotionally, physically and
financially all but bankrupted, they haven't got me yet psychologically. I
guess, like yourself and others like us, it is because we know what they
are on about. More importantly, we are dedicated to stopping them. I
remain resolute as long as there is a living breath left in me. So now I
can get busy and copy the material you have sent to me previously. Also, I
will do my best to support you by way of promoting consultations, the
Conference and publications etc.
I'm sending you copies of the last 2 letters I sent to The Director of
Operations and Strategy at the hospital where my son is currently
"imprisoned.":
"We feel that our son's condition is a creation of the psychiatric
profession, meaning that he suffers toxic psychoses and other side effects
from neuroleptic drugging. The more you try to "break" us psychologically
(and your staff has already done so physically, emotionally and
financially), the more we won't go away quietly.
By the way, do you play chess? Seriously,
do you? My son does, well he did before your doctors lobotomized him after
the Tribunal (with neuroleptics). I don’t have to be inside his head to
know what Zyprexa does to patients/victims. Here is just a small sample
for you, written by a young man in his twenties from the other side of the
globe:
Quote: " I had taken it for only 20 days
and I had all the symptoms, very big headache, bad mood, extremely
irritable, could not interact with others, I felt very badly,
hallucinations etc." This, after less than 3 weeks. By the way, does part
of your latest strategy involve that your reply to every e-mail we send
you recently, is a simple laconic one or no comment at all?
I’ve noticed with the shrinks (shrink the
free thought as well as freedom of speech), that when cornered, they
either stonewall, or change the subject. If you are gaining more ground it
is not because of your insidious approach, but rather because the current
legislation (MHA) leaves you enough room to manoeuvre. I remain undaunted
as an optimist and know that the current "treatment" of patients will not
last beyond this decade.
This is how it went with my son: The shrink
here - Mental Health Centre - decided to punish him (4 years ago) for
having a marijuana addiction and other normal teenage behaviour, by
putting him on various psychiatric drugs - thus rendering him addicted to
both. And for what, I ask you? For the purpose of social control, that is
to say, so that he behaves himself and is more easy to manage. Now you and
your staff are just following suit. I am also aware that my e-mail to you
is being examined by your shrinks for "profiling purposes".
Thank you for your return email. I used to
read a lot of Jungian books and believe I may still have some around.
Would it help to get him a Jungian analyst? My previous spiritual
director was a Jungian person and it was awesome for me. I am afraid if N
goes suddenly off his meds that he will flip into another manic psychotic
state where he may hurt himself again. He has gotten used to the drug,
but it still breaks my heart to see him so quiet and sedated. I don't
understand what the spirtual crisis is - is he searching for God - for
himself? N told me that the voices have been quiet the last few days but I
am afraid if he goes off he will start to hear them again and not be able
to ignore them. I am going to have him read this email from you and if he
wants to phone, or maybe I will. You are more than welcome to quote me in
your book. I agree with you that very few psychiatrists understand the
need to integrate the whole person, most especially the spiritual side.
Thanks, Anne
Thankyou for the e-mail and your concerns.
In 1999 my son John was diagnozed with schizophrenia. In August 2001 I
arrived in Darwin burnt out with the system. John joined me in February
2002. In March 2002 John was admitted to hospital. While John was in
hospital I read Breggin's Book Toxic Psychiatry. I learnt from his
book of the brain damaging effects these drugs have. I have written many
letters to Mental Health professionals about this issue with my new found
knowledge and requested tests to be done; also, I requested alternative
treatment. The reply: there is no other treatment available that is
covered by Medicare. I would sue them if the law permitted for not
informing me, or educating me about the dangers that these drugs have.
John was an involuntary patient the whole time, unable to give formal
consent; however, so far no one cares about this individual case. I am
very angry and upset with Mental Health Services and the way they enforce
medication that has been proven by some researches to be directly
associated with a permanent loss of overall mental function.
John was released from hospital on the 17th
April. After one week his medication ran out. Because of what I had
learnt, I didn't enforce John to visit his doctor when he refused to go.
Instead I took him to a herbalist and a psychologist. I read Dr A.
Philips' book New Dimensions In Health, where I learnt which
vitamins would be helpful for Schizophrenia and off I went spending
$300.00 on vitamins. However in April John had his first ever wittnessed-by-me
psychotic attack. He punched, pushed, kicked and threw me around the
lounge. John was admitted back to hospital. Mental Health Services have me
bent over, The drugs control the psychotic side of the illness, meaning
John must take the medication even if it is against our will, and we know
of the brain damage caused by these drugs. This is the reason I am
campaigning to have orthomoleclar treatment incorporated within the
hospital system. I have had a good response from other carers, since I
introduced orthomolecular treatment to them last Tuesday. Last night in
class the Mental Health representative was bombarded by carers who wanted
to know why have they not been given 'orthomolecular' as an option and why
have we been kept in the dark.
Over the next couple of weeks I will meet
with these carers again and we will brainstorm together. I am anti-drug
treatment; however, the way the system is designed at present, I and many
others are in a controlled situation without choices. This I want changed.
However, I know this is going to take time. Anything at all that you think
would help us on this journey, please share with us. I have been to see a
kinesiologist. However, John refused to go in person so I went and took a
photo of John with me and the kinesiologist worked through me and the
photo to help as much as he could. Regards, Viki [NT]
Hi Viki
'Orthomolecular' refers to a branch of
nutritional (physical) medicine, not to 'psychiatry'. The latter literally
means 'doctor of the soul'. I have hence called my own approach to the
healing of psychosis 'soul-centred psychiatry'. (We recently hosted
Australia's first national Conference on this). Ideally, this complements
orthomolecular medicine (and other natural therapies) in order to offer a
wholistic response to schizophrenia - as an acute psychospiritual crisis
(since there's no proof it's a brain disease, or chemical imbalance).
Psychiatric drugs are not 'medications' -
which implies healing. They are toxic drugs which work by disabling the
brain. Most sufferers therefore don't want 'em. For more info. see
www.breggin.com
For 'orthomolecular' help with getting off of psychiatric drugs, go to:
http://jungcircle.com/schiznatural.htm
Kind wishes
MBR
Temenos
A Soul-centred Therapeutic Community for
Persons Undergoing an Acute Personal Crisis
Temenos: Vision Statement for
a Therapeutic Community
Soul Down Under: Schizophrenia, Temenos
& Cultural Healing
[Opening of the 2002 Conference Address by Maureen B. Roberts, PhD]
Loren Mosher, MD [Conference Guest Speaker]
Richard Gosden, PhD
[Australian author of Punishing the Patient: How Psychiatrists
Misundersand & Mistreat Schizophrenia, Melbourne, Scribe Publications, 2001]
2002 Adelaide 'Soul Down Under' Conference Program
Schizophrenia Drug-free Crisis Centre
Letters & Personal Testimonies
Click here to join the Temenos Network
Training & Education in 'Soul-centred Psychiatry'
The Many Languages of Suicide
TARBOTTON
a tale
Click here
to request regular updates from Soul Down Under
Safe & soulful journeys!
(Dr) Maureen B. Roberts
Enquiries: International Phone 61 8 8362 0980
PO Box 7205 Hutt St, Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5000
 to JUNGCIRCLE
updated 07 12 03
Deborah
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