Websites
theicarusproject.net is an online community forum by and for people living with bipolar disorder and other forms of madness. Over a thousand users communicate with each other about all aspects of what it means to have a different way of thinking outside the mainstream. For more info on The Icarus Project, check out their reader described in the Books section, and the group itself listed in the Organizations section.
teenliberty.org was created by Alexia Parks, the author of American Gulag: Secret POW Camps for Kids. It contains a number of articles, letters, and links relating to behavior modification programs.
nospank.net focus on the issue of child abuse in general, but it also has a vast library of articles and documents relating to behavior modification programs.
isaccorp.org also has a huge library on the subject.
fornits.com has a few web forums in which people discuss behavior modification programs
amazingforums.com/forum/B54 also has a forum about BMP’s
thestraights.com is devoted to exposing the abuse at a notorious program called Straight, Inc.
tausa.org is the website of Teen Advocates USA
mindfreedom.org is an international website promoting the human rights of those living with mental illness
virtualteen.org is a website for teens with mental illnesses and their friends. Its goal is to provide a community where they can participate with others teens with similar problems. Friends are welcome, too.
Organizations
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society is an organization that works to integrate contemplative awareness and contemporary life, to help create a more just, compassionate, and reflective society. They work in program areas including youth, business, and social justice which explore and promote the effectiveness of contemplative practices. Within each program, we hold retreats, workshops or training sessions, create publications, identify useful resources and connect like-minded individuals and organizations to help promote a stronger network of people working to bring contemplative practice to contemporary life.
The Door is New York City's premier youth development agency, offering unique and highly effective programs for young people 12-21. Since 1972 The Door has practiced a holistic and human approach that helps each individual member to dismantle the complex barriers that often stand in the way of success. The Door's mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. Each year over 7,000 young people, most referred by their peers, come to The Door for primary health care, prenatal care and health education, mental health counseling, legal services, GED, ESL, computer classes, tutoring and homework help, college preparation and computer classes, career development services and training, job placement, daily meals, arts, sports and recreational activities. The only criterion for Door membership is age (12-21). Of the 7,000 current members, the majority are between 16 and 19 years of age, with the average being 18. Most are African-American or Hispanic; a growing number are immigrants from China. www.door.org 121 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10013 (212) 941-9090
Fountain House serves men and women in the New York City metropolitan area who suffer from serious, long-term mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder. Members range in age from 16 to more than 80 years old, and represent a broad spectrum of socioeconomic, racial, religious, professional and educational backgrounds. Fountain House maintains an annual membership of approximately 1,300 individuals. Of these, around 800 members are receiving ongoing services and, on any given day, approximately 375 members come to Fountain House and participate in activities. Membership is free and for life.” Fountain House is a place to come for people with mental illness, a place to come for jobs, housing, education, whatever it takes for someone to survive in the community. It's a place for people with common ground to come together to help one another. We are friends. We are peers. We have been a community and a partnership between members and staff for over 50 years." - Kenneth J. Dudek, Executive Director, Fountain House. There are also branches of Fountain House throughout the nation and the world. 425 West 47th Street / New York, New York 10036 Telephone: 212-582-0340
Freedom Center is run by and for psychiatric survivors and people who experience extreme emotional states. Their vision is to create spaces for listening to and exploring extreme and altered states of consciousness, to create safety for survivors of psychiatric and institutional abuse, to work for choice and options, to promote access to alternatives, to organize against force and coercion, to oppose degrading medical labels, to end psychiatric abuse of children, to respect alternative reality interpretations, to join with the broader progressive movement, and to reach out to parents, family members, and staff to end misunderstandings and work together on shared goals. They offer weekly support groups, weekly free yoga classes, weekly free meditation groups, volunteer advocacy services, ongoing activist campaigns, public education, trainings for service providers, and are involved in organizing to create a “safe house” residence free of coercion, diagnosis, and paternalism that offers an alternative to psychiatric drugs. Freedom Center / Box 623 / Northampton, MA 01062 (413) 582-9948 www.freedom-center.org
Free Arts NYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the healing powers of the arts into the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families. Through painting, dance, drama, writing, music, sculpture, photography and other outlets of creativity, Free Arts volunteers help children and families express emotions, gain self-confidence and develop positive methods of communication. Free Arts Office: 1431 Broadway, 7th Floor / New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212.974.9092 ext. 200 - Fax: 917.289.3975 / freeartsnyc.org
Free Spirit Publishing publishes lots of useful books for teens, some of which are listed in the books section. freespirit.com
