The consumer/survivor movement began in the 1960's, partly due to a book entitled, The Myth of Mental Illness, written by Thomas Szasz. The movement was based on the concept that "mental illness" is not a scientifically proven concept and, therefore, should not be categorized as an illness. Many consumer/survivors have moved towards self-determination and self-responsibility. Consumer/survivor groups advocate for freedom of choice in treatment and services. The consumer/survivor movement is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Consumer/survivors are violent and dangerous.
Consumer survivors, as a group, are no more violent than any other group of the general population. The fact is, they are far more likely to be victims of violence. Can-Voice believes that there is no obvious answer to the agony of human distress and we support survivors and their choices in their journey to healing.
Mental illness is contagious.
It is NOT contagious. While there may be a higher risk of becoming a consumer/survivor if a past or present family member is one, this may be due to many factors. Can-Voice listens to the language of the symptoms, which usually tells about the survivor's life situation and past experiences.
Consumer/survivors have a low IQ and usually live in poverty.
Many studies have shown that most consumer/survivors have average and above average intelligence. People can become consumer/survivors at any time in their lives and from all economic levels. Many survivors end up in poverty due to the stigma attached to being labeled a consumer/survivor, making it difficult to enter or re-enter the work force.
It is harmless to use terms like "CRAZY", "LUNATIC", and other labels.
Words can hurt and labels are demeaning and disabling. The medical model refers to the DSM-IV for its diagnostic categories which are not based on scientific research. Can-Voice offers peer support for the survivors to overcome such terms and labels that the mental health system has bestowed upon them.
For more effective treatment, people suffering from a mental illness should be isolated from the community.
It is the belief of Can-Voice members that healing occurs in the presence of others where there is trust, respect, caring, humor and acceptance of individual healing. The Can-Voice House provides a refuge for those in need of such a place. Most consumer/survivors lead full and satisfying lives with only occasional battles with symptoms.
Only professionally trained caregivers should provide care in the treatment of mental health challenges.
Staff at Can-Voice know through personal experience that those who can best offer acceptance are those who have faced similar challenges. Can-Voice staff is committed to providing opportunities for both self-help and peer support.
Medication is the treatment of choice for people suffering from mental health challenges.
Can-Voice's self-help model honors the right to personal choice and the individual's responsibility for those choices. We recognize what works for one individual may not work for another. Can-Voice believes that individual knowledge, awareness, support and self-determination may lead to personal choices which promote healing.
Consumer/survivors do not have the same needs as other people.
Consumer survivors do have the same needs as other people. To become healthy and remain healthy they need dignity and integrity, which grows in the presence of those who care. Can-Voice attempts to provide an oasis of respect and acceptance with opportunities for individual expression.
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