An alternative perspective on mental health and addiction.
Contents
Forward
What if Doctor is Wrong? : The Research and Practices
Chapter One: Basic Instinct
Chapter 2: The Importance of Words (Part 1)
Chapter 2: The Importance of Words (Part 2)
Chapter 2: Citations, Bibliography and additional sources
Chapter 3: But I Don't Have Trauma
Forward
I’ve been trying to write this book and share information both found via research, and learned through trial and error, for some years now.
The format has changed, over the years, from a single person retelling of a journey of self discovery and healing, to a third person story that may be less confrontational for institutions, professionals, and the general public to consider engaging with.
I thought, in this less direct way, I could list the questions I asked with some curiosity and simply show the information I discovered in my search for some answers, the interesting connections I made and the somewhat astounding recovery that followed.
The purpose of the revised format was to inspire others to ask similar questions, with a different perspective on addiction and mental health, to encourage them to research for themselves and see if our answers were similar or even the same.
What happened next, was yet another enormous progression in my personal recovery.
At this stage, I lost all interest in retelling my story or even trying to share the answers I’d found. I was tired of revisiting painful parts of what was fast becoming ancient history for me. I was also integrating the learning and moving forward so quickly, it began to seem self indulgent and counterintuitive to keep going over the past vividly enough for it to be of any real value to others.
I had also begun to accept how complicated this conversation is.
During these years of doing and redoing, I began to write on a platform on the internet.
As I met fellow writers online, with similar stories and perspectives, I became even more aware of how big this topic is and how deep the proverbial rabbit hole goes. It also brought home to me how resistant both the medical profession and the general public are to discuss why addiction and mental disorders are on the increase and current treatments are often failing. And the increase in psychiatric medication being prescribed as standard practice these days.
More procrastination followed.
How was I to share my findings, if the majority of people aren’t even willing to talk about these topics?
A professional editor appeared in my radius.
A fellow human who had been through a similar experience regarding the apparent loss of direction in the mental health and addiction industry.
I asked him to edit the book and he very kindly consented.
I sent him an already written forward.
He’s tough. This guy’s experienced and he knows what’s what. My first attempt at the book’s Forward didn’t make the grade.
I rewrote it and submitted another version. Still no go.
My editor’s feedback has been entirely and soundly spot on with every response. He sees the pitfalls of trying to write a book like this and he’s methodically and accurately pointed them out at every turn.
I knew he was spot on because I’d already experienced some of the questions he’s raised in live situations for the past three years as I’ve tried to share some of this. As for the rest, I just trust his judgment because I’m not a professional writer.
He asked me, in one of many emails as we discussed the difficulties, what I’m even precisely trying to say. A valid question as there’s a lot to be said and the content is not specific to just one topic.
But then neither is proper recovery for mental health and addiction as it turns out.
His question was raised during a discussion on the fact that I couldn’t say what I want to because I’m not a doctor and, consequently, I won’t be taken seriously.
I know this of course.
I’d already looked at studying to get a PhD in order to bring this to you as a fully fledged doctor, just so you might consider believing me. Sadly, I’m unable to afford the costs. Perhaps one day…
But my editor’s question on what exactly I’m trying to say has sat with me for a few weeks since my last attempt to get the Forward (at least) written.
What am I trying to say?
That addiction is not a disease and the plethora of diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are not disorders in the way we believe they are.
But I’ll be ignored because I am not a doctor.
Realistically, even if I were on par with the medical fraternity, disagreeing with current practices to this extent would probably see me ostracized and called a “quack.”
I’m trying to say that psychology is not a science and we’re being incorrectly led to believe, often by medical professionals themselves, that psychological problems are medical problems.
But the general public won’t believe me because we’ve been taught to respect authority without question and I’m not a doctor. Again.
I’m trying to say that you can’t separate the human mind from the human body/physiology and external environment and expect to cure anything or anyone.