The Icarus Project was created by a group of people diagnosed with bipolar or manic-depression. The Icarus Project website is a place for people struggling with manic-depression outside of the mainstream to connect and build an alternative support network. They also produced a reader, described in the books section, have toured across the country, and have hosted art shows and started several mental health support groups. http://theicarusproject.net/
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) offers information, resources, and referrals to support groups throughout the country. 1101 14th Street, Suite 1030 / Washington, DC 20005 / (202) 638-4200 / www.pflag.org
Safe Horizon has been creating effective and innovative responses to the issue of youth violence for 20 years. Violence impacts young people in their homes, their schools, and their communities. Many youth are victims of gang violence, bullying, child abuse, or relationship abuse. They witness domestic violence and other crimes and are exposed to violence in the media. Safe Horizon’s youth programs aim to address the underlying causes of violence and the impact of victimization through a variety of psycho-educational modalities including an interactive, creative curriculum, group activities, mediation training, and counseling. With a focus on leadership, empowerment, and the development of social, emotional, and interpersonal skills, the programs offer students concrete alternatives to violence. Safe Horizon’s youth programs give young people the opportunity to address and explore issues of violence in a stable, non-judgmental setting and to acquire the tools they need to resolve conflicts nonviolently. http://www.safehorizon.org
The Sanctuary The Sanctuary Model represents a trauma-informed method for creating or changing an organizational culture in order to more effectively provide a cohesive context within which healing from psychological and social traumatic experience can be addressed. The Model has been adapted by residential treatment settings for children, domestic violence shelters, group homes, outpatient settings, substance abuse programs, parenting support programs and has been used in many settings as a method of organizational change. phone: 888-538-3124 address: PMB 138, 12 W. Willow Grove Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Books, Magazines, and Zines
Creating Sanctuary: Toward the Evolution of Sane Societies by Dr. Sandra Bloom
This book draws the connections between trauma in the lives of individuals, and trauma in society. It explains the cycle of abuse and how to stop it by creating safe environments and helping people confront their past so that they can overcome it. This is a brilliant book and you don’t have to be a psychologist to read it.
Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness: A Reader and Roadmap of Bipolar Worlds by The Icarus Project
This reader contains numerous passages from the Icarus Project’s online community forum, describing all aspects of the “dangerous gift” of manic-depression. People with bipolar disorder discuss their highs and lows, their experiences with the mental health establishment, medication, the way their diagnosis affects their place in society, suicide, drug abuse, caring for friends going through hard times, staying healthy through food, sleep, exercise, and herbs, creativity, spirituality . . . not to mention the book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and collages.
Hello Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws by Kate Bornstein
This is an incredibly unique books written by a transgender woman named Kate Bornstein. She says, “ This is not a book of reasons not to kill yourself. No matter how many I could come up with, you’ll come up with more reasons to go through with it. This is a book about things to do instead.” It’s basically about taking the feelings of hopelessness and rejection that could drive someone to suicide, and channeling them somewhere else instead. Highly recommended.
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison
This is a classic book about living with manic-depression, written by a woman who is not only a psychiatrist, but also bipolar. It’s well thought-out and written in very poetic language.
Touched With Fire: Manic Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament by Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison
This book uses classic artists and writers to draw the connections between creative genius and bipolar disorder. This book is pretty academic but still fascinating.
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison
This book is written by a brilliant psychiatrist who has personal experience with suicide. It draws on true stories of suicide, clinical research, history, and her own personal experience to create a comprehensive and well-written book on a very difficult subject.
When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain, R.N.C. Free Spirit Publishing
This book, written by the cousin of Kurt Cobain, is a great resource for teens suffering from depression. It described the causes and types of depression, and then discusses different types of treatment, and tips on staying healthy. The book is full of personal stories from teens who have dealt with depression, survival tips, and resources. An extremely important and useful book.
Conquering the Beast Within: How I Fought Depression and Won . . . And How You Can, Too by Cait Irwin Free Spirit Publishing
Written and illustrated by a teenager, this book uses the metaphor of a ravenous beast who eats all her happiness to describe depression. Cait talks about ways to get help, advocating pursuing a passion as well as medication and hospitalization if necessary. Her and her family also created a website, www.beatdepression.com to “do everything possible to destigmatize mental illnesses and help those who suffer from it”.
When Something Feels Wrong: A Survival Guide About Abuse by Deanna S. Pledge, Ph.D. Free Spirit Publishing
This book describes the different kinds of abuse and tells you how you can get safe, get help, and take care of yourself. Throughout the book are quotes from real teens, examples and personal stories, “Let It Out” exercises to help you express your thoughts and feelings, and resources that can offer more information and support.
