Questions

Dear Friend,

This is our last newsletter for a while. To save the high cost of
overseas postage we decided to E-Mail it (in text format only, 'cause we
don't know which graphic-based attachments you could handle).
Tonight we're also closing down our net connection (and thus our
E-Mail) to save funds. We shall, of course, be in touch from time to
time on snailmail, and you can always fax us on 01535 602736.

For now best wishes from us, and you can be assured we shall
continue to battle on against ECT.

Kind regards

Pat & Roy Butterfield.

(Newsletter text follows).

OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH -
HOW MUCH LONGER CAN THEY DENY THE GLARING TRUTH?

Over the past eighteen months I have spoken to hundreds of people who have had Electric Shock Treatment. In addition I have also received hundreds of letters from ECT victims. These callers and correspondents cover mainly England, several from Scotland, Wales, and now finally from Ireland. We also correspond with survivors from America, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

The one thing that is significant is that these people have never met before and few of them have had prior knowledge of literature on Electric Shock damage, but they all ask similar questions. Why do I feel like I am a robot? Why do I have no feelings any more? Why am I so fatigued all the time? Why can't I remember things as I used to. Why do I feel different, my family say I'm not the same person? Why wasn't I told about the seriousness of the memory loss? Why was I forced to have this treatment against my will? Do other people feel as frightened as me when they have to visit a doctor? This is just a tiny example of the kind of questions we are asked at ECT Anon.

Some people experience more than one of the above, plus a wide variety of physical symptoms which can be debilitating. 99% of people report memory loss of some degree or another, almost all these survivors feel that they are changed as a person and know they will never feel the same again. Their families can confirm this too. It seems that very few of us can hold down jobs, concentrate, make sense of the world as we once used to. These just seem to be a few of the many feelings described. There is such a strong link between all of us who feel damaged that it cannot be denied that we are telling the truth. Why would we need to lie about how we feel? The denial by some members of the medical profession of our symptoms is grossly insulting. They are denying our truth and manipulating their cure data statistics in many devious ways as I hope to unfold in this article.

When we move on to physical symptoms we have reports of the onset of Epilepsy, Asthma, Neurological problems, chronic fatigue, head pains, neck problems, back problems, heart problems, digestive problems, all of which doctors dismiss as being symptomatic of our condition.

It is rather strange, isn't it, that we experience these symptoms collectively? There is so much evidence falling into our laps it is startling to see. Yet psychiatrists cannot and will not see that there is a common denominator that links us all: ELECTRIC SHOCKS TO THE BRAIN. On the rare occasions that individual survivors gain an unbiased medical examination and have MRI scans to discover the cause of their mysterious illness, it has been found that brain tissue has been scarred, in keeping with severe epileptic fits. One neurologist bravely admitted that it was due to Electric Shock damage. The patient was then able to claim disability allowance, due to damage caused by Electric Shock. Yes, there are honest doctors out there, yet many of them are too afraid to stand up and be counted. Too cosy in their positions, too protective of their status. Why canât we all of us who feel damaged demand brain scans, it should be our right, but could we trust the results? Would it really be a truly independent assessment? We all know now about the case of the missing files/records, the illegible handwriting that many psychiatrist employ to safeguard their incompetence. The case of the missing records is a joke outworn, that no longer makes us smile but enrages us.

How much longer have we to wait before we get the treatment that we deserve? How much longer can psychiatrists hide behind their lies and deceptions, behind their ignorance and incompetence and deny us the right to proper care and treatment? It's time to stop putting out their outrageous statements about the safety and effectiveness of ECT. It's time for them to stop controlling us with their patronizing statements and start listening to us. We are suffering because of a treatment that is highly dangerous and offered as a first option in many cases. It is a treatment that should be outlawed, that has no place in the modern world. It is not a cheap fix, as the writer once naively believed it to be, but a cheap trick. Is the Government of this country also fooled by this cheap trick or is there some sinister motive that we are so far unaware of?

ECT is a scandal that overshadows the BSE scare a thousand fold. And ECT is a very very expensive treatment indeed.

It costs lives. In Texas where deaths have to be reported following shock, the elderly are dying at a rate of one in two hundred. We have similar figures here if we look back to 1978 reports. Why are these figures no longer available? Why isn't the Government asking these questions of the RCP? John Major himself asked questions in the house in 1982 (when he was young, ambitious and caring?) regarding the safety of the treatment, yet still we have no answers. Where are his questions today?