I’m saying that perspective is, literally, everything with regards to adequately treating these conditions and that our “modern” approach is totally off the mark.
I’m trying to share that facilities and programs aimed at “treating” these conditions are falling short because they’re not only not seeing the full picture, but are actively keeping people sick because they are completely (and sometimes intentionally) avoiding a large part of the problem.
I’m trying to say that the majority of the professionals I’ve approached over the years for guidance caused more harm than good, because they’ve been given the wrong information in their studies and are poorly trained with only parts of, or none of, other important information.
I’m trying to say that a lot of these professionals know this, but are sticking to the status quo because they’re afraid to be ostracized by the rest.
I’m trying to say the treatment of addiction and mental health has become an industry driven by financial gain and that people are regularly being incorrectly diagnosed and put on expensive pharmaceutical medication for lifetimes because of human greed.
While, at times, many professionals (and one group) gave me tools and small bits of information that did help me progress, they never did “fix” or address the real causes of my addiction and enormous variety of mental diagnoses.
The thing is, the more I share about this topic, the more I come to understand that many of you know all of this anyway.
So my question would be, why are you still buying into all of this medical advice if psychiatric disorders and addiction are on the increase? And if most of you know that current treatments are seriously questionable?
Because you do know this already. A lot of you have told me in person.
I’m just going to put it down, in black and white, to remind you when things get a bit confusing.
Because I’m not a doctor.
I’m just a Schizophrenic, BiPolar, Borderline, Anxiety & Depression Disordered, Addict who, somehow, is sitting writing this today, almost four years medication free and no further treatment necessary.
Which means you probably won’t believe me when I tell you there is, probably, nothing wrong with you either.
If you don’t quite believe me, yet, I invite you to read on a bit to see why I believe this may be true.
Free to share and distribute
With thanks to the community on Hive for your courage and open-mindedness and to Internet Archive for your service.
This project would never have been completed without your resources and support.
I am not a medical doctor and do not claim any information in this document or content to be a cure. This is my own understanding of how my "addiction" and "mental illness" worked, what both of these ultimately were ... and the approach I personally used to find a full and lasting recovery.
I do not endorse the information shared in K.I.S.S - Keep it Simple Sweetheart to be used in place of professional medical advice, support groups or specific therapies.
Please do not come off any prescribed medication without the guidance and support of a trained professional.
Please do not step away from any programs of treatment or support groups without the guidance and support of a trained professional.
▶️ 3Speak
In my opinion:-
Don’t focus on the fact that you’re not a doctor in a negative way - rather say : I have personal experience, it’s made me an expert even though I don’t have a string of letters after my name.
Never say that you feel you’re too tired or unwilling to assist by having to retell the story.
Other than that, I think you’re going to kick arse🤗❤️💕
Having read through what I’m guessing is a current draft of your forward, I would encourage you to start with this.
I’m not a doctor.
I’m just a Schizophrenic, BiPolar, Borderline, Anxiety & Depression Disordered, Addict who, somehow, is sitting writing this today, almost four years medication free and no further treatment necessary.
Which means you probably won’t believe me when I tell you there is, probably, nothing wrong with you either.
If you don’t quite believe me, yet, I invite you to read on a bit to see why I believe this may be true.
It’s very direct and to the point, and it really captures the readers’ attention and it invites us to read on.
If it needs to be any longer than that, perhaps you could describe your story a little after this brief forward.
Thanks for taking the time to read and the feedback.
Yeah - I actually did start with something similar and Alan thought I should build some credibility before I shared more of my personal experience.
My initial first draft was much more personal and (I thought) engaging and interesting for the general public because... well... it's more "real" and less academic and cold.
It was more of a story and less of a "paper".
Now I'm wondering if I should look at it again... hmmm.
Maybe I can connect you on Google docs and you can do a read and edit? Heck... I'm happy for you to write the story version if you want to. It's a pretty interesting story. And I don't really want to write it anymore.
