i have so many stories of abuse by medical staff, doctors and therapists, that it would fill a book. the worst was when i went to a public mental health clinic in Sacramento, and was given Lithium, which caused a psychotic break. it their haste to cover it up, 12 different 'partially retired' old farts gave me 24 of their favorite meds in 18 months, each one of which caused more and more damage. they said it was me getting worse and not responding to treatment. they left me with substantial and significant brain damage, and would have institutionalized me if i hadn't overheard them planning it in the hall and ran away.

that was all in '89 - '91. i had the IQ of a damaged 6 yr old, when i began my self-directed recovery program, at which all the psychiatrists i had to see to apply for disability laughed. yes, right out loud, in my face. well,,, i am now fully recovered from bipolar disorder, OCD's, Phobias, Panic, GAD, hair pulling, and everything but PTSD (which is continually re-traumatized) and agoraphobia (who can blame me for being afraid to go out ?? ).

recently, i was seeing a doctor for a systemic infection, which he didn't even believe in, and didn't know there was a test for, and when he got nasty with me, i sought a second opinion. sadly, i didn't understand that all the docs at that clinic (the only one in this rural community) were in cahoots with each other, and the second doc attacked me verbally. when i filed a complaint, i was told to seek medical attention elsewhere. even tho they ALL KNOW there is no elsewhere for a person without transportation. it's 60 or 70 miles to the next doc or hospital.

i bluffed them, and they caved, i got 12 minutes with a third doc when i was promised a 30 minute intake, and no meds. come back in 6 months (IF you're still alive, scum). i hate docs,, i despise the medical system, and their entitled 'better than thou' attitudes. but i'm not so delusional as to think that we or any group smaller than the AARP can affect medical practices.

best of luck to you all ~