By Carl Blumenthal
Like all of us, Lauren Slater is a bundle of contradictions: patient and psychologist. Multiply diagnosed but responsive to medication. Once anorexic, now obese. Straight, married with kids and a lesbian lover. Fiction and non-fiction writer. Philosopher and funny girl.
In Welcome to My Country: A Therapist’s Memoir of Madness (1996), Prozac Diary (1998), Lying: A Metaphorical Memoir (2000) and Opening Skinner’s Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century (2004), she upsets our expectations of how peers and professionals are supposed to behave.
The first two books won acclaim for a psychologist who confessed her psychiatric history in vivid prose. As if such honesty were too good to be true, the next two volumes were criticized for playing loose with the truth. Since then Slater’s star has faded as she’s written about her pregnancy, children, fairy tales, and animals.
I find Opening Skinner’s Box her most fascinating work. She believes psychology is more kindness than diagnoses and treatments. More art (intuition) than science (reason). This insight isn’t new, but as a creative writer before, during, and after her stint as a clinical psychologist, Slater’s imagination is her best tool.
Of the ten researchers on Slater’s best-hits list, consumers of mental health care will probably dislike eight. Behaviorist B.F. Skinner and his compliant rats are the worst example. Of lesser ill repute are Stanley Milgram who tricked human subjects into obeying his commands and Harry Harlow who abused monkeys to prove maternal attachment.
Other investigators found bystanders don’t help people in danger, we rationalize our behavior to fit our beliefs, addiction in rats is a matter of choice not genes, people’s memories of abuse can be invented, learning in sea slugs is neurological, and brain surgery on the mentally ill relieves distress.
The main exception to these anti-humanistic rules: volunteers faked hearing voices and were hospitalized against their wills, undermining the validity of psychiatric diagnosis.
Dr. Slater admires these scientists’ ingenuity and how their experiments changed the course of psychology, although some practices are now considered outdated or harmful. Her subjects are an obsessive-compulsive bunch. How else could they have dedicated their careers to proving controversial ideas? If they over-promoted themselves and their theories, this makes them intriguing characters in what reads like a detective novel.
Slater adds to the excitement by questioning our “prejudices.” For examples, she decides Skinner wasn’t really authoritarian and psychosurgery is now sophisticated enough to be beneficial. In the dire situations concocted for many of the experiments, she imagines herself failing such tests of moral courage.
Stating “I’m partial to jokesters, adventure, to people in pain,” she buys gas masks for her family after 9/11, goes to psych hospitals with fake symptoms, and takes opioids to see whether she’ll become addicted. Her husband’s objections to what he thinks are ridiculous, even dangerous ideas, spurs her on.
Whether trying to be an honest reporter or just expressing her natural doubts, Slater generally analyzes the pros and cons of each hypothesis without choosing sides. Rather than pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat of uncertainty, she invites readers to examine the tricks of the experimental trade—mainly overgeneralizing from small human samples and animal models.
As in Welcome to My Country, she can be profound. What she says about a patient with schizophrenia represents her philosophy of life: “Not being is built into us as certainly as is being. Every heartbeat has its opposite, a snatching away of sound, an evaporation of blood. Behind every presence lurks an absence. Loss, loss, the animals cry.”
Who can prove or disprove in 256 pages research that consumed lifetimes? An intellectual explorer, Slater has a knack for filling in missing evidence with descriptions of the landscape, outside and in her mind. She orients us to the possibility we’re going in circles because “all of us are artists where images have only the vaguest relationship to reality.”
Slater says of Elizabeth Loftus, who challenged the recall of child abuse witnesses, “In the end [she] is just like the rest of us, only amplified, a blend of intelligence and blindness, with many soft spots.”
Readers will have to decide whether these soft spots are weakness or the milk of kindness. Though her book was published 12 years ago, Lauren Slater’s misgivings and love offerings are still relevant today.
Friday, December 15, 2017
The Challenge of Mornings
By Rebecca Sande
And They Say It Could Be Worse
People always say that things could be worse. I am quite sure that indeed they could be. To some people who see me, I seem to have it all together. To the few who know the real me, even though I have a home and small support system, I sometimes feel like this is the worst.
My name is Rebecca. I have two wonderful sons, and I suffer from severe mental health issues. My illnesses range from MDD (major depressive disorder) and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) to DID (dissociative identity disorder) and schizoaffective disorder. Some days are great and I love being the quirky person that I am, while other days are lower than low, and I just do not want to exist at all. It’s easy for someone on the outside looking in to think that things aren’t as bad as I might say, but for me it’s not like that at all.
It starts out with just getting up in the morning. For some people, this is something you just do without much thought. For me, there are days when I have to fight myself to get out of bed and start my day. There are days when I compromise with myself and go back to bed after I do what I have to. Some days I wake up and begin the day with little effort at all.
Once the early morning struggle is over and I am semi-exhausted with myself, I have another struggle ahead of me, which is eating. First, I must have my black coffee. Once that first cup is in me, I may try to eat (a battle I sometimes lose). The mental struggle of what should be a simple no-brainer has now turned into a duty. Soon after follows a bout of OCD and the accompanying anxiety: checking locks, lights, doors, appointments, phone, computer and anything else my obsessive little thoughts can find. It is only 10 A.M. and I am already dreading my day.
