Squeaky Wheels by Susan L.

At Wednesday's meeting our coffee break conversation revolved around the difficulties of being a peer support worker in a medical/clinical organization. And, yes, even those at the forefront of radical change are hampered by prejudice and language. Not swearing but labelling, derogatory comments, and low expectations aimed at the people utilizing their services. There are frequent, unacceptable tresspasses against basic human rights. My question is: how do we support the support workers? They/we are the vanguard of a movement which is geared up to change a system that is in contact with people who happen to have mental health challenges. How do we make sure their/our voice is heard above the medical rhetoric and diagnosis? How do we change centuries old language and understanding without judgement? Like us, clinicians, doctors, nurses, only know what they've been taught. As peer support workers in a fledgling movement we cannot afford to be silent in the face of discriminatiin and prejudice. We need to be the squeaky wheel because our silence is a tacit approval of the status quo. The status quo has to go. It simply isn't good enough. "The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger." Ez 22:29