Schizophrenia Support Group

http://www.empathictherapy.org/

Dr. Peter Breggin's new Center for the Study of Empathic Therapy, Education & Living is sponsoring an exciting, informative and inspiring Empathic Therapy conference April 13-15, 2012 in Syracuse, NY.

I think kindness and understanding (as much as possible) go a long way. I have always been an empathetic person, but I find this to be true less so as I grow older. But I am still very capable of being compassionate except for when the pity me mood takes over.

After taking a brief look at the web site, I also must add that I think caring is a great healer. I know that the people who have helped me grow the most were the ones who cared and shared. I don't think it is enough in itself (depending on your issues and how long they have existed) but I certainly do think that it would be very helpful if health care providers would put the care back into health care.

Sometimes i feel like I am nothing more than a cow, you know like cattle being prodded to move. Get them in and get them out Rawhide. If anyone knows that show.

Post edited by: barelymanic, at: 09/21/2011 04:48 AM

I myself, had pushed away many types of treatments, until I had exhausted myself, and from therapy learned I was disagreeing for fiercely, because my abuse was so severe, and I trusted no one.

After dropping down that well of depression enough times, I became both medic/patient with doctors. I asked many question, especially about medication, what it will do and the side effects.

Also, I guess I believed, since no one cared for me as a child, I took the "I'll do it myself," route.

Finally I learned that I also didn't feel I deserved help, it was so ingrained I didn't know I was even doing it.

When I felt the world looked at me like I was faking everything, one social worker asked me, when I finally felt enough trust in someone, and he was such a warm and considerate man, with a gift of insight, he asked, who's words are those? I immediately said 'My mother'.

In that moment I realized I placed her opinion of me, on everyone else. It was at that point, I calmed down, and accepted myself as having a mental ailment.

Everyone has options, in any form of health treatment.

If someone is so angry, extremely excitable about a subject, quiet and stays to themselves, these are just a few markers, someone needs help. Whether they choose to take the offer of help, is solely up to that person.

dd

Further it is our bodies and our money and we suffer from their incorrect treatments, so why should we have the choice? I know yes you can find another doc. yadayadayada. But this is not true for all of us, some are limited by those accepting medicaid/medicare and some are even more limited by only being able to use those who charge on a sliding scale or we are limited due to transportation problems.

Docs should be sensitive to our needs not just the medical ones and willing to at least consider a patient's request even if they don't think it is the best decision, after all they are not gods and they know nothing with absolute certainty. Many people find new docs with new opinions and everything works out for them despite a previous doc announcing a death sentence. Docs are not all knowing. Yes, I have been told before to find another doc, but my lack of insurance and my limited savings are a major obstacle to doing so. Where is the compassion? Where is the do no harm? Where is their putting your ego behind and putting helping the patient first. If they think it will be a big problem and that you will sue them down the road, I am sure there is some type of disclaimer they can have you sign.

I haven't heard from you. I am wondering if you had time to connect with that organization - RETHINK - that is located nearby where you live and works with mental health issues and stigma and discrimination against people with mental health disabilities.

I know you've told me about all the problems you've had personally with the traditional "psychiatry" world.

So I'd really like to know whether this - RETHINK - organization is as good as it seems to be.

I thought since you are indeed physically very nearby its location, it might offer you some help or at least useful resources.

Please do let me know what you find out about it. I did take quite some time finding it as we - you and I - are located in separate countries and quite far apart.

It's great to rave on about books. But when you really need real help, it is important to at least check into nearby resources that may offer something.

Recall, it is called RETHINK, and I sent you the web link in a PM!!

Hope things are a little better for you,

Your friend with a smile out to you,

Catherine

....I guess we all have days like this.