And now, a little bit about my attempts to go out in public. Let's talk about the voices in my head that yammer before I’ve even left home, the worry of the social mocking that is sure to come just from going out. What about the people who will stare at me? What about the whisperings? What if someone follows me? What if there is a horrible catastrophe? All of this and only one foot out of the front door. Meanwhile, the logical side of me fights and screams that I have to get the shopping done, or go pay that electric bill, and no one will even notice me (it would be nice if I could believe that).
This is why I have to start leaving an hour or two before I have to be somewhere. I do not drive myself anymore because I have a horrible fear that I will be the cause of some major accident, so I take the bus. Some days the bus is the safest place to blend in with my surroundings, but typically, not so much.
Despite all of the daily challenges I face, I let a smile be my armor. It’s not especially easy for me to do so on days when I just want to give up. Despite the people who see me and say things could be worse, I face every day with a new hope that the next day has to be a little better.
I take my medicine and go to therapy like I am supposed to and it truly helps. No one would look at an elderly person and tell them to get over being old. So, I hope one day we all get to the point when we stop telling each other it could be worse and we start making it better.
And They Say It Could Be Worse
People always say that things could be worse. I am quite sure that indeed they could be. To some people who see me, I seem to have it all together. To the few who know the real me, even though I have a home and small support system, I sometimes feel like this is the worst.
My name is Rebecca. I have two wonderful sons, and I suffer from severe mental health issues. My illnesses range from MDD (major depressive disorder) and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) to DID (dissociative identity disorder) and schizoaffective disorder. Some days are great and I love being the quirky person that I am, while other days are lower than low, and I just do not want to exist at all. It’s easy for someone on the outside looking in to think that things aren’t as bad as I might say, but for me it’s not like that at all.
It starts out with just getting up in the morning. For some people, this is something you just do without much thought. For me, there are days when I have to fight myself to get out of bed and start my day. There are days when I compromise with myself and go back to bed after I do what I have to. Some days I wake up and begin the day with little effort at all.
Once the early morning struggle is over and I am semi-exhausted with myself, I have another struggle ahead of me, which is eating. First, I must have my black coffee. Once that first cup is in me, I may try to eat (a battle I sometimes lose). The mental struggle of what should be a simple no-brainer has now turned into a duty. Soon after follows a bout of OCD and the accompanying anxiety: checking locks, lights, doors, appointments, phone, computer and anything else my obsessive little thoughts can find. It is only 10 A.M. and I am already dreading my day.
And now, a little bit about my attempts to go out in public. Let's talk about the voices in my head that yammer before I’ve even left home, the worry of the social mocking that is sure to come just from going out. What about the people who will stare at me? What about the whisperings? What if someone follows me? What if there is a horrible catastrophe? All of this and only one foot out of the front door. Meanwhile, the logical side of me fights and screams that I have to get the shopping done, or go pay that electric bill, and no one will even notice me (it would be nice if I could believe that).
This is why I have to start leaving an hour or two before I have to be somewhere. I do not drive myself anymore because I have a horrible fear that I will be the cause of some major accident, so I take the bus. Some days the bus is the safest place to blend in with my surroundings, but typically, not so much.
Despite all of the daily challenges I face, I let a smile be my armor. It’s not especially easy for me to do so on days when I just want to give up. Despite the people who see me and say things could be worse, I face every day with a new hope that the next day has to be a little better.
I take my medicine and go to therapy like I am supposed to and it truly helps. No one would look at an elderly person and tell them to get over being old. So, I hope one day we all get to the point when we stop telling each other it could be worse and we start making it better.
Let’s Take a Look at Friendship
By MVK
The What, Why and How
What is Friendship?
I believe friendship is a loving bond that enriches the lives of all who partake. It is a special connection between people that has at its core both affection and respect.
When we say to someone that we want to be their friend, we are, in effect, saying that we want to learn more about that person, to share personal knowledge and insights with them, and to be there in times of sorrow and in times of joy.
Why Have a Friend?
Having a friend enriches your life and helps you become a better person. You learn things about the world, others and yourself. You see your friend’s world view and witness how he/she achieves goals and handles life; and, in turn, you gain insight into your own world view, what you do in various situations, and how you respond.
I believe the ultimate gift of friendship is having the ability to give and receive love. By love I mean the caring, compassionate kind—not the romantic kind—which has as its purpose the joining of two hearts.
This is where friendship becomes tricky. Do we love our self enough to accept the love of a friend? If we do not love our self, we will not allow our friend to love us and will keep them and their affection at a distance from us. How can we give back to them what we do not possess in the first place?
How to Make a Friend
To make a real friend, a person must show their inner self, the self he/she is when alone and not putting on a disguise for the world. In this way, the other person can see your humanity and can, if they are being authentic too, relate to you and find that special connection.
It is a beautiful thing to reveal oneself to another and have that person say they like you and want to be your friend. When this happens, we feel validated and accepted for who we are. This acceptance makes us feel like we belong in the world and are a part of a greater human family.
How to Keep a Friend
Friendships, like all human relationships, require a great deal of work. It is not simply a matter of finding someone you like and spending time together. For a friendship to succeed, there must be a caring, respectful balance between both people.
I’ve had many friends over the years, but few who have remained active in my life. Some have departed from me while others I chose to depart from.