It costs happiness. People who would probably have been quite temporarily depressed, as their circumstances changed, are rendered utterly unable to return to any kind of normality after ECT. Even someone, with post-baby blues, an obviously temporary condition, is treated with ECT, and the recipient often emotionally scarred for life.

It costs big money. Benefits have to be paid, often for life, to people disabled by Electric Shock. Good brains are being destroyed. Our survivor list is only the meerest fraction of those who are out there, but it includes people from all walks of life, including many professional people -teachers, accountants, solicitors- all with their financial futures destroyed by ECT. So when the Dept. of Health plant their heads firmly in the sand in terror of the idea of having to find huge funds for genuine and helpful treatments if they agreed to supplant ECT, they're not saving money - they're throwing money away.

If there are any psychiatrists out there reading this - COME OFF IT. Do you really think you can get away with all this for ever? This situation has built up quietly over decades, out of sight, fuelled by the need to deal quickly with large numbers of patients, its technology based on half-truths, ignorance, and an unwillingness to see harm, until finally doctors all across the land were doing it. As evidence of the unacceptable level of harm from ECT has built up to the point that it has become blindingly obvious, doctors have become obliged to espouse increasingly unfeasible denials, in order to continue to protect themselves from accusations of harm.

They are slowly backing themselves into a corner. They cannot now accept the harm of ECT without admitting they've known it all along -for the evidence has been around too long now to claim late enlightenment. And so they have no choice but to go on pretending that ECT is okay, and hiding behind each other on the premise that if thousands of them are doing it they can hardly be individually accused - each just points to all the others for his or her justification.

But this is no justification! Imagine if a mugger is accused of attacking someone and his answer was: "It's okay - this is my job. This is what I do. Its a profession. There are thousands of us doing this all over the country."

But this is exactly what psychiatrists do! They indulge in premeditated attacks on patients under the guise of helping them, knowing full well that their actions may result in serious permanent injury. When a mugger does this he gets jailed. The psychiatrist gets paid. Shouldn't everyone who knowingly risks harm get the same treatment?

One day the damn will burst,, as surely it must, and a tidal wave of lawsuits will rage through the NHS. Then they'll discover that as they backed into the corner, they took with them an accumulation of evidence that points an unwavering finger labelled 'culpable' right back at themselves.

Who's going to make it happen? We're the only ones who can. It has to be us. No one else cares enough.

BOOKS TO INSPIRE

Rima Handley "Homeopathy for Emotional Health".
How to support and balance your emotions using homeopathic
remedies. This is an excellent book, giving practical advice and
possible solutions.

Gael Lindenfield "Managing Anger".
Positive strategies for dealing with difficult emotions.
The New Self-Help Series

Leonard Mervyn "Nerve Troubles".
How to overcome nervous disorders by drug free methods.
All Thorsons.

Louise Hay "You Can Heal your life".
(Guernsey Press Co).

JM Dechanet "Yoga in Ten lessons".
OSB London
Search Press

Margaret Hills SRN "Curing Illness the Drug Free Way".
Sheldon Press

Shirley Price "Practical Aromatherapy".
How to use essential oils to restore vitality
Thorsons

Itâs also useful to look at other Thorsons publications Health Series.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES & SELF-HELP

In December 1991 the Health Minister announced: It is now open to any family doctor to employ a complementary therapist to offer treatment on the NHS as long as the doctor remains accountable.

Surveys show that one third of British GPs possess a skill in one or more complementary therapies, and 34% of fund holding GPs offer various complementary services, including homeopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy, aromatherapy etc. So they are out there, you just need to seek them out. It's up to us to demand better services, to change our GP if we are dissatisfied and to find someone who is sympathetic to our needs.

Many people have written or asked about alternatives to their treatment. I have tried to come up with a few ideas mainly taken from other peoples experiences. This is not meant as advice but merely for information, just to get you started thinking about other ways to help yourself or your partner/friend who may be suffering. It's very important not to come off drugs unless you are supervised by your doctor. Always ask their advice first.

Many of these therapies are now being offered by some practices. These doctors are people who listen to what patients want. It's also important that you make it know what you want too. Doctors don't know unless you tell them. It's often a good idea to ask around about practitioners in your area, it's usually better to have a direct recommendation. You can also ask at your local Health shop; they often display cards in their windows and can be helpful. Some therapist have a sliding scale fee, ask them before you decide to try them. Ask the following associations or a list of practitioners in your area, or (if you're a woman) go along to your local Well Women's Centre and ask for information.

