A Fragile Revolution
Consumers and Psychiatric Survivors Confront the Power of the Mental Health System
Description
Despite two centuries and three major reform movements, mental patients have remained on the outside of the mainstream of society, often living in poverty and violence. Today we are undergoing yet another period of reform and, in a historical first, ex-mental patients, now calling themselves consumers and psychiatric survivors, have been recruited in record numbers by the Ontario government to participate in the change process.
A Fragile Revolution investigates the complex relationship between ex-mental patients, the government, the mental health system, and mental health professionals. It also explores how the recent changes in policy have affected that relationship, creating new tensions and new opportunities.
Using qualitative interviews with prominent consumer and survivor activists, Everett examines how consumers and survivors define themselves, how they define mental illness, and how their personal experience has been translated into political action.
While it is clear that consumers and survivors have affected the rhetoric of reform, they know that words do not equal action. As they struggle to develop their own separate advocacy agenda, they acknowledge that theirs is a fragile revolution, but one that is here to stay.
Reviews
The major sources of information for Everett's study were consumers and psychiatric survivors and those involved in providing services to this group. In-depth interviews yielded striking stories of pain and heroism as people sought help from a system with limited help to give.... Everett['s]...book, a powerful examination of the mental health system from the inside, presents a strong case for continued reform in the system.
- Robert B. MacIntyre
[As] a worker in the mental health field...[it] was gratifying to see my lived experience described in a cohesive way within a theoretical framework that helped me understand my professional experiences at a deeper level.... The author's ability to integrate the historical context of mental health reform with the experiences of consumers/survivors, the viewpoints of family members, and the perspectives of professionals is both exceptional and sensitively done. I highly recommend this book for anyone coming in contact with the mental health system--consumers/survivors, family members, mental health professionals, and students who are plannng to enter the field of mental health.
- Ru Tauro
A Fragile Revolution demonstrates quite unequivocally, a first-rate strategic thinker, competent analyst, and elegant literary stylist.... This is the book you give to non-academic Psych Industry Workers for their `own short course in what the antipsychiatry movement is all about.... A major contribution and a must-read for anyone concerned with Canadian mental health policy making and development.
- Byron Fraser
The initial section on the history of the consumer movement is excellent.... Everett's discussions about `partnership,' about the different meaning behind the terms `consumer' and `survivor,' and about possible retaliation against consumer activists are all excellent and important. Her description of the failure of well-funded consumer groups is illuminating.... The discussion about whether consumer-survivors can participate without being co-opted is worth the price of the entire book.... I finished the book wanting to phone the author and continue the discussion, to argue with her and to agree with her.
- Ronald J. Diamond
Everett is a professional. She has worked in institutional and agency settings and has a valid take on the nature of power and powerlessness, control and being controlled.... Quotations from consumer/survivors make the book come alive.... Everett has done a good service to professionals and clients alike.
- Pat Capponi