For those who have left me, I have had to look at myself candidly in the mirror and see where I might have gone wrong. Rarely will a person tell you why they no longer wish to remain close. Some will, in which case you can learn and improve from the knowledge, or if the reason is unjustifiable, you can at least know that the other person is not able to maintain the friendship for reasons they themselves do not understand.
I had one friend who became irate with me because she felt that I was not there to help her at all times. I have a personal life with issues and problems of my own. She did not seek an explanation from me because, in truth, she did not care. That, I sensed all along, but never wanted to admit. She never delved into the why and wherefore of my life and my sorrows, or my hopes and my dreams.
For the friends that I let go, there were three major reasons: 1) I felt insecure and doubted that the other person truly liked me (I often do not like myself); 2) I was not being seen and accepted for my true self and found it tiring to conform into the kind of person my friend was seeking; or 3) I felt an imbalance in the relationship and resented the fact that I was always on the giving side of emotional support. Unfortunately, when I perceive these developments, I tend to keep it inside and eventually remove myself from the friendship.
Not communicating is something I want to change. I feel it is important to talk to your friend and tell them what you are feeling and why you do not want to spend time with them. Not only will your friend benefit from this disclosure, but you will feel better and lighter of heart for having shared your feelings. Their response may even surprise you. They may offer to work on establishing a better, more balanced, real and healthy relationship with you. In this case, you may find yourself remaining their friend.
Friends should not be in our lives to fill an emptiness, but rather to comfort and share some part of our life with us. Friendship should be a sharing relationship in which we benefit by experiencing the affection of another and feeling less alone on this planet.
Summing Up
At this point in my life, I am more philosophical about making and keeping friends. Length of time is not a good way to measure the value of a friendship. I’ve enjoyed having friends for just a few hours when I travel and meet new people. Other friends have been in my life for many years. Some people will be there with you on your life’s journey while others will take a turn in the road and go in a different direction. There is nothing wrong with this. What is of importance is that both people are mutually caring, respectful and honest with each other, and that both want the best for the other person.
The What, Why and How
What is Friendship?
I believe friendship is a loving bond that enriches the lives of all who partake. It is a special connection between people that has at its core both affection and respect.
When we say to someone that we want to be their friend, we are, in effect, saying that we want to learn more about that person, to share personal knowledge and insights with them, and to be there in times of sorrow and in times of joy.
Why Have a Friend?
Having a friend enriches your life and helps you become a better person. You learn things about the world, others and yourself. You see your friend’s world view and witness how he/she achieves goals and handles life; and, in turn, you gain insight into your own world view, what you do in various situations, and how you respond.
I believe the ultimate gift of friendship is having the ability to give and receive love. By love I mean the caring, compassionate kind—not the romantic kind—which has as its purpose the joining of two hearts.
This is where friendship becomes tricky. Do we love our self enough to accept the love of a friend? If we do not love our self, we will not allow our friend to love us and will keep them and their affection at a distance from us. How can we give back to them what we do not possess in the first place?
How to Make a Friend
To make a real friend, a person must show their inner self, the self he/she is when alone and not putting on a disguise for the world. In this way, the other person can see your humanity and can, if they are being authentic too, relate to you and find that special connection.
It is a beautiful thing to reveal oneself to another and have that person say they like you and want to be your friend. When this happens, we feel validated and accepted for who we are. This acceptance makes us feel like we belong in the world and are a part of a greater human family.
How to Keep a Friend
Friendships, like all human relationships, require a great deal of work. It is not simply a matter of finding someone you like and spending time together. For a friendship to succeed, there must be a caring, respectful balance between both people.
I’ve had many friends over the years, but few who have remained active in my life. Some have departed from me while others I chose to depart from.
For those who have left me, I have had to look at myself candidly in the mirror and see where I might have gone wrong. Rarely will a person tell you why they no longer wish to remain close. Some will, in which case you can learn and improve from the knowledge, or if the reason is unjustifiable, you can at least know that the other person is not able to maintain the friendship for reasons they themselves do not understand.
I had one friend who became irate with me because she felt that I was not there to help her at all times. I have a personal life with issues and problems of my own. She did not seek an explanation from me because, in truth, she did not care. That, I sensed all along, but never wanted to admit. She never delved into the why and wherefore of my life and my sorrows, or my hopes and my dreams.
For the friends that I let go, there were three major reasons: 1) I felt insecure and doubted that the other person truly liked me (I often do not like myself); 2) I was not being seen and accepted for my true self and found it tiring to conform into the kind of person my friend was seeking; or 3) I felt an imbalance in the relationship and resented the fact that I was always on the giving side of emotional support. Unfortunately, when I perceive these developments, I tend to keep it inside and eventually remove myself from the friendship.
Not communicating is something I want to change. I feel it is important to talk to your friend and tell them what you are feeling and why you do not want to spend time with them. Not only will your friend benefit from this disclosure, but you will feel better and lighter of heart for having shared your feelings. Their response may even surprise you. They may offer to work on establishing a better, more balanced, real and healthy relationship with you. In this case, you may find yourself remaining their friend.
Friends should not be in our lives to fill an emptiness, but rather to comfort and share some part of our life with us. Friendship should be a sharing relationship in which we benefit by experiencing the affection of another and feeling less alone on this planet.
