I've been blogging now since 2006, I've seen many bloggers come and go, many advocates who, for one reason or another, fade away, never to be heard of again.
I am aware of the pitfalls of blogging, stalkers, honey traps, anonymous knuckleheads and, dare I say it, some downright unstable folk who jump on the bandwagon and create fictitious names and identities, in fact, they actually believe they are the person they are portraying. Psycho alert!
Taking stock of the last 6 years or so, I have come to the conclusion that the female advocates have far more staying power than the guys. They are a different breed when it comes to seeking the truth. I can't quite put my finger on why, maybe it's that motherly thing that we men just don't get?
I'd like to highlight some of those women advocates who are raising awareness, each of whom have shown dedication to the cause over the years, each of whom, I believe, will see this through to the end.
The following are in no particular order, they each have my utmost respect for doing what they do.
Stephany - Blog - Soulful Sepulcher
Steph's tagline on her blog reads: "I am an open-minded free spirit. I am not a medical professional. I believe in the human spirit; that we all have untapped resources within ourselves to succeed beyond our dreams. I believe that one voice can and does make a difference."
Her story is one of woe, her daughter being caught in the mental health trap, a system that thinks they can do a better job than she. She writes eloquently and goes after the main players, the psychiatrists, the drug manufacturers etc. Steph is always there to support people, she stays united and loyal to fellow advocates. Her blog is updated on a daily basis and always remains on topic. She is, without doubt, one of the main voices in the blogsphere today.
Leonie Fennell - Blog - Leonie Fennell's Blog
Irish advocate Leonie Fennell has upped the ante recently on her blog. She brings into question psychiatry, Lundbeck and, in general, has a pop at the way drugs are regulated in Ireland. A recent post of hers caused a stir, so much so that she was threatened by lawyers. She did the right thing in pretty much ignoring the threat and continues to probe Lundbeck and their antidepressant, Cipramil [known as Celexa in the US]. Leonie's son, Shane, was prescribed Cipramil, he killed himself whilst on it. Leonie gives her son a voice, at the same time warning others of the dangers of Lundbeck's drug and their association with psychiatrists who still prescribe it to children.
I met Leonie and her husband, Tony, earlier this year. Two very beautiful people.
Sheila Matthews - Website - Ablechild
I met Sheila in LA earlier this year, I'd seen her face on many videos and we kind of 'clicked' when we started talking. In fact, the first thing we did was go shopping together! Evidence that the female advocate can be so persuasive.
Sheila co-founded Ablechild after her son was diagnosed with a 'disorder'. His school refused to allow him back unless he was treated with psychiatric drugs. Sheila was adamant that her son did not need medicating and kicked up such a stink that local media were soon reporting on her stance [refusing her son to be medicated] - This media attention prompted other mothers to contact her and Sheila soon realised that this was a big problem.
In 2001, Sheila, along with Patricia Weathers, co-founded Ablechild, a national organisation that pushes for informed consent. Investigative journalist, Evie Pringle, wrote about Sheila, Patricia and Ablechild HERE. I have to say I am in total agreement with Evie's words.
Evelyn Pringle - Investigative Journalist - Blog - Evelyn Pringle's Catalog of Articles
One of the reasons I started writing this blog was because of Evelyn Pringle. I had read her work regarding GlaxoSmithKline and Seroxat [known as Paxil in US] Her investigative skills are way superior to anyone else I know, the style she writes in is her own unique blend of thorough investigation tinted with lines of sarcasm at the main players.
Her knowledge on all antidepressant type medications is quite staggering. Throw the name of a psych at Evie, chances are she has wrote about him.
Evie has highlighted the flaws in the Food and Drug Non-administrative [FDA] on countless occasions and coined the term 'revolving door' - a term that applies to the FDA's appointing system of ex-pharmaceutical employees.
I've never had the pleasure of meeting Evie but we have corresponded many times. She owes me a dance...and I won't take no for an answer!
Maria Bradshaw - Website - Casper
Maria Bradshaw and I met in LA earlier this year. She told me a story that was so heart wrenching that I felt the urge to highlight it upon my return to the UK. Maria is a true warrior by anyone's standards. Her son, Toran, a happy-go-lucky teenager, was prescribed Prozac. Maria drove home early one night and found him hanging by a garden hose in her garage.
Speaking with Maria over a glass or two of wine, I learned that there was more to life than just banging the drum about GlaxoSmithKline and Seroxat. Maria opened up to me and told me the whole story of her son, in particular the way he was trapped in the mental health system in New Zealand.
Casper, co-founded by Maria and her good friend, Debbie, is growing with membership by the day. To date Casper has 1500 members, their aims;
Gather and analyze data on suicide and suicide prevention.
Provide networking and support for families bereaved by suicide.
Provide education and advice to community leaders and politicians on changes to legislation, policy and practice on suicide prevention and suicide survivor support.
I cannot speak highly enough of Maria Bradshaw, she has mixed it with the best and is scared of nobody, be they psychiatrists, pharmaceutical companies or New Zealand politicians.
I'd like to hook up with her again one day, if only to show her that Marmite is not a proper food.
In Part II I will highlight other advocates who deserve a mention. If any reader feels inclined to leave a comment on other advocates then please feel free to do so after I have completed the series.
Ladies, I salute you. You each have my utmost respect.
Fid
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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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