Pat Deegan Interview on mental illness and education 

I really am inspired by this lady, as a woman married to a schizophrenic, it is not ALL that he is, he is Sam, a man who's had a difficult life, but is trying to learn to live with this awful illness.

A wonderful precis of Pats life. An illuminating example especially about being true to one-self and about using discretion with unenlightened others from traditional medical models. There's lot's of good life to be had!!!

Great Stuff we have to admire her !!!

WOW! What a positive person. So much for the mystique of "normal!" great perspective.

I'm a peer mental health educator in Australia and I have to say: your story is inspirational and refreshing Pat, keep up the good work :)

The thing I liked most from this interview, is when she realized that some people around her are whacko as well even if they're not consumers, and then she stopped trying to change herself. This video is very motivating.

I want more of her. Her talk is great!

Many very interesting points made by Pat - inspiring to see her courage, compassion, clarity - we are definitely talking about this in Yoga of Recovery - how we have succumbed to our labels, branded by a disease-based medical system. Thanks for posting this Pat and for all your good work. om shanti, Durga Yoga of Recovery

Omg Thank you so much for sharing this. It makes me feel like I can do it too. I've dropped out twice from two universities because I couldnt deal with my feelings. After being expelled from the first university i freaked out and quickly entered another one, without dealing with my issues or learning coping skills. Obviously the same thing happened in the new university, I had to stop attending classes, couldnt concentrate on material, coundt drive myself to the University because of the terror. I've settled on a plan of going to therapy and vocational rehab, getting a job to pay previous college debt, and then attempting again to finish a bachelor's degree, this time Online hopefully, instead of presencial. After I accomplish that, I may try and get a masters in a presencial program. At least that is the dream. Thank you again

Wow I am so touched by some of your comments. They rang so true. Thank you.

Hey , well done Dr Pat

very inspiring!

Pat Deegan is my hero.

Read Explaining colours to a blind man. Not only will it enlighten many as to what living with a mental illness is like, it also gives comfort to those sufferers who think there is no hope and that they are alone. It is very informative, sometimes shocking but also very funny in parts. All in all, a good read and highly recommended.

nice

very inspiring

I hope I meet you some day. Thank you

the truth... Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.... major Enlightenment ......... I visited My friend In Phoenix In 2006 and When I went home to the BAy Area On grey hound.. I sat Next to A Chicago Tribune reporter Paul Salopek... he gave Me his Email Address. I found Out he Was National Geographic in Sudan. in prison.. I fell in love with him. ( if you Ask PAul Salopek Pulitzer Prize If he Ever Met ME he Will Say No). I wrote to him when I was In the Phillippines And Omega Institute And I got My breakdown at Omega ......... truth. truth. truth. true. words to be wasted... true.

I don't trust My heroes Actually. I give Up every now and then.

"Life is hard"... Compared to what? :)

my god Asked Me What to Do With My Life------------------------------------