Summing Up
At this point in my life, I am more philosophical about making and keeping friends. Length of time is not a good way to measure the value of a friendship. I’ve enjoyed having friends for just a few hours when I travel and meet new people. Other friends have been in my life for many years. Some people will be there with you on your life’s journey while others will take a turn in the road and go in a different direction. There is nothing wrong with this. What is of importance is that both people are mutually caring, respectful and honest with each other, and that both want the best for the other person.
Fountain House Gallery and Studio Arts Project
Fountain House Gallery and Studio provides an environment for artists living and working with mental illness to pursue their creative visions and to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
Founded by Fountain House in 2000 as a not-for-profit exhibition space for its member-artists, the Gallery sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators, and cultural institutions. Embracing artists who are emerging or established, trained or self-taught, Fountain House Gallery cultivates artistic growth and makes a vital contribution to the New York arts community.
Gallery artists have full-time access to the space where they can work to advance their careers while collaborating with others in a supportive setting. The Studio is open to the larger Fountain House community during designated drop-in hours.
Fountain House Gallery has attracted distinguished guest curators such as Agnes Gund, President Emerita of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), who commended the Gallery as “a place where you can view fine works of art made by a group of excellent artists.”
Fountain House Gallery functions as a cooperative business run by and for its artists. Operations are supported by a small professional staff led by Ariel Willmott, Director, with the assistance of numerous community volunteers.
Works by Fountain House Gallery artists are included in the collections of Citi, Eli Lilly and Company, and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Fountain House Gallery has participated in exhibitions in public spaces, including: the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; the Citi DeFord Gallery and lobby in Long Island City; and the World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery in Manhattan. Works by Gallery artists are presented at the annual Outsider Art Fair.
In this section, City Voices’ field reporter and artist in her own right, Jenny Chan, interviewed five member-artists of Fountain House Gallery with the following questions:
1) How long have you been an artist?
2) What is your medium?
3) What are your favorite subjects?
4) Who is your favorite artist and why?
5) Where was your first exhibit?
ALYSON VEGA
New York City-born Alyson is a fiber artist who taught herself to sew and quilt at a young age. She received a BA in Japanese Folklore and Mythology from Harvard University. After the effects of surgery for a benign brain tumor ended her 22-year teaching career, Alyson experienced a burst of creativity that brought her artistic ability to the fore. As a self-taught artist, she creates instinctively, incorporating in her work themes of decay and loss, transience, childhood and dreams. Alyson employs various techniques in her pieces and utilizes all types of fiber and found objects to express the beauty and order she perceives in a chaotic world. A number of her fiber works were acquired by collectors at a 2014 exhibition at the Eileen Fisher store at Columbus Circle. Alyson’s 2016 solo exhibition at the prestigious venue White Columns was a great success with critics and collectors. Her work was awarded First Prize in the mixed media category of the 2016 Art Ability show in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Founded by Fountain House in 2000 as a not-for-profit exhibition space for its member-artists, the Gallery sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators, and cultural institutions. Embracing artists who are emerging or established, trained or self-taught, Fountain House Gallery cultivates artistic growth and makes a vital contribution to the New York arts community.
Gallery artists have full-time access to the space where they can work to advance their careers while collaborating with others in a supportive setting. The Studio is open to the larger Fountain House community during designated drop-in hours.
Fountain House Gallery has attracted distinguished guest curators such as Agnes Gund, President Emerita of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), who commended the Gallery as “a place where you can view fine works of art made by a group of excellent artists.”
Fountain House Gallery functions as a cooperative business run by and for its artists. Operations are supported by a small professional staff led by Ariel Willmott, Director, with the assistance of numerous community volunteers.
Works by Fountain House Gallery artists are included in the collections of Citi, Eli Lilly and Company, and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Fountain House Gallery has participated in exhibitions in public spaces, including: the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; the Citi DeFord Gallery and lobby in Long Island City; and the World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery in Manhattan. Works by Gallery artists are presented at the annual Outsider Art Fair.
In this section, City Voices’ field reporter and artist in her own right, Jenny Chan, interviewed five member-artists of Fountain House Gallery with the following questions:
1) How long have you been an artist?
2) What is your medium?
3) What are your favorite subjects?
4) Who is your favorite artist and why?
5) Where was your first exhibit?
ALYSON VEGA
New York City-born Alyson is a fiber artist who taught herself to sew and quilt at a young age. She received a BA in Japanese Folklore and Mythology from Harvard University. After the effects of surgery for a benign brain tumor ended her 22-year teaching career, Alyson experienced a burst of creativity that brought her artistic ability to the fore. As a self-taught artist, she creates instinctively, incorporating in her work themes of decay and loss, transience, childhood and dreams. Alyson employs various techniques in her pieces and utilizes all types of fiber and found objects to express the beauty and order she perceives in a chaotic world. A number of her fiber works were acquired by collectors at a 2014 exhibition at the Eileen Fisher store at Columbus Circle. Alyson’s 2016 solo exhibition at the prestigious venue White Columns was a great success with critics and collectors. Her work was awarded First Prize in the mixed media category of the 2016 Art Ability show in Bryn Mawr, PA.
1. It's hard to say how long I've been an artist. I have always made things, but after I had brain surgery in 2007, I started making things that had no real purpose. I wasn't sure it was art until I started coming to Fountain House Gallery in 2013.
2. I wouldn't say I have a specific medium. I will use anything and everything, but I love making things out of fabric.
3. I enjoy making nature scenes and also cityscapes. I think most of my work is abstract.
4. I have always loved Paul Klee and Joan Miro. I also like Kandinsky and Mondrian. Recently, I discovered an artist named Hundertwasser. He's my new favorite. What I love about all of them is their use of lines.