The Power to Prevent Suicide: A Guide for Teens Helping Teens by Richard E. Nelson, Ph.D. and Judith C. Galas Free Spirit Publishing
This positive, action-oriented guide puts tens on the frontlines of suicide prevention, spelling out the warning signs and telling them how to get help.
Cutting and Self-Mutilation: When Teens Injure Themselves by Kathleen Winkler
This book tackles the issue of self-mutilation in a clear and respectful way. It describes why teens hurt themselves and how the problem can be treated. The book includes true stories and plenty of advice.
Taking Charge of My Mind and Body: A Girl’s Guide to Outsmarting Alcohol, Drug, Smoking and Eating Problems by Gladys Folkers, M.A. and Jeanne Englemann Free Spirit Publishing
First-person stories, current research, and clear advice empower and encourage young women to make responsible decisions about their minds and bodies.
Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens by Earl Hipp Free Spirit Publishing
Proven, practical advice for teens on coping with stress, taking risks, dealing with fears, and more.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
This book focuses on healing the mind by healing the body. Peter Levine studies animal behavior to find out how they avoid trauma, then provides techniques that help the mind and body release painful emotions. A unique and useful book.
Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth – and Their Allies by Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman
This is a wonderful guide for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth – and their families, teachers, counselors, and friends. It’s broken down into: Self-Discovery, Friends and Lovers, Family, School, Spirituality, and Community. It talks about how to come out, deal with problems, make healthy choices about relationships and sex, connect with other gay youth and supportive adults, and participate in the gay and lesbian community.
Am I Okay? A Layman’s Guide to the Psychiatrist’s Bible by Allen Frances, M.D. and Michael B. First, M.D.
As the title suggests, this book provides a comprehensive overview of mental disorders and treatments that you don’t have to be a psychiatrist to understand.
Healing with Whole Foods
The Teen Health Book: A Parents’ Guide to Adolescent Health and Well-Being by Ralph I. Lopez, M.D.
This is a comprehensive book that provides information on everything from puberty to sleep and nutrition to injuries to sex to drugs, and more. A great resource for tens as well as parents.
The Mood Cure by Julia Ross
A thorough examination of how diet and supplements can affect and heal depression. While this is a very useful book, the author notes that this information is specifically directed for depression and agitation and not for bipolar disorder.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Mental Health: The C.P.A.B.’s Discussion of Wellness by Vicky
This is actually a really cool zine written by a girl who’ll tell you all about how vitamins and minerals affect your mental health, what each nutrient does, and how they can be combined to be more effective. Just write her for a copy: Vicky / 402 Grand Street #2F / Brooklyn, NY 11211 /
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
This book is an in-depth study on “the positive aspects of human experience – joy, creativity, the process of total involvement with life”, which the author calls flow. It’s written in accessible language, and outlines the factors that contribute to a person’s happiness, as well as how we can experience happiness in all aspects of life. An excellent book for anyone to read.
Write Where You Are: How to Use Writing to Make Sense of Your Life by Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, Ph.D. Free Spirit Publishing
This insightful book helps teens articulate and understand their hopes and fears, lives and possibilities. Recommended for young writers, English teachers, and parents.
Writing to Heal the Soul: Transforming Grief and Loss Through Writing by Susan Zimmermann
Through lyrical stories and practical writing exercises, Susan Zimmermann teaches anyone how to transform their outlook on life with writing. This is an important and inspiring book.
The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy A. Malchiodi
This is a great resource explaining how art therapy works, and it provides tons of exercises and examples. It’s very encouraging and practical – probably one of the most comprehensive books on the subject.
Art and Healing: Using Expressive Art to Heal Your Body, Mind, and Spirit by Barbara Ganim
This book offers a holistic approach to expressive art, focusing on imaging techniques. Imaging is a process that helps you to visualize your emotions and connect them to an area of your body. It guides you through imaging exercises, and shows you how to change a negative frame of mind to a positive one through expressive art.
Healing with the Mind’s Eye: How to use Guided Imagery to Heal Body, Mind, and Spirit by Michael Samuels, M.D.
This is a fascinating book that teaches you how to create images in your mind in order to heal mental and emotional problems and gain a better understanding of yourself.
Art is a Way of Knowing: A Guide to Self-Knowledge and Spiritual Fulfillment through Creativity by Pat B. Allen
This book talks about the beauty and power that can be drawn from creating expressive art. The author describes her own experiences with this form of art, providing plenty of advice and inspiration in the process.