Supporting Individuals in Extreme States: An Alternative Approach

Mad in America is set to host a significant online event, a panel discussion focused on "Supporting Extreme States, Psychosis & Dissociation." This upcoming webinar aims to explore innovative and deeply compassionate approaches to engaging with individuals who experience extreme mental states. The initiative seeks to challenge prevailing cultural and psychiatric viewpoints that often lead to judgment and dismissal, instead promoting understanding, presence, and even learning from those navigating such experiences.

The panel, scheduled for Saturday, March 9th, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, will bring together a diverse group of individuals. Among the featured speakers are Cindy Marty Hadge, an experienced trainer with the Hearing Voices Network, who will share insights from her personal journey with voices and other states. Also participating is Sam Ruck, whose contributions to Mad in America have detailed his experiences supporting his wife through dissociation. Olga Runciman, a psychologist specializing in extreme states and a board member of Mad in America, will offer her professional and lived expertise. The discussion will be moderated by therapists Louisa Putnam and Kermit Cole, both board members of Mad in America, known for their work with the US/Canada online parent support group.

This event underscores the importance of fostering radically compassionate methods for addressing extreme states, moving beyond traditional diagnostic and treatment paradigms. The organizers emphasize the value of engaging with individuals, validating their experiences, and creating supportive environments. Attendees will have the opportunity to access valuable resources and participate in an open Q&A session, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This aligns with Mad in America’s broader mission to promote informed discussions around mental health that prioritize human experience over disease-focused models.

The forthcoming online panel discussion offers a crucial platform for exploring alternative, human-centered responses to mental health challenges. By bringing together individuals with diverse lived and professional experiences, the event hopes to inspire a shift towards more empathetic and effective support systems. It highlights the potential for collective learning and mutual understanding, moving beyond a reductive view of complex human experiences.