5. My first official exhibit was in Fountain House's "Mad About Art" show in 2013.
ANTHONY NEWTON
A signature of Anthony’s work is bold color, and oil is the primary medium he employs in creating his powerful and distinctive portraits. He studied at the Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia and also studied illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). He has had one-man shows at Jadite Gallery, Cuchifritos of the Lower East Side, and Chashama, and he has exhibited at the Deshong Museum of Art in Chester, PA, the Art Culture Center in Brooklyn, and in NYU's 2008 Small Works show. He was a featured artist in a private exhibition at the LandAir Gallery in New York City, and Fountain Gallery presented his work in the two-person show Urban Faces and in the three-person show Body Language. Anthony’s work was included in an exhibition at the Education and Research Center of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
1. Since I was a little boy; not sure of the age.
2. Oils preferred.
3. Inner City poverty themes.
4. Jean Michel Basquiat because he was an artistic rebel.
5. My first exhibit was at Day O Restaurant now defunct in The Village (New York City), 1994.
BRYAN MICHAEL GREENE
Bryan works primarily in drawing and painting. As a youngster growing up in Yonkers, Bryan’s early artistic influences were cartoons and comics. He was a “doodler” and kept a sketchbook. While in grade school, he learned computer programming and began making images with the school’s Apple IIe system. Bryan studied figure drawing at the Art Students League, and he was awarded a BFA in Fine Art and an MFA in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts.
1) My earliest memory of Art-making goes back to first grade. I was in school and I took the chalk and went to the board and started to draw circles, one on top of the other, circle after circle, trying to make the perfect shape.
2) Gouache, which is an opaque watercolor, and [plain] watercolor. They are very unforgiving mediums. You can't make any mistakes. So you have to focus on what you're doing at the moment. If you do mess up, there are few things you can do to correct the mistake. If you're painting with Gouache you can paint over the issue, but if you paint too many layers on top of each other, the paint will crack and peel. Watercolor is even more unforgiving. If you paint with watercolor, you have to think about the next two to three marks you will make because of layering, color combinations, and wetness.
3) The self portrait. Even though I make more income from a still-life, abstraction, or landscape, I like to express myself with a self portrait because I can make an image and not worry about how I look or whether the model will feel comfortable in the pose, or having enough money to hire a model in the first place.
4) I like all art. I have no favorites, heroes, or nemeses. The more I see, the more inspired I become. Visual art is about the visual and if you can grab the viewer in the first 15 seconds, I believe you have made a successful image.
5) My first showing was at the White Plains Women's Club. I entered four drawings and won third place.
JASMINE SOTO
Born in Lares, Puerto Rico and raised in New York, Jasmine is a multimedia artist who works in watercolor marker and colored pencil. She is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Fashion Design with a specialization in Sportswear, and she also studied at The New School. Jasmine has worked in the garment industry and was honored with the Juan Eugene Ramos Hispanic Designers Award. She is inspired by the great master of fashion illustration Antonio Lopez. Jasmine has collaborated with fellow Fountain House Gallery artist Deborah Standard in creating wearable art.
1. I have been a participating artist at Fountain House Gallery since 2008. I have been in 17 exhibits.
2. Fashion illustration, digital photography, collage, and some acrylic.
3. Fashion-oriented or fashion-related, color and form.
4. Picasso because of his cubism (an early 20th-century style and movement in art, especially painting, in which perspective with a single viewpoint was abandoned and use was made of simple geometric shapes, interlocking planes, and, later, collage). I was amazed by his small works.
5. My first exhibit was at Fountain House Gallery in 2008. I sold a piece called “Grey Matters” (like your brain matters).
SUSAN SPANGENBERG
A self-taught artist, Susan is also an actor, writer and
filmmaker. She performs under the stage name Shyla Idris. Her work is
autobiographical, commenting on her experience in the mental health system as
well as touching upon racial issues and other areas of social injustice. Susan
works in acrylic and mixed media from small to large unframed work, including
body prints, collage, and painting on found objects. Her work was recently
shown in the City Arts exhibit in Nottingham, marking the first time that pieces
by an artist working outside the UK were selected for inclusion.
1. I first started painting at the age of three.
2. I work in mixed media, primarily acrylic. My medium includes, but is not limited to: found objects, body painting, film, fabric and I also like to incorporate writing and objects such as my psychiatric meds & other pills in my art.
3. I like to do social, political work. Also iconic figures, personalities and animals.
4. I do not have a favorite artist. Growing up, I wanted to be an actor. My favorite artists were actors, and I still consider acting to be a high art form. However, If I were to choose a visual artist that moves me, it would be Yoko Ono. I love Ono's work because she is a conceptual artist with a brilliant mind.
5. My first art show was at 'The Living Museum Open House' in Queens Village, New York in January of 1998. The Living Museum was an art program I used to attend, but was thrown out after I changed my mind about being the main subject of an HBO documentary.
