Brendan McLoughlin

Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are. - Harold S. Kushner

The deeper you bow, the more respect you show. This man married a gymnast

What do you aspire to do in your life?

“Be defined by your aspirations not your problems”

One smile, can start a friendship. One word, can end a fight. One look, can save a relationship. One person can change your life.

Living with a peaceful mind, kind heart and eyes full of dreams is real success.

Here are slides from a talk I gave for a @NottsHealthcare conference this week, in which—at a time of political interest & confusion around 'over-diagnosis'—I critique the psychiatric model & suggest we move to a 'Humanistic-Relational' model. Please share & comments welcome 👍

The day father and daughter, respectively pilot and air traffic controller, get on the same frequency.

@StigmaB47868 My post was about avoiding shaming people. Turning it into ‘anti-psychs say X’ is exactly the kind of generalisation I’m trying to avoid.

@brenmcl I haven't seen it from you, so don't panic. :) I just see a lot of comments like "people on meds are drug addicts" that are retrospectively justified as 'personal experience'.

If you had to choose one what would you rather shame? 1. A pill backed by a multinational corporation. Or 2. A person. As far as I can see critical psychiatry chooses option 1 and gets called hateful for it. What a load of nonsense. It’s a chemical pill it doesn’t have feelings

Exercise alone doesn't lead to major weight loss. You can’t out exercise a bad diet. Combining exercise with a healthy diet is the best approach for weight loss and overall well-being.

@StigmaB47868 Thanks for your comment SB. I’d prefer not to amplify the distress of all parties - if shaming of other people is going on which I haven’t seen - I hope it’s withdrawn and regretted and we can all move on without these problems.

@brenmcl As far as I can see, anti-psychs often choose option 2 and get called hateful for it, rightfully. Would you like to see many examples of this? If you'd only stick to option 1, then we wouldn't have a problem.

@benzosarebad Most people think companies are all about profit but there are quite a few more obligations in law since 2006 on companies that are not often used legally to regulate poor corporate behaviour.

@brenmcl No.

@benzosarebad Have you read the general duties on UK company directors? legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/…

@brenmcl The harms are deliberate in a sense because no effort is made to create a better system to protect patients. Profit is the priority

@benzosarebad Fair enough. I find myself that making peace with others and taking responsibility myself for as much as I can leaves me feeling a sense of integrity. I’m a capitalist so all this blaming the corporations doesn’t come naturally to me.

@brenmcl Forgiveness is not something I think about. I know they didn't hark me deliberately but the drug companies bring these drugs to market, no warnings re many of the risks, only interested in profit. That I would never forgive

@benzosarebad I did have problems but I just wish I had, had the strength to address them politically and socially without breaking down.

@brenmcl In my case the problem is that there was very little wrong with me. I wasn't even ill. I had muscle spasms. That was it!

@benzosarebad It’s hard to grieve for lost capacity while you’re still living your life in a more limited way than you want to be. I try to forgive the people or systems that cause the issues so I can free myself up to focus on what I can do. I’m not sure it’s the right way.

@brenmcl I would be more able to do that if I could actually function. I try to make the best of things but I hate the fact I am not free to live my life.

@benzosarebad I have had days that felt like that but I try to think of each day bringing new opportunities rather than ruminate on the past opportunities missed. Easier said than done.

@brenmcl It is very true. I had one diagnosis at age 20. I should have been in very good health as all my health problems stem from that one day!

@benzosarebad Yes I try to think of it positively my mother is a good role model for me as she has always prioritised her health and well being. With research and self-responsibility you can do more than you think you can she always says.

@brenmcl It is good you are looking after your health as much as you can. I try to do the same but it is damage limitation.

@benzosarebad Sorry to hear that. I am only struggling with diabetes and weird pulsating muscle spasms every now and then so far but I hope to get the diabetes under control in the next 4 months before my blood test. It’s taught me to value my health a lot more as a consequence.

@brenmcl Not really. Just different. Very limited now in energy and walking impaired. Cognition worse, much worse. Nearly blind in one eye because of benzo withdrawal. I just don't have that drugged feeling.