I live in a place where cultural norms are much more accepting of LGBT, of “sexual diversity,” of gender, and a bit more tolerant in regard to identity politics, so I guess I haven’t thought about it’s impact and connection to psychiatric diagnostic labels much, but I can certainly see there is a deep stigma. I hear and read everywhere: ‘I AM [fill in the manufactured psych diagnosis]’, and ‘I HAVE [fill in the manufactured psych diagnosis]’.

I would also like to Record my Recovery to contribute towards improvement in the Mental Health situation in the UK. What then pushed me over the edge was yet another celebrity-inspired media frenzy about a psychiatric “illness. Unlike some of the more radical commenters I’m in favor of certain forms of therapy and counseling between CONSENTING adults.And I have confidence that the idea of an alternative language to the medical process can start to filter through. I was a 26-year-old support worker sat face to face with a recently sectioned, police-escorted patient on a mental health ICU ward. Feeling dark gloomy and lost- in amongst a darkness of thought and emotion— obviously needs- light – all i get in my mind -and thoughts – visual- are a small group of psyches chuckling – giggling away- after having made sure all the lights are off- and their crouched- watching behind a cover- the person- who needs the light to see- stumbling around in the dark- where they were once – free at least- and are now incarcerated in the dark- with no freedom.

There is definitely a sense of energy and excitement as connections are being made, views are being endorsed rather than silenced, and emotions are being expressed and heard.should be essential reading for anyone working within mental health and that of course includes student counsellors.