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Some akathisia sufferers use poetry as a creative outlet to communicate the inner restlessness of akathisia. J.A.’s poem describes akathisia as “a feeling of terror, panic, fear, as if you LIVE in a horror movie,” while Marci’s poem describes “feelings of lightening bolts bursting.”
MISSD is concerned that the US life expectancy has declined, but remains hopeful that increased public attention regarding prescription-drug-induced disorders can help reduce preventable deaths in the future.
See: https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/29/health/life-expectancy-2017-cdc/index.html
MISSD is thankful for many opportunities this year to increase akathisia awareness. Our recent ComPsych presentation at the social work department in Chicago was well received. ComPsych provides services to more the 45,000 organizations reaching more than 100 million people in the US and 160 additional countries.
“The ISEPP Special Achievement award is intended for a professional or non-professional who has made a significant specific contribution to challenging the conventional mental health system,” said Dr. Chuck Ruby, ISEPP Executive Director. “Dolin’s advocacy and devotion to her husband’s memory is inspiring and warrants the receipt of ISEPP’s Special Achievement Award.”
Wendy Dolin is a therapist and activist who founded MISSD, which is an acronym for Medication Induced Suicide in Memory of Stewart Dolin. Stewart was Wendy’s husband of 36 years and a successful senior member of the international defense firm, Reed Smith in Chicago. In July 2010, one week after being prescribed paroxetine for work stress, Stewart’s life ended when he jumped in front of an oncoming train. This started Wendy’s painful search for an answer and her mission to educate the community about medication-induced suicide.
She discovered that the drug company, GlaxoSmithKline, had been concealing the suicide risks associated with paroxetine and so launched a lawsuit. In March 2017, a jury concluded that the drug manufacturer failed to warn about the suicide risk and awarded Wendy $3 million in damages. However, an appeals court recently overturned the ruling. Wendy will be petitioning the Supreme Court of the United States to review the case.
Turnout at last night’s MISSD annual gala was the largest ever. Special thanks goes out to hundreds of attendees and to all whose continued support helps make MISSD public education programs possible. Check out our new video focused on better identifying some outward signs of akathisia.
A second article from the BBC, regarding antidepressant withdrawal.
New article out of the UK, regarding the danger associated with antidepressant withdrawal.
The MISSD Annual Fundraiser is just TWO WEEKS away! Please consider purchasing your tickets to attend our annual event, and help us spread the word about akathisia.
Wendy Dolin spoke at the Amygdala Notes event last weekend. This is a concert and conversation series that explores and reimagines approaches to mental health by using music as an access point. Wendy spoke and participated in a question and answer series from the audience. Between the conversations musicians entertained with beautiful music.