AROMATHERAPY

Whole or part body massage (neck and shoulders). Massage with scented oils, can be very beneficial and relaxing. Can relieve head pain, muscle tension and depression.
Contact The Register of Qualified Aromatherapists, PO. Box 6941
London, N8 9HF tel. 0181 341 2958

NUTRITION

Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy (SPNT) PO. Box 47,
Heathfield, East Sussex, TN1 8ZX. tel. 01435 867007
Institute for Optimum Nutrition, Blades Court, Deodar Road, London
SW15 2NU. Tel.0181 877 9993.
We still have a few copies left of their booklet Mental Illness Not All in
the MIND priced £1 inc. postage.

REFLEXOLOGY

Diagnostic Foot massage-some enlightened GP's may have a
Reflexologist in their practice. Otherwise ring: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTE OF REFLEXOLOGY (UK) MEMBERSHIP. Tel. 01732 350629.

HEALING

National Federation of Spiritual Healers, Old Manor Farm Studio,
Church Street, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 6RG. tel. 01932
738164. Healer Referral service, send and SAE for info.

World Federation of Healing. Mrs Doris Jones (HH), 10 Gallards Close,
London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 ONB. Tel.
01892 514342.

CHIROPRACTIC

SEVERE HEAD PAIN? Many survivors complain of this after effect of ECT. Often it is so debilitating that it is almost impossible to sleep or function in daily life. Constant pain drains the body of energy creating a vicious cycle which is difficult to break. Chiropractic has proved to be a great help to the writer in relieving pain of the head, neck and back. If you are suffering too it may be worth giving it a shot. I found relief after only three treatments. For a list of practitioners and more information contact:
The McTimoney Chiropractic Association, 21 High Street, Eynham,
Oxon, OXB 1HE. Tel. 01865 880974, send large SAE for info pack.

HYPNOTHERAPY/PSYCHOTHERAPY

HYPNOTHERAPY can be useful for all kinds of problems. It is a very gentle way of facing your past traumas in the hands of an expert. Some use the David Grove method which is basically about healing the child within and is very non-invasive.

PSYCHOTHERAPY can also help many people, but it is long term usually and can be expensive unless you can be referred by your GP to a good NHS practitioner. For a qualified Hypnotherapist, contact:
Association of Professional Therapists (APT)
57 The Spinney, Sidcup, Kent. DA14 5NE. tel. 0181-308 0249.
Or
The National Association of Counsellors, Hypnotherapists and
Psychotherapists, tel. 01974 241 376. Write to: NACHP Ffnnowen,
Llangwyryfon, Aberystwyth, Dyfed. SY23 4EY.

HOMEOPATHY.

This treats the whole person -not just a set of symptoms. One book we highly recommend is Homeopathy for Emotional Health by Rima Handley. Rima Handley is a practising Homeopath and Psychotherapist, co-founder of the
Northern College of Homeopathic Medicine at Swinburne House, Swinburne Street, Gateshead, Tyne and
Wear, NE8 1AX.
If you live in the London Area try: The College of Homeopathy,
Regentâs College, Inner Circle, London, NW1 7HT.

For a list of Homeopathic Doctors telephone the British Homeopathic
Association on 0171 935 2163 or write enclosing an A4 SAE to: British
Homeopathic Association, 27 Devonshire Street, London, W1N 1RJ.

SELF-HELP... Taking responsibility for your own recovery.

How about starting your own group? It needn't be big -just two or three of you to begin with, taking turns to offer a room to talk in, with a time limit, of say, two hours. Set some ground rules at the first meeting so that you all have a clear idea what you what you hope to gain from your meetings. Ask your local MIND office if they know of any groups already established in your area. Ask your local CVS if they have any information or are willing to allow you to use one of their rooms, or ask your local Advocates Office if they can help you out: this is part of their remit.
Contact UKAN for further information about advocacy: (UKAN United
Kingdom Advocacy Network, Premier House, 14 Cross Burgess
Street, Sheffield, S1 2HG).

There are some excellent advocates groups springing up all over the UK. You may be able to help out in some way. Sometimes there are jobs on offer, or you can try voluntary work and apply for a therapeutic allowance, approx. £40 per week, which would not affect any other benefit you might be on. Again ask UKAN for information. Don't just sit there, pick up the phone and ask! There are many survivors out there in your area -all you have to do is find them. Fellow survivors are good supporters; they understand how you feel. Together you can help one another to come to terms with what has happened to you. You decide on rules, you are in control and you know how far you want to be involved in any group or project. Being involved even in the smallest way can pay dividends.