The Benefits of Having an Emotional Support Dog
By MVK
When You Are Sick They Are There for You
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia over 12 years ago, when I turned 40. I had persecution paranoia, severe anxiety and was hearing and following voices. I also had delusions that were very beautiful and although brief in duration, they gave me great insight into what seemed to be a very spiritual world. It took a few months, but the right medications were found for me which turned down the volume on the voices I was hearing. I was relieved that the evil voices were gone, but saddened that those that seemed good were also gone. The one thing I learned early on in my illness, however, was that all the voices lied, regardless of my interpretations. This was hard to believe for one as trusting as I.
During this period, I had two miniature pinscher dogs that were my constant companions. Although they could not help with the voices I heard, they did comfort me and give me a reason to get up in the morning and deal with the day. I would jog with them in the morning and that helped with the anxiety, and when I was hearing frightening scenarios at night, they knew I was distressed and in fear and would curl up beside me as I laid in bed with fast beating heart and rapid breathing.
Both dogs have since passed away, but last year I was blessed to get another dog—a miniature pinscher/chihuahua mix puppy that I named Elsa. She is a constant source of joy for me as she gives me an outlet to release some of the love I have inside. And she feels the same towards me and follows me around wherever I go. There is something about having a dog that benefits me.
It has been found that Oxytocin, a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, increases when we stare into the eyes of our dog. Oxytocin, also called the love hormone, creates a bonding loop between dog and human; its release into defined regions of the brain affects emotional, cognitive, and social behaviors. That is why so many people say they feel better after spending time with their dog. This bonding loop also holds true for cats, but to a lesser degree.
“It’s an incredible finding that suggests that dogs have hijacked the human bonding system,” says Brian Hare, an expert on canine cognition at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Hare says the discovery might lead to a better understanding of why service dogs are so helpful for people with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
But Elsa is not a service dog; she is an emotional support dog. Emotional support dogs assist people who suffer from a wide range of mental illnesses. They perform no specific tasks but rather provide comfort, support and emotional stability in the forms of affection and companionship.
All this information aside, what does this mean for me in terms of my dog? Well, when I am in distress, she runs to my side and gives me kisses, and when I am feeling depressed or anxious, she simply stays near me and reminds me that there is a life form who cares. She gives me a reason to go out for long walks which helps keep me healthy, both in body and mind. She is my mood stabilizer as I can hug her when needed and I always get back a loving response.
Having a dog gets me out of the house and enables me to socialize with people in my neighborhood. Even when I feel like isolating, people will approach and ask about her; or, if they have a dog too, our dogs will socialize while we humans chat a bit. People walking dogs just seem more approachable.
At home, I am never alone. So, when I clean and cook or am reading a book or playing piano, she is near to me, watching my every move and keeping me company. She helps ground me in reality as she does not let my thoughts wander too far off track. If they do, she nudges me with her nose and lets me know that it is time to do something else.
There is great responsibility in caring for a dog, however. Illness or injury can affect her life in which case I must be prepared to obtain veterinary care. Recently, she had a growth appear on her leg and I was very worried, but had to make a decision to forego the vet and treat with a topical agent that was recommended to me as the growth was thought to be bacterial in nature. Fortunately, this did the trick and her leg got better. But not all things can be treated this way and one must be prepared to pay for vet care.
One should write down the pros and cons of having a dog before getting one. And then, once a decision is reached, if a dog is desired, find one with the right energy level to match your lifestyle. Elsa has a good deal of energy in her so I must exercise her well during the day. This entails long walks and play time and training time. She is a perfect match for me because I wanted a dog to exercise with as well as having a companion.
Dogs are not cuddle toys to make one feel better. They have needs and feelings just like any living being and should be respected. It is a privilege to have a dog, which is not something to take for granted.
I care for, love and respect my dog and in turn I am given an abundance of love and support from her. She is there for me 24/7 and is in tune to my many states. My dog is central to my emotional well-being as a person who lives with a severe form of mental illness. While Elsa cannot eliminate symptoms when they arise, she can help alleviate the power they have over me. This small loving dog gives me the support I need to face my daily challenges and move forward with my life.
When You Are Sick They Are There for You
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia over 12 years ago, when I turned 40. I had persecution paranoia, severe anxiety and was hearing and following voices. I also had delusions that were very beautiful and although brief in duration, they gave me great insight into what seemed to be a very spiritual world. It took a few months, but the right medications were found for me which turned down the volume on the voices I was hearing. I was relieved that the evil voices were gone, but saddened that those that seemed good were also gone. The one thing I learned early on in my illness, however, was that all the voices lied, regardless of my interpretations. This was hard to believe for one as trusting as I.
During this period, I had two miniature pinscher dogs that were my constant companions. Although they could not help with the voices I heard, they did comfort me and give me a reason to get up in the morning and deal with the day. I would jog with them in the morning and that helped with the anxiety, and when I was hearing frightening scenarios at night, they knew I was distressed and in fear and would curl up beside me as I laid in bed with fast beating heart and rapid breathing.
Both dogs have since passed away, but last year I was blessed to get another dog—a miniature pinscher/chihuahua mix puppy that I named Elsa. She is a constant source of joy for me as she gives me an outlet to release some of the love I have inside. And she feels the same towards me and follows me around wherever I go. There is something about having a dog that benefits me.
It has been found that Oxytocin, a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, increases when we stare into the eyes of our dog. Oxytocin, also called the love hormone, creates a bonding loop between dog and human; its release into defined regions of the brain affects emotional, cognitive, and social behaviors. That is why so many people say they feel better after spending time with their dog. This bonding loop also holds true for cats, but to a lesser degree.
