The mental health system: Experiences from both sides of the locked doors.

Abstract

Although people who have been diagnosed and treated for serious mental illness are visible as advocates and for some new paying jobs within public mental health systems, there are few psychologists actively engaged in the emerging models of consumer-provider collaboration. The key values and concepts of the consumer, and even more so the psychiatric survivor, have received too little attention. The lack of information, dialogue, and trust sustains an adversarial relationship that prevents the respectful sharing of expertise attained from different learning experiences. The knowledge gleaned from consumer/survivors' personal experiences can provide a rich resource for everyone who attempts to aid individuals engaged in the struggle to deal with these painful life circumstances.

Psychology practitioners and schizophrenia: A view from both sides

“…Ron Bassman (1997); Wendy Walker Davis (Frese & Davis, 1997); Kay Jamison (1995); Al Siebert (1994); Pat Deegan (1993);and Lauren Slater (1996) are all doctoral-level psychologists who have written or given presentations about their personal experiences with mental illness. Ron Bassman (1997); Wendy Walker Davis (Frese & Davis, 1997); Kay Jamison (1995); Al Siebert (1994); Pat Deegan (1993);and Lauren Slater (1996) are all doctoral-level psychologists who have written or given presentations about their personal experiences with mental illness.…”

Personal accounts of consumer/survivors: Insights and implications

“…This exclusive diagnostic emphasis ignores the strengths, talents, and gifts of service recipients; their potential for growth and recovery; and their expertise regarding their own experiences, needs, and goals. As Bassman (1997) pointed out, many consumer/survivor expressions, such as "Label jars, not people" and "I am not a case, and you are not my manager," are symbolic of the fight to have their own voices listened to and valued (p. 239).…”

A Journey Through Schizophrenia

“…It becomes a common practice to encourage individuals to lower their expectations regarding potential personal accomplishments and to assume a full life is just not possible. Ronald Bassman (1997) writes:…”

“…Many of the professionals cited in this chapter (Bassman, 1997;Deegan, 1993;Frese, 2000;Frese et al, 2009;Saks, 2007) discuss in their professional writings the significance of the stigma associated with schizophrenia. These professionals have described this stigma as a very serious matter, the consequences of the stigma sometimes worse than the symptoms of the disorder.…”

“…Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals have disclosed their stories in the professional literature and their own biographies. These professionals believe there is a need for the general public and those with serious mental illnesses to hear stories of those who are leading successful lives after surviving the fire of the illness and its treatment (Bassman, 1997;Baxter, 1998;Breeding, 2008;Deegan, 1993;Deegan, 2003;Freese, Knight, & Saks, 2009). The successes reported by these professionals are not anomalies.…”