How can you say that it doesnt help for others rather than yourself? Just because you are so certain and feel so strongly about it what about others who feel that if it wasnt for psychiatric help they wouldnt be here.
It's different experiences with the system, some people haven't been put through the horrors of psychiatry, that's probably why they think it helps them, each to their own. And i've already said, someones either anti psychiatry or their for psychiatry it's as simple as that.
But have you suffered at the hands of psychiatrists? Then someone can be sure, by the way this thread was meant to be for people who disagreed with the system - not people coming to post about how helpful the quacks are and that i'm wrong about everything. But it's fine continue everyone =|
I've been given several wrong diagnoses and put on a lot of very strong medication that I didn't need. I was locked up for 8 years in mental hospitals.
I don't agree with a lot of methods they use and have been known to throw chairs at psychiatrists. But my current psychiatrist literally just sees me, asks how things are going, doesn't push meds on me or anything and that's it.
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
While I understand what you are trying to say, it's not gonna change how I feel about psychiatrists and what they do to people.
And for everyone who will come crowding into this thread at the first sign of a disagreement - help yourselves to popcorn and I hope you're enjoying the show =|
You are entitled to your opinion. Humans are never going to agree on absolutely everything. Life would be pretty boring if everyone agreed on everything!
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
I've been involved with the psychiatric services for over 8 years. I spent the best part of 6 years in hospital, often against my will. I have been threatened, sedated, restrained, put in secure units, given medication against my will, been given blood transfusions against my will, been dragged out of my apartment because I refused to go to hospital, had the police break down my door. I still have nightmares about it, and get panicky when I encounter certain things which remind me of all this. It was traumatic, and there are things I think I'll never be able to forgive various doctors and nurses for.
However, difficult as it is to admit, I believe that most of the time all of this was done simply to keep me safe. I am far from "better", but I am alive, and had I been left to just do whatever I wanted, I highly doubt I would be alive. I've been on a lot of medication, and experienced a lot of unpleasant side effects. I came off all my medication just over a year ago, and while I did feel better in some ways, I found myself struggling. I eventually agreed to go back on just one medication, an anti-depressant, and while things are definitely not wonderful, I believe my mood is better than it was without medication, and I haven't experienced any side effects from what I'm currently taking.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have had a lot of terrible experiences with psychiatry, and I still feel bitter about most of it, but I think if things are really bad then there may be a place for it. A few years ago, I would never have admitted this, but I think having a tiny bit of distance and a slightly different perspective has made a huge difference.
I doubt the replies in this thread will make any difference to your opinion, and that's ok. There are many reasons to hate psychiatry. However, maybe one day, when you're in a better place, you will look back and realise that maybe not everything that happened was the worst thing that could have happened at that time. That may not happen, but if it does, perhaps then you'll remember the replies you've gotten here, and be able to appreciate them.
For some reason i'm not at the stage to agree that what happened to me inside hospitals was in my best interest but listening to other peoples horrible experiences in hospitals, I feel I can relate because similar things happened to me. Maybe it's my fault that I can't accept others have different opinions or it may be that I want everyone to be anti psychiatry but i'm still traumatised by what happened. Thankyou for replying.
Do you think you could get help for the traumatic experiences?
Doesn't have to be a psychiatrist (i understand that probably wouldn't be helpful for you!) but maybe an external resource like a centre or charity or something?
I do understand, I think GP's are all out to get me and I don't trust them, so I do get it.
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
I spend a lot of time with animals that helps when i'm feeling bitter towards psychiatry, it's whenever I come into contact with psychiatry thats the problem.
Then maybe phoning someone impartial like the Samaritans?
You are well within your rights to believe what you wish, and I respect that. But people are always going to post their own opinions. As I've said before, that's not a bad thing. It's im[ortant we keep an open mind.
I'm not anti-psychiatry, because, well I would probably be dead without it, but each to their own I say. If you ever need to vent, talk etc, I'm a pm away. I promise I won't force my pro psychiatry on you. I always like to see both sides and can see the negatives too.
There are lots of internet (and I guess real world) communities dedicated to the anti-psychiatry movement. Have you tried contacting people there if you are looking for communities which support this view?
I'm sure people here are happy to support and give their opinion, which makes a lively and stimulating debate but you have said a number of times in this thread you are really looking for people who share your view of psychiatry. This seems more likely to be found elsewhere.
I don't think psychiatry as a whole should get the blame for a few bad experiences... That's like saying all dogs are horrible just because 2 bit you. Or all cake is disgusting just because 2 were made badly.
