Excuses, politicians, Geneva, semantics of torture and koalas

UN, Geneva, 22nd session of the Human Rights Council p5, ‘Deprivation of liberty on grounds of mental illness is unjustified. Under the European Convention on Human Rights, mental disorder must be of a certain severity in order to justify detention. I believe that the severity of the mental illness cannot justify detention nor can it be justified by a motivation to protect the safety of the person or of others. Furthermore, deprivation of liberty that is based on the grounds of a disability and that inflicts severe pain or suffering falls under the scope of the Convention against Torture.’

If you want to read more, http://www.madinamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/torture.pdf.

Otherwise there is a link to a video recording of the  Special Rapporteur On Torture And Other Cruel, Inhuman Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment, on YouTube, that is on my petition link (please sign.)

Deprivation of liberty? ‘Understanding liberty involves how we imagine the individual's roles and responsibilities in society in relation to concepts of free will and determinism,’ says Wikipedia. You can go on to search what free will means and get tangled in the lovely semantics of determinism as well.

Let me just tell you this, to be deprived of intellect, that is have your neurotransmitters shut down by major tranquillizers forced on you by psychiatrists, because you are saying ‘unusual things’, is one of worst forms of depriving liberty. At least, if you are chained to a wall, you have your thoughts, your ability to think. But to cage a person, put restraint on a person’s ability to think at their normal capacity is what psychiatry does. Please stop them doing this. It is really, really wrong. Whoever thinks that the psychiatrists who did that to me were doing that ‘for my good’ really shouldn’t expect me to like them.

And to anyone who wants to say, ‘That was done to my daughter and it was the best thing for her,’ as a Greens member said to me today, with his flint eyes menacing like one those men who stand at abortion clinics and inflict verbal abuse on the women who go in…

Well, anyone who does that, I want to say this, ‘Yes, and I’m sure your great aunt lived to ninety odd and smoked two packs of ciggies a day, but if you think that that entitles you to blow smoke in my face, or near me, when I have an allergy to tobacco, you’re wrong.’

At least with my tobacco allergy, I had the backing of doctors, who agreed, it was something that was common for people to be allergic to. I wasn’t denied that the swelling and itching discomfort was real, I wasn’t told it was ‘psychosomatic’. However, with torturous psychiatric forced drugging, I can’t get the backing of many doctors, because doctors who go against their profession, they get vilified. Besides, they’re trained that these ‘medicines’ are ‘good for people’ and that ‘some people don’t know what’s good for them’ and that the ‘doctor knows best.’ This is despite the listing of horrific effects of psychiatric drugs, on each specific drug’s website:

Our current Australian government allows psychiatrists to do far more damage than smokers. Because, you can’t walk away from a psychiatrist. They are allowed via the government to abduct, unlawfully restrain and assault. Drugging someone is not only an intent to commit a crime, it is a crime. Drugging people without their consent is a criminal offense called assault and battery, wouldn’t you say? Electrocuting someone? Come on, work it out!

So, why is it okay to do that to some people and not others. Why does a psychiatric diagnosis mean a person can be inflicted with assault and battery?

Let’s look at the torture of the last drug I was forced to take, Abilify. ‘Most common side effects (>10%) from all clinical trials involving adults patients include:

… Nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness’

There’s also a really long list of other things you could look at that happen to people who are tortured with this drug in the name of ‘care’,  which causes huge discomfort and permanent damage. These include, decreases in white blood cells, seizures, coma or death, muscle stiffening, weight gain, aspiration or choking, fainting, affects your judgment, thinking, or motor skills, an increased risk of stroke…

Any official psychiatric drug website will have long lists of such horrible effects. They have to, for legal reasons. Because the truth is, these horrible effects are what psychiatric drugs do best.

Now, just in case you think I’m badmouthing one drug over another, I’m here to tell you that I never found the ‘drug that works’ for me. I found conversation and art therapy, poetry, books, friends and love. These things enabled recovery.

