Posted by pullmarine on November 11, 2000, at 9:49:17
In reply to Re: Does Mental Illness Exist? Why Do We Ask?, posted by Mark H. on November 10, 2000, at 20:51:55
Hi mark,
You're very eloquent, and u argue well, and I agree with all of your points 100%. The problems I have with the labels of mental illness are:
1. that they are abused (BDS, PTSD, etc). Be real, normal reactions to stress or life events are being treated as illnesses for reasons of profit. NOt that these people should not be given compassion, understanding and treatment (pharmaceutical or other);
2. once a person accepts a label, it's very hard to get them to give it up. This holds true for psychiatric labels or any other;
3. Mental illness implies that a person is incapable of rational thought and rational decision making; this can be used as an excuse to make decisions on behalf of a person, both regarding medical care and financial. In my case, one family member was considering getting control over my financial assets. At another point, I was medicated without my knowledge and consent, eventhough I was not dangerous to myself or others.
Most TRuly,
JOHN
poster:pullmarine
thread:47722
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48667.html