Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 23:32:01 -0800
From: Debbie A Davis <debidavis@juno.com>
Subject: Re: [CIN] Re-Present vs Represent
To: California InterNetwork of M H Clients
<cinmhc@maelstrom.stjohns.edu>
Dear Pat,
This is one of the
best statements I have read in a
long time. You put things eloquently.
I am a public mental health client and have been since 1970. I have been
5150'd many times and had the usual experience of seclusion and
restraint and burly male attendents holding me down while an needle
filled with Haldol was jammed in my butt. Only once in all these years did
I receive, what I considered
"true, informed consent" about medication
the doctor suggested I take. That's a pretty sad record for almost 29
years in the public mental health system.
When I have spoken on issues in mental health, I hope I have represented,
not re-presented an accurate picture of what all people, with mental
health histories and those with any currently, would want.
I am interested in your ideas and thoughts and if you
want to suggest some ways not to re-present public mental health
clients, I am open.
Debi D.
Success is relative to others
It is a feeling of love and
accomplishment for
yourself.