So here’s another drug that I’ve been forced to take over the years that lists horrific effects on their official website: Olanzapine (Zyprexa), another atypical ‘popular’ drug. Popular with psychiatrists who prescribe it, that is.

There are many more drugs. They are pretty much as painful and horrific in their effects as any other.

Now, do you understand why forced drugging can definitely come under the definition of torture, enough for the UN Special Rapporteur On Torture And Other Cruel, Inhuman Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment, to say so?

Please sign my petition to stop psychiatric abuse.

This is about a massive human rights movement, about stopping torture in the guise of medicine. About making transparent the lies and propaganda; the mass hypnosis of pseudo-science; the fear, shaming, dehumanising and ignorance. About establishing methods that actually do help people in crisis. Don’t leave your name off this document. Please sign this petition: to stop psychiatric abuse, including forced-drugging, electro-shock and other cruel inhumane treatments and get an apology for it ever having occurred.

Yes, this is addressed to Australian officials, however, what happens in one country, can mean things will be rectified in another.

Awareness is everything.

And, politicians who are at least polite, respectful and listen to what I have to say, without trying to excuse the torture I have received while their bosses have been in power, are doing something towards rectifying that ugly attitude so many hold, that I somehow ‘deserved’ to be harmed. Or even worse, denying what is so clearly on those the official websites of the drugs I have been forced to take.

Please, no further excuses. Recognise the wrong and do something to change the abuse that is still going on for so many Australians, as well as many other people in countries that have oppressive so called ‘health’ laws, that actively discriminate against people who are in crisis and have been through trauma, allowing psychiatrists to force harmful drugs into their bodies, amongst other cruel and inhumane practises.

Be aware and take action. Those who have been subjected to this are not from some gene pool that you don’t come from, it’s not about class, or classlessness, it’s not about caste, it’s not about anything but human experience, and human reactions to adversity.

Support is the most essential thing in a person recovering from crisis. Please do your own research on the Hearing Voices Movement by attending the congress hosted this year in Melbourne, and look at the fantastic results of Open Dialogue in Finland and other countries.

Open your mind. Recognise what enables and what disfigures. Recognise what enables also means better figures for your country, less reliance on welfare, less poverty and desperation.

People need to be heard, don’t force them into a corner by denial.

Changing laws to stop forced psychiatric treatments such as drugging and electro-shock will cost the government nothing, but the country will certainly gain something priceless, an ease on their conscience.

The politicians who put an end to forced treatments, will be heroes of their time. Psychiatric abuse has been going on for 202 years. It is really time the world recognised the voices of those who have been oppressed by the psychiatric regime for so long. We are most often victims of crime, rarely perpetrators and yet the media has vilified us so much that many people think that anyone with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is ‘dangerous’. It is the media, who do this, that are dangerous. They are, by delivering psychiatric propaganda, contributing to this huge crime against humanity.

Diversity is not something that should be medicalised. Diversity, is what keeps humanity alive. Allow for difference, allow for the unusual, allow for invention, allow for poetic truth and enable people to speak about what has been going on. Don’t put them in the closet and say their words are ‘psychotic.’

Thanks to the Australian Democrats for their policy that ‘Allows the right to refuse medical treatment, and to choose to die’.

Allowing a person the right to die enables people to actually assist with those whose lives/ circumstances could be changed, so they no longer wish to die.

Removing the perceived ‘crime’ and enabling people to speak without threat of forced psychiatric ‘treatments’, would be a huge relief for those in crisis and those who care for them. Also supporting ‘consumer involvement in the development and provision of health care services, policies and programs’ is thinking about what is really happening here, a transaction that involves a service and money being paid. Surely, the consumer should be asked what they want in the crisis industry’s feasibility studies?