This little book (K.I.S.S) is more just information based to get parents and professionals informed about a possibly more effective approach to mental health and addiction to prevent unnecessary medication of the kids. So I want it to be quite clinical and brief, I guess.
Although Ch 2 ended up being 75 pages and it still in final edit :/
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment :) I really appreciate your engagement on this one! 🙏
I guess you’re in a position to make that judgement. Either way, I’m commenting on the writing and what I think would improve it.
I adore you and thank you for stepping up for me :) But I've got this!
It is a VERY triggering topic / conversation that I'm opening up in this book...
Step back if you feel a strong reaction please. Breathe! Ground yourself. Take care of yourself first.
Your comment on the writing is insightful and sound.
As is your comment on "judgement". :)
You know exactly what is going on! You've got this! No need to argue or defend yourself. You're awesome. And you're perfect just as you are. 💥
Thanks for being you. I "see" you and I'm keeping you close! 😊❤️🙏
I don’t understand what you mean. I thought that schizophrenic is a word used to describe a person who has is or suffering from schizophrenia. Are you implying that since she has said that she no longer suffers from schizophrenia that she is not or cannot be labeled as schizophrenic?
I was just clarifying whether or not that is what you meant. I understand what you are saying now.
You're on the right track :)
Nicely noted!
You are so right, people avoid talking about any mental health issues, and I do believe someone who's been through the mill very likely have way more to offer to others, than someone who learned from books!
I've written quite a number of blogs about my personal experience with depression, and only really started healing when the antidepressants I'd been taking for yonks, were discontinued.
But.. it's late, time to sleep so I'll chat soon xxx
I would so like to hear that story!
Because the exact same happened for me.
My meds were discontinued and that's when my real healing actually began.
I wouldn't recommend anyone else do it on their own though. Try to come off prescription meds.
They tend to be quite addictive and it's dangerous to do it without medical supervision.
I was kind of thrown into it and then a really bizarre life situation took off and I couldn't afford to go back on anything or get medical help.
So I figured out how to do it alone.
And then past a certain point, when I understood more about how these things work and how to find and address the causes, there was simply no going back.
I was making such progress so fast I could only keep going forward.
Yes. 😊 I've met others like us who have managed to heal. 👍 Hello and thank you for your courage to share so honestly 🙏💥❤️
Now I can add you to the growing numbers.
The fact that the treatment industry is ignoring this information and sticking to the biological approach is very concerning indeed.
But we should talk about that a bit more too... I'll be releasing the next chapters here soon and do hope you'll offer some thoughts on them
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You're welcome @nickydee, it's well deserved! Congrats on your constant involvement on Hive 😊👍🌹
Yep, only thing to understand and then to leave it behind is: It's an industry to make billions!
Well. That and to encourage people to think a lil bit now
It's like that... 😆
I'm so glad that you are publishing your story and journey toward wholeness Nicky. We can all learn from your experience.
Thank you for your ongoing being youness :) You make it much easier for me to be me!
Came to look for you earlier but all was quiet so glad you checked in!
p.s. we are all learning from each other. That's what makes all of this so remarkable, interesting and wonderful ❤️
This is powerful Nicky, I must say that I've had so many questions my whole life but they don't get taken seriously by the medical people. Dr Gabor Mate is amazing and so much of his work has resonated deeply with me through the years. I'm interested to read your book and learn more. I've been trying to write a book for a year and haven't got very far, it's not as easy as everyone makes it seem.
No it's not easy at all! I agree 👍
I've been on this particular project for years. And the book ... well... for three now, I think!
I just keep chipping away and take breaks when needed and then return to it when I'm ready again.
Maybe just do that. Slow and steady wins the race. Keep writing. You write well and you have a voice. For sure. And a good mind. For sure.
I bet you have a lot to say all tucked away inside you and nobody has been around to listen to you.
Keep writing anyway. We will find you. See? I did :)
And yes. Gabor Mate is phenomenal!
