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Advocacy Unlimited Newsletter - March/April 2007     

From the Editor…

Surviving Legislative Session…Do Not Panic!

I drive across town and get caught at a red light for a few minutes while doing checks on my to do list (e.g., copies of written testimony, where to park, how many AU advocates will be present, did I lock the door, turn off the stove, etc.). Suddenly, my heart rate increases. Cold sweat starts on my forehead and I feel faint. Instant nervousness. My mind races and I try to calm myself down and relax. I continue to try to regain control by looking at the light and hoping it turns green (check the back seat again and make sure all the testimony is there). My stomach hurts. I live in constant fear of another attack and sometimes wish that I can stay away from places where I may have an attack, yup you guessed it, the LOB!  One day, without any warning or reason, I felt terrified and had a massive panic attack during an AU event. I was so afraid, I thought I was going to die. I thought I was losing my mind. Panic disorder is a disability. It affects many. How do I overcome some of my anxiety? Breathing techniques, relaxation, it is important to try to relax. I tell myself as many times as I can: "I'm not ashamed of my panic and anxiety." "It's ok." "I can live with uncertainty." "It's ok if it doesn't work." (although this is the hardest of all!).

I will encourage all the AU advocates and anyone who receives this newsletter to attend the hearings, call us and get involved. It is important to have your voice heard. Regardless of what the next hearing brings…I will be there.

Annette Deonarine, Director of Education and Latino Initiative

Letters to the Editor:

Any person in recovery has the right, at all times, to receive treatment which respects our personal dignity, humanity, privacy, personal property and our civil rights. The Connecticut General Statutes protects any persons with any form of disability through Connecticut's Patients Bill of Rights. Some more of those rights include communication with anyone we choose, involvement in out own treatment plan, advocacy services and the refusal or preferences of certain medications, therapies, restraints and seclusions, as long as we are competent enough to make such decisions or unless the choices we make might not be in our best interest; as well as the possibility of the decision being that of necessary emergency. Many facilities and agencies don't always abide by their own promises, and at the very least, follow mandated laws designed to protect us. Therefore, many people who seek help get taken advantage of, ignored, or abused instead, and yes, I have been one of those victims much too many times. That is why I refuse to become a victim ever again. Advocacy seems to be the only road to take to ensure others don't continue being re-victimized. Enough is enough. The lies, abuse and neglect and mistreatment must stop!

   ~ Submitted by Tammy Seaman, AU Student

Submit Letters to the Editor

Please submit letters with your views on articles in the newsletter or about issues that are important to the community of people with psychiatric disabilities. All articles must be signed for us to print them. We will print as many as space allows. Thanks!

Submit your Letter to the Editor online!