Now, the Australian Democrats was not in the House of Representatives for me, only the Senate. So I had to choose someone who at least understood that stopping psychiatric abuse was something that needed looking into. I obviously wasn’t going to go with the party that I usually support, that wanted to deny what the UN has said to be torture. That party that wanted to, sort of, blow smoke in my face and tell me about their 2 pack a day ninety year old aunt… and how I was better off with smoke in my lungs than not… Whatever their other policies were, didn’t matter anymore once they insulted me, oops, I mean he, I’ve now condemned a whole party just because of one meanie eh? No, I had done prior asking, research, they were supposed to get my vote, so I gave them every chance to make amendments to their policies, but they didn’t hear me.

Being friendly always counts, but you do actually have to do something. Some politicians who have signed my petition, many thanks to them. I appreciate your support and understanding and your progressive humane thinking.

Also friends and acquaintances that have signed, as well as strangers, you make so much sense. Thank you. That is what you’re supposed to do when someone has suffered assault, particularly if their government was involved... mass signing of petitions and protests, if nothing is done.

It is strange that the mere mention that it is psychiatrists that did this to me, some people immediately dismiss what happened, despite the evidence, despite psychiatry’s widespread systematic abuse, despite the truth. They then turn and look at me and see me as ‘something wrong’, ‘something sick’, something that’s ‘other’ than them, something ‘subhuman’.

Those people who don't understand that psychiatric torture that gets called 'care' is still torture, are ridiculous, mean and stupid. They cannot be what I can like, or ever vote for unless they change their ignorant malicious ways.

 

The Koala drugged with major tranquilisers, for camera, so it looks cute and dopey and doesn’t rip anyone’s arms to shreds in order to escape, is not happy, not comfortable, not having the ‘best thing that happened’ to it. It is upset, experiencing a variety of really debilitating cruel effects of that drug. Which is why, any koala handler in their right mind would not give a koala a major tranquiliser on a daily basis. So, why on earth are humans subjected to this daily dosing with major tranquilisers for years by force, sometimes the term of their natural life? These humans haven’t ever ripped someone’s arm to shreds. Well, I certainly never did, nor have the many, many people I know who have been subjected to this. (Some have done that to their own arms, but their own arm is their property.) Anyway what I'm saying, just because an animal or a human is 'manageable' doesn't make what you're doing to them any less cruel, when there are so many less restrictive, less invasive options.
 

Psychiatric abuse has to stop. Change is inevitable. Just hurry up and do it sooner rather than later and stop thinking the sleepy, non-scratching koala is happy, when it is severely disturbed by the drugs forced upon it. 

Australian politicians who want to stop psychiatric abuse

I have narrowed this search down to my electorate, Melbourne Ports, this includes all the Senate candidates for Victoria, but only the House of Reps for Melbourne Ports, for the Sept 2013 election.

If anyone from other areas wants to collaborate or comment on their area, with candidates who are going to do something about stopping forced-drugging, electro-shock and other psychiatric abuse, I would be most interested.

That said, I am aware that the Socialist Alliance has this written on their website, ‘The Socialist Alliance will guarantee patients' control by legislating the right of access to all information required for informed consent; the right to appoint a legal guardian of a patient's choice; the right to choose or refuse medical treatment; the right to choose contraception appropriate to the patient and abortion as required. Hospitals to be forced to admit their surgical, pharmacological and other nosocomial mistakes as a matter of due process.’

            This sounds promising, but they are not running in either Senate for Victoria, or House of Reps in Melbourne Ports. They are, however, running in other electorates.

 

These are the replies I got for my electorate in regards to stopping psychiatric abuse:

'Hi Initially,

Thanks and this was brought to my attention prior to last (2010) election. We are most definitely against such forced treatments. I seem to recall we put out a media release against it at the time. My own Solicitor had been involved in legal cases, representing those forced to undergo such treatment against their will.

Please do your best to spread the word and get our vote up.

It will be simple for voting the Liberal Democrats into the Senate for NSW; we drew number 1 on the ballot paper!

Thanks,'

Peter Whelan

National President

Liberal Democratic Party

www.ldp.org.au

twitter@auslibdems

***

'Dear Sir,

As a fellow sufferer of occasional but debilitating bouts of depression, I am fully supportive of your strong desire to end abuse.

