Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Doctor Who Hears Voices

The below documentary is entitled The Doctor Who Hears Voices. The film is about a woman named Ruth. Ruth has studied to be a doctor however she fears she may not land a working position as she has Schizophrenia.

Rufus May is a psychologist who is treating her. He believes there is no such thing as Schizophrenia but he agrees that auditory hallucinations exist. He thinks clinicians should encourage of self development and expressive techniques so they can handle their experiences. 

May believes that medication can destroy lives. May himself was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18.

"Its a crime how much we rely on mind suppressing drugs rather than more holistic strategies. The drugs so often add to people's problems causing weight gain, serious health difficulties and passivity"

"Voices are symbolic messengers about relationship issues we need to understand and overcome."

Rufus May is being cited as a "maverick" psychologist however his views aren't new to the area of mental health. While his views aren't orthodox or in the majority, there are many doctors from the "anti-psychiatry" camp. R.D. Laing, Thomas Szasz and Loren Mosher and others.

I myself, work within the mental health field and I am a passionate advocate of those experiencing mental illness. I believe that there are positives and negatives to aspects of psychiatry and the psychiatric system. I believe medications can do wonders but not every individual reacts the same way. Medication is never a cure and is never a quick fix.

I agree that a person's voices should not be so quickly dismissed as something to just get rid of. Voices can be an extension of what one already feels about themselves and therefore the voices are very telling.

Note that to protect her privacy Ruth is played by actress Ruth Wilson.


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 1


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 2


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 3


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 4


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 5


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 6 


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 7


The Doctor Who Hears Voices PART 8

To learn more about Rufus May visit his official website here.

2 comments:

  1. I cant watch the documentary because I get all scared and obsessive about voices (I dont have them, totally irrational OCD crap), but this is very interesting, especially the links you have provided!

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  2. Agoraphob,

    I'm glad you appreciate it. I understand how it might be difficult for you to watch. :) Thank you for the feedback and thanks for stopping by!

    ~Lady J

    ReplyDelete