MFINews: Mom of Psychiatric Survivor Speaks Out
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United Independent Mental Health Activism 25th Year
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"My 21-year-old daughter is one of those individuals."
Special Message from a Mom of a Psychiatric Survivor
by Sarah Smith
MindFreedom International Development Director
Spring is a time when MindFreedom International asks everyone to renew
their commitment to activism for human rights in mental health.
But first, let me briefly tell you where I am coming from.
My name is Sarah Smith. I am excited to serve as MindFreedom's new
Development Director. I am passionate about the environment, justice,
and human rights.
One of the first things I see out my favorite window in Spring is
daffodils.
Sadly, today, not all people can enjoy these simple pleasures because
many are involuntarily hospitalized or incarcerated due to our broken
mental health care system.
They sleep and eat in rooms without windows.
They walk down hospital corridors, wearing plastic flip flops, eat
processed reheated food, and drink soda pop.
They receive 15 minutes per week with a psychiatrist who speaks down
to them when they are not compliant with the rules or do not appear to
be grateful for the "treatment" that they are receiving.
My 21-year-old daughter is one of those individuals.
Little over a year ago, she was a spirited and loving person as well
as a gifted artist with deep connections to Earth.
Today she is a broken and traumatized individual in need of healing
from the harm caused by the psychiatric "treatment" that she received
in our community.
Today, I hold her pain, as do thousands of other mothers whose
children have been harmed by the mental care system.
But we mothers also hold our children's hope.
And our hope is justified!
We know that with groups like MindFreedom International leading the
way, our sons and our daughters have many opportunities to heal,
become empowered by networking with their peers, and -- hopefully --
organize with us for change!
Please join or renew your MFI membership today. MindFreedom's all-new
secure online donation system is much easier to use:
http://www.mindfreedom.org/join-donate
Together, we consumers, survivors, loved ones, and allies are moving
forward in a dynamic, unified, international movement to create a new
paradigm of mental health care throughout the entire world!
We are on the transformative edge of a revolution and we are helping
one another heal while we set about to refurbish the human spirits of
free thinking individuals everywhere!
Today, we need your help to fight for our sons and daughters rights,
and keep these issues on the national front burner.
Please remember that unlike many other advocacy groups in this field,
MindFreedom does receive money from big Pharma or taxpayers. We exist
and operate only by the grace of your membership fees, and a few
foundations!
Today, MindFreedom is celebrating 25 years as one of the leading
groups in this movement. With your support MFI can continue the
following important work:
Challenge the globalization of this broken system!
Your gift of will increases our capacity to mobilize consumers,
survivors, and allies in other countries.
Lay down the groundwork for nationwide action!
Your gift helps MFI reach activists and membership organizations,
giving them how to info on organizing in their communities.
Choice Campaign
Your gift promotes alternatives in our communities, including MFI's
alternatives directory.
Electroshock Human Rights Initiative
Your gift allows MFI to speak out for members like Elizabeth Ellis who
are involuntarily hospitalized and have received forced electroshock.
Mad Pride
Your gift helps MFI get out flyers and invitations to mad pride events
that lift the spirit, educate, and lead communities.
PLEASE DONATE NOW
http://www.mindfreedom.org/join-donate
Thank you.
Sarah Smith, MindFreedom Development Director
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please forward to all who support human rights in mental health.
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