The resurgent Australian Democrats and I will do whatever it takes to end this old-fashioned method of playing with people's human rights and then promote successful, modern Scandinavian techniques.

My name is Richard Grummet and I am 1 of 6 candidates on the ballot paper for the Australian Democrats in Victoria.

In the spirit of our founder Don Chipp, we intend to "Keep the Bastards Honest" - particularly on this crucial human rights issue - if elected.

But we need your help to get back into the Senate somewhere in Australia in 10 days time.

With only 2% of the vote and the right preference flows we will do it - but we need the no.1 above the line vote of you and your friends on the Senate ballot paper Australia - wide.

Please let me know ASAP - if we can do more.

Yours Sincerely,'

Richard Grummet.

Australian Democrats


(Also in The Democrats' health policy they list the right to choose or refuse medical care and

'consumer involvement in the development and provision of health care services, policies and programs'

***

'Hi Initially NO,

I am coming to this Senate election from running my own small business and hope to contribute in a practical way. My background and starting interests are on the website at www.bobnicholls.com.au

I am not aware of the problems that you raise but could look into it at  a later time, if for no other reason than people being afforded dignity and respect.

I do have as one of my goals (see website) to look into mental health as a root cause of many of our society’s ills. This is all I can offer to you at this stage.

If you feel strongly on this, please keep pushing everyone. We should all have passion for something.

 

Regards,'

 

Bob Nicholls

Independent

 

***

'Dear Initially No,

The WLP is a party of transparency, accountability and justice.  We are against unnecessary interference with the liberty of the subject. This would include unwarranted intrusions into peoples' health on spurious scientific grounds.  While we do not have a specific platform on forced drugging and electro-shock, rest assured that the senators, once elected, will ensure that whole sectors of society, including psychiatric practice, will come up for scrutiny and exposure, as it arises.

 

Kind regards,'

Binoy

Wikileaks Party

 

 

***

 

‘Hi Initially,

Senator Online believe as I do that the community has a right to have their voice heard in the Senate. For too long we have heard  Politicians from both sides of the divide, tell us what they think is best for the Community. A vote for SOL will give the voice to the people. Should the majority of the community agree with any particular issue, then they will be supported by SOL.

We are not a traditional political organisation with policies that are influenced by party politics, or by vocal minorities, or subject to doing "deals". We are about putting the voice of the majority above special interest groups. We will be the voice of the silent majority!!

The Party is proactive.

• SOL will promote and submit Bills to Parliament as they are supported by a clear majority of the public. 

• You will be able to cast a vote and influence Bills in Parliament directly through the Senator Online Website or App.

• SOL will provide balanced information and the pros and cons on each Bill. You will have clear awareness of what is going on in Parliament, enabling you to engage and act.

• In the future, you will be able to collaboratively create and vote on Bills with other members of the public through a "wiki".

SOL MPs and Senators will submit Bills that are supported by the clear majority of their constituency.

• We stand for giving the public a clear voice on each and every Bill and important issue, putting "democratic" back in democracy and making the deliberations universally accessible. We believe in providing people with the opportunity to have their voice heard on every Bill and issue that is being debated in Parliament.

• Equally importantly, we stand for the power of informed debate. By using the unmatched "enabler" of information — the internet — we seek to prompt informed debate on the issues that are important to the majority of Australians.

Our policies will be determined by the clear majority view of Australians. In the future, you will be able to collaboratively develop and vote on Bills with other members of the public through a "wiki".

SOL is best described as a directional party, that will aid our government.

 

Please go to our website www.senatoronline.org.au, and see how this will work’

 

Regards,

Lloyd Taylor

Senator Online Candidate - Victoria

***

Initially,

'Our overall policy (http://greens.org.au/equality-everyone) states as follows:

 PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE

Whether in prison, immigration detention or psychiatric facilities, people held in detention are particularly powerless and vulnerable.  The Greens believe that all detainees have a right to be treated humanely and with dignity.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) is an international agreement designed to protect people in detention from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It ensures that these facilities can be independently monitored and inspected. We will commit $15 million over the next four years to ratify the convention and protect the vulnerable in detention.