“It’s an incredible finding that suggests that dogs have hijacked the human bonding system,” says Brian Hare, an expert on canine cognition at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Hare says the discovery might lead to a better understanding of why service dogs are so helpful for people with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
But Elsa is not a service dog; she is an emotional support dog. Emotional support dogs assist people who suffer from a wide range of mental illnesses. They perform no specific tasks but rather provide comfort, support and emotional stability in the forms of affection and companionship.
All this information aside, what does this mean for me in terms of my dog? Well, when I am in distress, she runs to my side and gives me kisses, and when I am feeling depressed or anxious, she simply stays near me and reminds me that there is a life form who cares. She gives me a reason to go out for long walks which helps keep me healthy, both in body and mind. She is my mood stabilizer as I can hug her when needed and I always get back a loving response.
Having a dog gets me out of the house and enables me to socialize with people in my neighborhood. Even when I feel like isolating, people will approach and ask about her; or, if they have a dog too, our dogs will socialize while we humans chat a bit. People walking dogs just seem more approachable.
At home, I am never alone. So, when I clean and cook or am reading a book or playing piano, she is near to me, watching my every move and keeping me company. She helps ground me in reality as she does not let my thoughts wander too far off track. If they do, she nudges me with her nose and lets me know that it is time to do something else.
There is great responsibility in caring for a dog, however. Illness or injury can affect her life in which case I must be prepared to obtain veterinary care. Recently, she had a growth appear on her leg and I was very worried, but had to make a decision to forego the vet and treat with a topical agent that was recommended to me as the growth was thought to be bacterial in nature. Fortunately, this did the trick and her leg got better. But not all things can be treated this way and one must be prepared to pay for vet care.
One should write down the pros and cons of having a dog before getting one. And then, once a decision is reached, if a dog is desired, find one with the right energy level to match your lifestyle. Elsa has a good deal of energy in her so I must exercise her well during the day. This entails long walks and play time and training time. She is a perfect match for me because I wanted a dog to exercise with as well as having a companion.
Dogs are not cuddle toys to make one feel better. They have needs and feelings just like any living being and should be respected. It is a privilege to have a dog, which is not something to take for granted.
I care for, love and respect my dog and in turn I am given an abundance of love and support from her. She is there for me 24/7 and is in tune to my many states. My dog is central to my emotional well-being as a person who lives with a severe form of mental illness. While Elsa cannot eliminate symptoms when they arise, she can help alleviate the power they have over me. This small loving dog gives me the support I need to face my daily challenges and move forward with my life.
Obit: Robert William Teller
Robert William Teller
November 5, 1943—August 15, 2016
“We lost one of our soldiers.”
Friends, Family, Advocates, Providers gathered together this past July to remember with food, singing and kind words, the passing of one dear man: Robert William Teller.
Here is what we said of Robert:
“To Robert: I love you and I miss you.”—P.S.
“Robert always seemed to be an extremely compassionate soul…a long-time advocate.”—S.M.
“To Robert, may you rest in peace…You will be sorely missed.”—S.B.
“Love you, Robert, from my heart.”—M.P.
“Robert was an outstanding advocate, a role model for many of us. I have a photo of us at Brooklyn Borough Hall which I will always treasure. He was a good friend and I will never forget him.”—A.C.
“Robert was outgoing and friendly. He was an effective advocate. He will be missed.”—D.H.
“Robert was a hoot. He loved our Christmas parties. Robert always danced. Robert was very astute. He volunteered and always grasped very difficult concepts and explained them well. We’ll miss Robert.”—C.R.
“Robert was always a pleasant and engaging mental health advocate. After just a few years of knowing him, when he knew it was time to leave his position with NYAPRS, he thought well enough of me to nominate me to replace him.”—C.S.
“Robert was generous with his caring and his courage. Speaking up for people was natural for him and his caring was authentic. I appreciate the time we were able to spend together.”—M.G.
“It was a feeling I had to sing…See you again.”—W.K.
“So proud to have known Robert. He will be missed.”—T.B.
“Although we never got to be close to Robert, we are so proud to hear about all his success and help in the mental health advocacy community. It means so much to us that he was able to find family within this community. Much love and prayers will continue to be sent to Robert. We love you, Robert.”—C.T. and A.T.
“Robert was always full of life and always on a new adventure. He never gave up living.”—L.M.
“Never knew Robert until his memorial. The love of his peers and colleagues. Warms my heart to hear how his life touched so many people. Robert, thank you for giving yourself in such a generous way.”—W.F.
Note: Obituary to Robert William Teller composed by Leon Marquis
November 5, 1943—August 15, 2016
“We lost one of our soldiers.”
Friends, Family, Advocates, Providers gathered together this past July to remember with food, singing and kind words, the passing of one dear man: Robert William Teller.
Here is what we said of Robert:
“To Robert: I love you and I miss you.”—P.S.
“Robert always seemed to be an extremely compassionate soul…a long-time advocate.”—S.M.
“To Robert, may you rest in peace…You will be sorely missed.”—S.B.
“Love you, Robert, from my heart.”—M.P.
“Robert was an outstanding advocate, a role model for many of us. I have a photo of us at Brooklyn Borough Hall which I will always treasure. He was a good friend and I will never forget him.”—A.C.
“Robert was outgoing and friendly. He was an effective advocate. He will be missed.”—D.H.