For further help you can contact Una Parker, who is willing to advice you how to set up a local group. Tel: 01977 714659. Una is a fellow survivor. Remember -ECT Anon cannot be everywhere at once. Now it's your turn to begin supporting other survivors of ECT. Also, don't forget the careers of people who have had ECT, they suffer also and need support. Perhaps some of them may be reading this. Well, how about setting up your own support groups for careers?

Come on, you can do it! It just takes a little courage and a great deal of determination. It's got to be worth it if you make the first step towards your own recovery. Taking that first step is the hardest, after that it becomes a little easier each time. I have found some wonderful new friends and I' am sure you can too. Go on, have a go! It's worthwhile. You can also start your own watchdog group, keeping your eyes and ears open for abuses of ECT. Let your local Community Health Council know about your concerns. That way you will be making a very positive contribution to bringing about change in the practice of ECT.

You have the courage; after all you have survived so far, all you have to do is acknowledge it. All Survivors are potentially powerful. Remember the old saying- Together we stand, Divided we fall. So start up your groups. Band together and decide what it is you can do to contribute to the campaign for change. Just look at what Alex Doherty has achieved in Scotland. One man alone, he has gained the support of MPs, UNISON, numerous survivor groups and local councils. Just think what we could achieve were we all to band together.

For example, just imagine what we could do if we all banded together and began a huge group legal action. It might be a struggle for each separate one of us to prove a case of harm, but if hundreds of us stood together, every one of us relentlessly recounting the same type of harm, it would be compelling evidence. If you are angry enough to be excited by this idea (after all, didn't ECT take away your job, your career, your earning power, your health, maybe your ability to ever be really happy again?) then maybe YOU are the person with the ability and determination to set this particular ball rolling. In the meantime, our files and those of other groups just keep on growing, and psychiatrists just keep on blindly backing themselves into the same corner. We're ready when you are.

Write letters to the press, keep telling your story, make a fuss and keep the ECT issue in the public eye. Remember, we are the EXPERTS, we know how we feel. Let others know, it is nothing to be ashamed of. All the shame lies at the door of those psychiatrists who have abused their power out of ignorance, arrogance, laziness.

The following is a statement by UNISON England who now support our campaign.

"UNISON has called on the government to set up an independent inquiry into the use of Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) on older people. The Union is concerned at the increasing number of people over 65 receiving ECT for dementia and depression. The treatment -which involves passing an electric current through the patient's brain- is contentious and experts are divided on its value."
Unison News June 1996.

UNISON SCOTLAND also support the need for change.

USER GROUPS

NORTH STAFFS
If there is anyone in that area who would like more information or wishes to join them they can be contacted at 40 Melville Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST1 3NB Tel. 01782 260671 Coordinator: John Larkham.
WEST SUFFOLK
The Survivors of Mental Health Services, Room 3, First Floor, North
Wing, St Edmunds House, Lower Baxter Street, Bury St Edmunds,
Suffolk, 1P33 1ET. Tel: 01284 724456
Office Hours 9.30am to 12.30pm on Tues, Wed, Thur. Answer phone at
all other times. They have just published an excellent booklet, issue No
5 - June 1996, challenging the use of ECT.

SORRY -FINAL NEWSLETTER!

Apologies for the brevity and simple layout of this newsletter. Lack of funds have obliged us to cut down on its size, and this is the last for a while, so please don't send another SAE. We're going to concentrate funds in other directions. Thanks to all those who sent donations to support our publication of the Pippard report expose. Many hundreds of copies have gone out, into many influential places, and its effects are now slowly seeping down through the system in myriad ways. Hopefully it will play its part in bringing about long overdue reforms. We're still working away, and we still need funds. Remember us when you win the lottery!

COOK REPORT -KEEP WATCHING!

Thanks to those survivors who had the courage to appear on this program. The Cook Report have stated their intention of continuing their coverage of ECT abuses, culminating eventually in a full program on the subject.

PLEASE -DO YOUR BIT!

Photocopy this newsletter and pass it on to anyone and anywhere you think it may have the slightest effect in helping even a single person to avoid the abuse that you and others like you have suffered. DO IT NOW. DON'T PUT IT OFF. This is YOUR contribution. Pass it on to Citizens' Advice Bureaux, doctors' and hospital waiting rooms, Community Health Councils, drop-in centres, etc etc etc... where ever you think it may help.

top | table of contents

home | about me | studies & statistics | media | official statements | news
sex, lies, & eegs | brain | misc. | ect bulletin board | send to friend