Critics of the Mental Health Industry

[upstream]

Below are a number of speeches given by professionals who are harsh critics of different aspects of the mental health industry. While they tend to be some of the more radical critics, they challenge their listeners to think critically about their world. I found the last two to be quite funny.

It is my hope these videos will help people think critically about the nature of their diagnosis and what it means for them. It is not my intention to try to discredit anyone's diagnosis or treatment plan, or to suggest that PTSD is not real. PTSD is very real for the individuals that must live with it, and I believe that it should be recognized and treated appropriately.

On the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders by Dr. John Breeding

On the business and workings of the Pharmaceutical Industry by former Insider Gwen Olsen.

On the history of Psychiatry by Dr. Thomas Szasz:

On the political nature of Psychiatry by Dr. Jeffrey Schaler (my favorite):

If anyone has any similar material they would like to share, please post a reply!

All the best,
Upstream

 

[anthony]

Well posted upstream.... I personally think there are a lot of people floating around with a PTSD diagnosis that do not have it, and also believe there are a lot of people floating around without a PTSD diagnosis who do have it. Sucks on both scales IMO....

 

[mamachick]

A group of very good video's, funny but with much truth, which is very sad. I read an article (not written in US but I forget where from), that made a lot of sense. It said anti depressants cause brain damage, because it changes the brain chemistry. Once the meds start artificially producing chemical, the brain rely's on the chemical mechanism for stability.

A few years ago they use to say there were no withdrawl for this type of drug, now the say to titrate. Experts talk about all of the chemicals in the brain (dopamine, seratonin, etc.), but they cannot test and there is no proof of any of this. It is a real crap shoot. Thanks

 

[anthony]

These critics still stand quite true to this very day... just look at the problem around the world with mental health diagnoses being handed out left, right and center. Total nonsense. If you fart, eat, breathe or have sex, you have a mental illness nowadays.

People breakup in a relationship and apparently they have PTSD and need medication and therapy!

 

[mamachick]

Sad but true. I do think a lot of people do have issues of co-dependency, grew up in dysfunctional families, or poor parenting, whatever you choose to call it, and are very misguided but are not suffering any disorder. Its really a social issue, communication, unrealistic beliefs, etc. and can and do benefit from psycho-educational groups. It can help with all relationships, parenting, work, etc. Since there is really not anything that would fall in the DSM, it is often called adjustment disorder. Unfortunately, without some sort of help, they may suffer depression or anxiety as they age and the problems accumulate. I think there should be more taught at a younger age, maybe high school.
(self emprovement/ lifeskills type of things.)

 

[Deleted member 1860]

People breakup in a relationship and apparently they have PTSD and need medication and therapy!

I want to punch these people.

Sorry, was that out of line?

Maybe it's my depression talking.

 

[anthony]

There are a lot of hypochondriacs out there... there are also a lot of people who simply have stopped using common-sense... maybe they never had it to begin with. Unsure...

 

[reallydown]

This is exactly why I won't go on meds...no matter how bad things get...As long as I'm the sovereign of my body etc.

 

[Sandra]

I have tried some but none of them worked. So I am not taking anything either. After watching this not so sure I want them either now.

 

[Sterre]

Thank you for posting this Upstream!!!
Very inspirational and empowering!:tup: