Origins of the c/s/x movement - Voices for Choices (10 of 13)

Summary

The CSX movement, led by survivors of psychiatric human rights violations, has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of those affected by the mental health system. Emerging from the de-institutionalization movement of the 1950s and 60s, activists like David Oaks mobilized to create supportive communities and raise awareness about coercive practices. Despite facing challenges such as government funding and internal divisions, the movement has continued to unify diverse voices to reject forced treatment and advocate for voluntary services. Today, it emphasizes collective action and healing, reflecting a resilient commitment to human rights and dignity.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Many groups have led social change globally, but the activism of mental health survivors often goes unheard.
• 🗣️ The CSX movement, encompassing various survivor groups, aims to advocate for the human rights of those harmed by psychiatric systems.
• 🏥 The commercialization of psychiatric drugs in the 1950s and 60s led to deinstitutionalization, resulting in many ex-patients being abandoned.
• 🤝 The early 1970s saw ex-patients in the U.S. forming support networks and political organizing groups for mutual aid.
• 💪 Activist David Oaks emerged as a key leader, motivated by his personal experiences within the mental health system.
• 📖 Publications like the 'Madness Network News' helped spread awareness and connect psychiatric survivors worldwide.
• 🔗 The movement faced challenges in the late 20th century, including a reliance on government funding that hindered radical activism.
• 🤔 Internal divisions arose as some survivors accepted medical diagnoses while others rejected the medical model entirely.
• 🕊️ In the 1990s, a push for unification among different perspectives within the survivor community emphasized the need for human rights.
• 🌟 Presently, the CSX movement continues to advocate against involuntary treatments and for the rights of psychiatric survivors.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the CSX movement?

The CSX movement focuses on the human rights of individuals who have experienced psychiatric treatment and aims to advocate for their civil rights and autonomy.

What historical context led to the formation of the CSX movement?

The CSX movement emerged in response to the mistreatment of individuals within the mental health system, particularly following the commercialization of psychiatric drugs in the 1950s and 60s and the de-institutionalization movement.

Who is David Oaks, and what role did he play in the movement?

David Oaks is a prominent activist from Oregon who has been one of the most effective leaders in the CSX movement. His experiences with mental health challenges fueled his commitment to advocate for change.

How did psychiatric survivors initially respond to their mistreatment?

Psychiatric survivors united in small communities to share their experiences, find understanding, and engage in political organizing, creating alternatives to traditional mental health services.

What significant publication helped spread awareness of the movement?

The San Francisco-based publication 'Madness Network News' played a crucial role in disseminating information and connecting psychiatric survivors globally.

What impact did government funding have on the CSX movement in the 1980s?

By the mid-1980s, the movement became reliant on government funding, which led to a decline in radical organizing and activism, causing a shift in the movement's dynamics.

What were the two main factions within the movement by the start of the 1990s?

One faction rejected the medical model and sought to abolish psychiatry, while the other accepted their diagnoses and aimed for increased funding for psychiatric services.

What was the Highlander statement of concern?

The Highlander statement of concern was a collaborative effort by leading activists during a 2000 retreat to unify the movement and advocate for human rights in the mental health system.

How did the CSX movement address issues of involuntary commitment?

Activists in the CSX movement opposed involuntary commitment, advocating instead for voluntary services that respected individual choice and autonomy.

What is the significance of the phrase 'we can do this' as expressed in the transcript?

'We can do this' symbolizes the empowerment and collective strength of psychiatric survivors, highlighting their ability to create change together despite systemic oppression.