When I was 12, GOSH's mental health unit prevented me from being able to see the gastro team, despite the gastro team wanting to support me. Why? Because the psychiatrist believed my lifetime of stomach pain was 'just anxiety'.
Today I was diagnosed with severe gastroparesis.
Had fun reading "Doctoring the Mind" by Dr. Richard P. Bentall, @RichardBentall, for the second time and it's a must-read for anyone interested in mental health. Here are some key takeaways:
1/ Bentall argues that the medical model of mental illness, which focuses on diagnosing and treating specific disorders with medication, is flawed and often does more harm than good.
2/ According to Bentall, mental health problems are complex and multifaceted, and cannot be reduced to simple brain abnormalities or chemical imbalances. Environmental and social factors play a significant role in their development.
3/ The book examines the evidence for various psychiatric treatments, including medication, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Bentall argues that many of these treatments are overused and often ineffective, and can have serious side effects.
4/ Overall, "Doctoring the Mind" challenges traditional views of mental illness and suggests that a more holistic and individualized approach to treatment is needed. The book encourages readers to question the current mental health system and advocate for more humane and effective treatments.
5/ Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand mental illness and the shortcomings of the current mental health system. It's a thought-provoking and important read. #mentalhealth #doctoringthemind #mindfulgates #FBM #MindCast #ThoughtRays #FaisalBenMenaia #MindfulnessRehabilitationCenter
Dear mental health professionals, unless what you want to say about panorama is "from now on I pledge to believe patients & always speak up when something is wrong", please stfu. Already sick of all your "I'm so shocked" & #notallstaff & whining about burnout & funding.. Stop.
TW violence, abuse
How do you think mental health nurses are reacting to the #BBCPanorama program last night? They wouldn’t make excuses for the behaviour, would they? Well, someone sent us these screenshots from a popular mental health nurse’s Facebook group… 🧵/1
8 years ago today I had a meeting at the residential school I attended when I was 13-14yrs old. I was told my future goals were unrealistic. I was told that I shouldn't attempt GCSEs.
At this moment I'm in an Oxford University PhD applicants meeting.
So glad I persevered.
Most people have no idea what child development and education looks like outside school when young people have autonomy.I've been told that children will endlessly move from whim to whim, or that they'll never learn to set goals or work hard. Here's what actually happens. 1/
‘they may have hurt you, but they were doing the best they could.’ that’s true, everyone is doing the best they can with the information they have. it still doesn’t change the fact that their actions can cause harm. two things can be true at once.
Today I heard from a parent that their son was terribly upset when he got covid, because it would ruin his 100% attendance record. At the end of the year, those with 100% get book tokens & certificates in assembly. Here’s why policies like that should stop. 1/
A friend of mine just paid for a private hospital clinic appt - she couldn’t stand her symptoms any longer
Something that she thought she would never do in her lifetime.
She said:
“This is the start isn’t it? ‘Ordinary’ people like me using their savings for healthcare”
Can someone enlighten me as to why one man shouting at someone in the street gets arrested for a public order offence, yet a group of men can stand outside an abortion clinic with placards, yelling and threatening women, and 'nothing can be done' about it?
the idea that people are faking severe chronic illnesses en masse for attention is hilarious to me because anyone with severe chronic illnesses knows that you lose like 95-100% of your friends once you become too sick to fake being well 24/7
"Mental health" is socially acceptable because it's sexy yoga moves, well-lit photographs of people holding cups of tea, and inspiring tales of recovery. De-sanitise that narrative by talking about "mental illness" and someone will quickly arrive to tell you to shut up.