His website has all his stuff on it, btw.
I hope you get to publish your experiences one day, Nicky. Hive is always an option. This combination of using Three speak and written content is a winner for me. My Mom was an Alternative Health Therapist. She practiced Radionics, Kinesiology, and Reflexology... she always believed in a trauma-based approach to healing. I think there is a balance to be had between orthodox medicine and alternative approaches to healing the imbalances in our bodies. I hope that your explorations and experiences can help to elucidate and illuminate for the rest of us. I am very much looking forward to reading more about the healing process and the journey that you took. It takes people like you to share from your own personal perspective and experience so that others can sit back and go ... Huh... interesting, I need to explore that more myself! ... and in so doing they open themselves up to possibilities not previously imagined for themselves. 💗 So thank you for doing this... !LUV
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Thanks, Sam! :)
I really appreciate the encouraging and positive feedback 🙏
It really inspires and helps me keep at it. It's a tough conversation and not many folks will even engage with it so it's been hard going at times and somewhat frustrating.
I've abandoned it repeatedly but then see something or read something and get back on to it again. Particularly when I hear of the kids struggling and being wacked straight onto meds. :(
Yet few people want to even consider that this may not be the best first option. Or even talk about what the issues at hand may be.
So much stigma around addiction and mental health. Still! Which is mainly why I began to takk about it in the first place.
Because you're right. The more we share our experiences the more we learn and progress.
Others did it for me and literally saved my life, so I consider it service now.
And yes. A combination of things works best. And for different people at different times even. So the more we share our experience and knowledge the easier time others may have to find a way out as well 👏
Massive hugs and thanks for engaging ❤️🙏
You are very welcome. I have a lot of admiration for what you are doing. Don't give up. You give more people greater opportunities to heal by sharing. !LUV
Well I just went silver so the Powers that Be might take me more seriously. So I'm serious about it.
My son saw a bit of the video and said I look like a "Caron" with the blonde bits and the way it was tied up 😆
You have to listen to the young 'uns. They have their finger on the pulse and all.
I'll be busy with the next bit. Thank you. The support means that world to me and makes all the difference to getting this project out there now. ❤️🙏
!LUV !ALIVE
@nickydee! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @samsmith1971. (10/10)
The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want.
Okay, so, I don't know how I missed this, but I'm glad to have found this post and begin this journey with you.
I know you're a long way forward, but then again, perhaps not. After all, isn't this about the journey of life and working through it as best we can?
I've studied a number of alternative energy/mind theories along the way. Always seeking. Finding some relief, and helping others too, but it seems to be a never-ending journey. Writing, for me, and easing into honesty has helped the most.
It's tough growing up and learning that lying is the safest journey and what is expected. It takes a lot of courage to show up honestly. I think that's what I admire the most about you and what I take from your writing.
I'm still not there. But I take baby steps in the right direction and move the boundaries out just a little more; it's a process. I will be reading more of your work as it unfolds. I'll be asking questions. Sharing tidbits from my own experiences. Keeping the dialogue going.
I don't care that you're not a doctor. For me, that's a benefit. Just saying. 💛
And sorry... the doctors comment.
There are a few good ones. So I shouldn't really say that.
In fact, I met two. But only two out of many.
One who explained that the medical fraternity had no idea of what schizophrenic reaction even is and that it was just a blanket term thrown over a whole bunch of inexplicable reactions.
And one who... when I floundered with a moment of self-doubt... looked me square in the eye and said, "Nicole, stop it! You know exactly what is going on."
These two individuals (who took the time to listen and find out more background history), probably, saved my life.
So... it's just finding the diamonds in the rough, I guess.
I think that's in every field, every walk of life and when you meet them, you feel the difference. Completely! 💛
:) Yes. (Like you)
I have something to request and you can totally say no! I enjoy it when people have healthy boundaries.
But your discord please?
Sent you a friend request from discord x
Awesome sauce.