With regard to more specifics regarding psychiatric forced treatment . I will forward your email onto our relevant Senator, Penny Wright  who is our mental health spokesperson

Regards,'

Janet Rice

Victorian Greens Lead Senate Candidate 

***

‘Hi Initially

 

Thanks for your email.

As you probably know, Greens Senator Richard Di Natale is a medical doctor and has been responsible for many important initiatives - re preventative health, problem gambling, junk food.

I am not aware of any specific actions re abuse, but in general the Greens work and policies on mental health issues is very strong and supportive, standing up for more funding and some important specific initiatives.

Apart from the refugees health initiative that you mentioned, we have also recently called for better rural mental health funding, see http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-21/greens-mental-health-policy/4901766.

extending the mental Health Nurse Incentive program, and additional services for care in the community too.  Here are links to our platform http://www.greens.org.au/platform and our health policy, it http://greens.org.au/policies/health.

We are so pressed for time, I hope that gives you an idea of the party values and aims, even if I have not addressed your specific concerns.

Take care and Best wishes’

Ann Birrell

Greens candidate for Melbourne Ports

I am surprised with this miniscule result in return replies.

Those against psychiatric torture regimes comprise of at least 5% of the vote. This could be a major win for a party or independant. Those who are ignorant and could be made aware of this major abuse of human-rights, comprise of more than 20% of the vote.

Psychiatric survivors, activists, compassionate individuals, those diagnosed and incarcerated in hospitals for no crime… our voice needs to be heard, recognised, validated and the horror of psychiatric abuse needs to stop. We have the United Nations backing us. Why do Australian political parties that have policies regarding human-rights claim such ignorance of what happens on their doorstep? of what can happen to anyone who goes through trauma, crisis who doesn’t get enough support and validation for their suffering?

Do politicians not know how cruel toxic drugs such as neuroleptics are, that shut down neurotransmitters so a youthful person feels like they have Alzheimer’s, so they twitch uncontrollably, sleep most of the day? Can’t they imagine how horrible it is to lose your memory during the 40 or so bouts of ECT that a psychiatrist recommends and forces on individuals without their consent?

Psychiatric abuse needs to stop. I want parties who will back us, who advertise this policy to stop psychiatric abuse properly. I want politicians who are loud and clear that they will stop force-drugging, electro-shock and other invasive procedures. It will be a major win for whoever does this. Whoever goes into hospitals and lets those being tortured by psychiatrists know that they should vote, because their party is going to stop the horror of psychiatric abuse.

I am surprised so many Australians still believe that biological psychiatry, is the social-psychiatry of Hollywood movies. No, psychiatrists rarely talk or listen to patients, they mandate, brainwash and forcefully drug and electrocute. They forcefully inject and electrocute  those grieving the loss of their loved-ones, with major tranquilisers, that cause brain-damage and other disabling. It is not okay to do this to asylum seekers, Greens, hint, hint... I want clarity on that, that you will not send psychiatrists to forcefully drug refugees, like you have promised to do. They are people who have obviously been through trauma and adversity, they are detained and suffering, they are in crisis, they need to talk with people would are empathetic, who listen and enable them to have courage to live, who are trustworthy professionals that will help anchor their crisis in some sort of consensual reality, that allows for diversity. People that will give them hope and ways to cope, so they don't despair and wonder what reality actually is. They are people who really don't need their minds policed by psychiatrists, who will forcefully torture them with drugs and electro-shock, then demand that they agree that they are 'mentally ill' and need to take the 'recommended dose of meds' that is harming them unendurably. That's what psychiatrists do, they don't listen, they experiment and police diversity, unless they specifically state that they are social-psychiatry, that they do psychoanalysis and only prescribe drugs when a patient really wants that. Understand that pollies!

Attorney-General's Department: Stop psychiatric abuse and gain an apology for it ever having occurred