psa: its not hypocritical to criticize a system you’re dependent on. like if i had a dollar for everytime ive been called a hypocrite for critizing the psychiatric system while relying on it to help me; id be a rich man by now. its such a nasty way to make sure that the ppl most affected never get to be listened to, its also completely ignorant of how a good portion of psych patients are either directly forced or coerced into recieving said treatment
Actually, critique is essential. You are not a hypocrite for discussing the bad points of a service you use. In fact you’re doing essential work.
Any service put together, from rail services to MH services aren’t often built by users. So these services are built with great intentions, but the designers won’t experience the service. So as a user you are in a unique position. Like a mystery shopper. I’ve used services that have saved my life, and because of that, I’ve tested those services in real time- in the field. So i have information that the service providers need to hear. Critique is essential. It let’s people know what works, and what doesn’t. What is appropriate, and what isn’t. In the UK most people rely on and love the NHS but that doesn’t stop individual run or national campaign for improvements.
I would say, if you love sonething-Critique it, hold it to account. Praise the benefits, but seek to improve. We do this for our most loved friends, so why not our services. Yes, service, you saved my life, but i love you enough to want to improve you, for everyone’s benefit.
Don’t let people make you feel bad to trying to improve the services you use. I mean, even if you are literally just complaining to friends, you are allowed to complain about the services you use.
It’s not just thay though. You can hate something, absolutely hate something to the core if your being, and still need it until it gets replaced with something that can keep you alive in a less abusive way. Because that horrible horrible fucked up thing happens to keep you alive right now.
You can want a medical system to be burned to the ground and every doctor in there to stand trial for attempted genocide, and you can still be reliant on that system for the moment.
QueerAnarchism 