Wrote it here.
Will send Telegram or WA number if you're keen.
If not don't stress. I know exactly how busy you are!
Dying to get this one finished so I can have fun again!
I basically want you to become my editor.
Mine had to step back for personal reasons and we went separate ways when I said blockchain or bust.
It's why Ch 2 was a bit wordy and too passionate 😁 He was my restraint (although he will be most please there were no actual swear words this time!)
Don't run away, please.
You will get all the rewards, of course. If there are any. And a brain to pick for free. 👍
I'd need a rewrite of Ch 2 for the free book, and CH 3 (and maybe 4) edited by you with rewards to go to you.
And the final post releasing the e-book same.
And CH 2 can happen at your leisure. It's 3 and 4 I want out asap as it ties all of this together.
Lol! I won't run. I only saunter, flicking my hair, as I wave goodbye.
But, I don't do that to friends. It's an interesting proposition. One, I think would be best to discuss.
I am busy at the moment, but... I am also tempted.
But let's talk. Either Discord or Zoom or WA or Telegram. There are so many choices. You pick! Hehe!
Perhaps, we can begin chatting in Discord and work out a time that suits us both.
I think what you're doing is really needed. xxx
😆
I may antagonize you just to witness that!
Have sent WA and Telegram number so as it suits you.
Or I'll send email addy as well, in fact. I'll be on the go again in the next few days so email will also work.
Thanks for considering it. Alan did a lot of Ch 2 so it really just needs all of the repetition and mouthy me removed.
Ch 3 will be super sort and simple!
Ch 4 really just lists so I can probably do that on my own but glance over it would be wonderful.
If you can't no sweat. There are other great writers on here I can ask. But I think you have an interest in the content so...
Ping me on WA or Telegram when you have a moment to chat, please. 🙏
Said hello on WA x
Hello, beautiful soul 🌸
Nice to see you! Glad you found it.
It's a journey without an end to the learning. Absolutely :)
Your mention of honesty. THE most important thing, in my experience as well. It's only when we are honest that we either ask for help or start to make the changes ourselves - for the things that aren't working.
Recovery is impossible without it. 👍
Very sad that people have to learn to do it so effectively as kids to protect themselves yes. And so many get lost along the way and never find a way out because they become so good at it. Lying to themselves eve, I mean :/
I do hope you keep a dialogue going. Yes. :) This is how we learn! The only way we progress, really.
I don't mean to be cocky, but after the doctors I've met I'm glad I'm not one either.
It took some months of decision to put this out there. I won't be able to work in the industry now. For mainstream treatment clinics anyway. Which is what I trained for in the first place.
But as I began to see more of what was happening, I couldn't go into it. So a bit lost right now. As that was the plan. But look what I found here ❤️
There's always a way to share from the heart and connect with the right people. Those ones that are ready to hear the message you're sharing. Those that aren't ready, won't hear. But the ripple will spread because of the courage taken by the likes of you and others.
Thank you for the links, by the way. I've been watching Richard Grannon's videos on YouTube. I will be giving the Fortress exercises a go and sharing them with my daughters. My youngest has been suffering from acute anxiety, so I loved how he explained CPTSD.
I'd never heard of the 4th F (fawn) before but recognised it and how I move between all those states from time to time. Really interesting. 💛
Thank you for the support :) I really appreciate it. Yes. It's not so fun to do this work. I'd rather avoid and get on with living happily ever after it tbh. But it just seems selfish.
Please be gentle with people who are new to this information? It is very triggering for people. There are SO many people who've been incorrectly "diagnosed". So we should be sensitive to the trauma this leaves people with please. It's horrific.
I will add this to content to dig up and read with gratitude. There is so much of it and it's so surprisingly not discussed. But now the conversation seems to be opening up.
Let's keep our cool and do it smart and consciously because you are right! It's is very important we have it now.
But it can only be done if we are all able to stay calm and hear each other :)