In 2013, Celia Brown, then Board President of MindFreedom International, shared her experiences with the mental health system. This is her testimonial for the Open Paradigm Project’s campaign, “Moving Beyond Psychiatric Labels.”
Ms. Brown was a psychiatry survivor and human rights activist. Her recovery began after joining the survivor movement. She was inspired by alternative approaches to mental health championed by people like Judi Chamberlain and Howie the Harp. In her testimonial, she emphasizes the importance of connection and communication. True healing arises from being heard and having our experiences validated. We must be identified not by a diagnosis or a psychiatric label but by our humanity. We are human beings first.
What a great person – Celia speaks so compassionately and understands the dilemmas facing those of us who have been caught up in the psychiatric system.