This page contains links to films, videos, and guidebooks by leaders in the Consumer/Survivor Arts movement.
Leaving the Door Open: Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint (SAMHSA, 2005)
This SAMHSA funded video was developed to train mental health services direct care staff, administrators, and consumers on alternative approaches to seclusion and restraint in the treatment of people with serious mental illness. Emphasizes the consumer perspective and includes five topical sections.
Paving New Ground: Peers in In-Patient Settings (NASMHPD, 2008).
The National Association for State Mental Health Program Directors (NASHMHPD) has been a leading force in the country, actively advocating the meaningful involvement in the mental health service system of current and former recipients of services. This is an excerpt from the Paving New Ground Guidebook:
“Psychiatric hospitals and state institutions have become increasingly aware of the development of peer specialist roles in inpatient settings and are showing an interest in establishing similar positions in their facilities. Roles for peers, once more common in outpatient settings, are now being created in inpatient settings. Despite the increase many hospitals are uncertain about how to establish and make the best use of these unique positions. While recognizing there is no one correct way, this “lessons learned” guidebook will identify and highlight some of the hospitals in the country that have been most successful. Through the use of stories and narratives, we will go on a journey to learn about the average day of peer specialists, their special challenges and rewards, and what they most value in their positions. We will also meet their supervisors and hospital/institutional administrators. Whenever possible we went on site to meet personally with the individuals interviewed but since this was not possible in all cases, some interviews took place over the phone. Learning through experience is the best way to learn. This guidebook will help us appreciate what is possible and to help other hospitals and peers envision and actuate their own futures. This is no ordinary adventure; it is often spectacular to see what persons in recovery from mental illnesses can do!”
HISTORICAL VIDEOS
From Asylums to Recovery: The Fight for Civil Rights and Humane Treatment for People with Psychiatric Disorders. MHA, 2017
This documentary is a compelling history of the consumer and survivor/ex-patient movements in the United States from 1960 to the present. It is the incredible story of the ongoing emergence of thousands of people who have been pushed to the margins of society because of the gross misunderstanding of the “normal” world about the true nature of psychiatric disorders. The documentary follows the story of a person incarcerated in a psychiatric facility in 1960 and the barbaric treatments she was subjected to. Leading members of the consumer and survivor/ex-patient community are interviewed about the birth of these two historic movements.
Alternatives Conference 2013
For a video compilation contains excerpts from the National Alternatives Conference in Austin, Texas in 2013, click here.
History of the Consumer/Survivor Movement
For a webinar recorded for the National Association of Peer Supporters on the Consumer/Survivor Movement by both Sally Zinman and Gayle Bluebird, click here.
History of the Self-Help and Advocacy Movement
For a video presentation the History of the Peer Self-Help and Advocacy Movement by Joseph Rogers, Celia Brown, and Amey Dettmer, click here.
Voices for Choices
For the Voices for Choices video by MindFreedom, International, click here.
Hurry Tomorrow
A documentary filmed inside a locked psychiatric ward
at Metropolitan State Hospital in Los Angeles by Richard Cohen and Kevin Rafferty
“A crucifying indictment of ward conditions, drug companies and the violations of present laws. The film is an act of courage and a warning about mind control told with compassion and rage.” THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, Linda Gross
For a brief clip from the film, click here.
Leonard Frank 1932 – 2015 “No Man Is An Island”
For another documentary by Richard Cohen about movement leader, Leonard Roy Frank, click here.
Sherry Goes Sane (an interview with Ann Kasper)
Sherry Joiner is being interviewed by Ann Kasper, Advocate for Wellness, about her book Sherry Goes Sane and her condition of schizoaffective disorder. She details her experiences as an artist and paints a picture of the harrowing struggles faced with those affected with schizoaffective disorder. (26:30 min.), click here.
Advocate for Wellness – Art and Relationships
Artist, speaker and peer support specialist Melody Gilman speaks about her personal experiences with mental health, addiction and recovery. She shows some of her paintings. Her husband, State of Oregon Representative Lew Frederik, joins to discuss his own experiences as a family member and what the legislature can do. Ann Kasper hosts. (29:53 min.), click here.
J. Pepin Fine Arts Gallery – Advocate for Wellness
Ann Kasper interviews Jennifer Pepin about her art, the gallery she started and other peer artists. Many works of art are showcased. (21:07 min.), click here.
Altered States of the Arts (Psychiatric Survivors) 