“Robert was a hoot. He loved our Christmas parties. Robert always danced. Robert was very astute. He volunteered and always grasped very difficult concepts and explained them well. We’ll miss Robert.”—C.R.
“Robert was always a pleasant and engaging mental health advocate. After just a few years of knowing him, when he knew it was time to leave his position with NYAPRS, he thought well enough of me to nominate me to replace him.”—C.S.
“Robert was generous with his caring and his courage. Speaking up for people was natural for him and his caring was authentic. I appreciate the time we were able to spend together.”—M.G.
“It was a feeling I had to sing…See you again.”—W.K.
“So proud to have known Robert. He will be missed.”—T.B.
“Although we never got to be close to Robert, we are so proud to hear about all his success and help in the mental health advocacy community. It means so much to us that he was able to find family within this community. Much love and prayers will continue to be sent to Robert. We love you, Robert.”—C.T. and A.T.
“Robert was always full of life and always on a new adventure. He never gave up living.”—L.M.
“Never knew Robert until his memorial. The love of his peers and colleagues. Warms my heart to hear how his life touched so many people. Robert, thank you for giving yourself in such a generous way.”—W.F.
Note: Obituary to Robert William Teller composed by Leon Marquis
Home and Community-Based Services: What Is It?
By Ted Walner
Hello my fellow peers. Get ready. A new state-of-the art program is coming to the mental health community. It is called HCBS (Home and Community- Based Services) and it has been created to actually minimize costs and improve care. This plan has been developed to lessen Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations. It also restores dignity and respect to the consumers. So, fasten your seatbelts, as you learn about a great opportunity in mental health services.
To begin, one must understand what HARP (Health and Recovery Plans) means. It is a plan that integrates physical, mental health, and substance use needs. Individuals over 21 that are receiving Medicaid Managed Care (aka: the HMOs) will be notified that they are HARP eligible and can join a Health Home. You do not qualify if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, if you have Medicare only, live in a nursing home, or are in a Managed Long-Term Care Plan. These qualifications might change over time.
At the level of the Health Home, the client and the care manager will select the appropriate Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Examples of HCBS include psychosocial rehabilitation, educational support, vocational assistance, respite help, habilitation (dressing appropriately), and psychiatric support. A referral packet will be created including a psychosocial, an assessment, and an initial plan of care. The case manager and the client will choose a provider to help receive these goals.
Baltic Street AEH, Inc. as well as other agencies, are providers in New York City. The client will meet with a representative from their provider organization to create a plan for services authorized by the Health Home. This will be done in three meetings. These discussions usually last an hour and are once per week where assessments and authorizations will be written and a service plan will be drawn up. All of this work is billable to Medicaid.
Together, the consumer and the peer specialist will work on these goals. For example, if the plan is psychosocial rehabilitation, the client will apply to a clubhouse. If transportation is an issue, the half-fare card will be obtained. If vocational rehabilitation is needed, the consumer will be placed in a job agency.
Once the service is rendered, the work has been completed. The client will get the service asked for and be in better condition as a result. This approach will improve lifestyles and keep peers well, which is a goal of HCBS. This plan has many good qualities and I hope it works for you.
Note: If you are receiving HCBS, we want to hear from you about your experience even if it is not a positive one. Please write us at CityVoices1995@gmail.com with “HCBS” in the subject. Thanks!
Hello my fellow peers. Get ready. A new state-of-the art program is coming to the mental health community. It is called HCBS (Home and Community- Based Services) and it has been created to actually minimize costs and improve care. This plan has been developed to lessen Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations. It also restores dignity and respect to the consumers. So, fasten your seatbelts, as you learn about a great opportunity in mental health services.
To begin, one must understand what HARP (Health and Recovery Plans) means. It is a plan that integrates physical, mental health, and substance use needs. Individuals over 21 that are receiving Medicaid Managed Care (aka: the HMOs) will be notified that they are HARP eligible and can join a Health Home. You do not qualify if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, if you have Medicare only, live in a nursing home, or are in a Managed Long-Term Care Plan. These qualifications might change over time.
At the level of the Health Home, the client and the care manager will select the appropriate Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Examples of HCBS include psychosocial rehabilitation, educational support, vocational assistance, respite help, habilitation (dressing appropriately), and psychiatric support. A referral packet will be created including a psychosocial, an assessment, and an initial plan of care. The case manager and the client will choose a provider to help receive these goals.
Baltic Street AEH, Inc. as well as other agencies, are providers in New York City. The client will meet with a representative from their provider organization to create a plan for services authorized by the Health Home. This will be done in three meetings. These discussions usually last an hour and are once per week where assessments and authorizations will be written and a service plan will be drawn up. All of this work is billable to Medicaid.
Together, the consumer and the peer specialist will work on these goals. For example, if the plan is psychosocial rehabilitation, the client will apply to a clubhouse. If transportation is an issue, the half-fare card will be obtained. If vocational rehabilitation is needed, the consumer will be placed in a job agency.
Once the service is rendered, the work has been completed. The client will get the service asked for and be in better condition as a result. This approach will improve lifestyles and keep peers well, which is a goal of HCBS. This plan has many good qualities and I hope it works for you.
Note: If you are receiving HCBS, we want to hear from you about your experience even if it is not a positive one. Please write us at CityVoices1995@gmail.com with “HCBS” in the subject. Thanks!
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