- by Melanie Knapp, Patient Advocate GBHS

I am proud!!! I worked really hard. We gave people over the years things that would help them feel cared for. First there was the blankets, there was a brighter feeling needed. The new blankets were blue, green and all sorts of colours and designs. Then there was the music. Guitars and a keyboard were donated. The next thing was the activities. There was exercise equipment that got there for people to use.

They were so glad!

But the patients made me realize there was something that was missing. Patients said they can’t talk so well, they are irritated, they are upset... and they can’t’ take all the medication they are made to take. Get us off all this medication they yell in their own ways. It’s time to listen to this. Some people moan and groan about it. Some people eloquently talk about how it is hazardous to their souls. Some people can’t keep taking them. It makes them too sick. It’s time to listen to this.

People working in mental health seem are pressured to say it’s good for patients but a lot of them don’t believe it’s good either. Maybe... just maybe.... just maybe.... yes definitely there are other options. Use chamomile tea, Tylenol, use choice too!

There are groups and recreation. There is occupational therapy. We say we want to listen to the patient’s voice. Use a reduction of medication. They say we want to listen to the patient’s voice. This is it! This is it! This is it! Less medication.