TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN




When I, DR.LAVANYA SESHASAYEE was aged 21, my psychiatrist consented to confine me within my parents’ residence. There was no hope for me in that medical chamber reeking of forced psychiatry. I had just been labelled ‘Schizophrenic’. My illness was a by-product of gender discrimination. My mathematical faculties were systematically pumped off my mind-brain. But my brain was remarkably resilient! It refused to accept defeat. I was a motley, maddening montage and medley of thoughts milling the mind in a mindless fashion! I had to find a way to defy the gravity of the black-hole [my patriarchal mother’s authority] from which there seemed to be no escape. I converted her into my strongest ally. I knew education and the power of literary expression would go a long way in catalyzing my recovery and empowerment.

I was much more than just a label. I finally did my PhD in Women’s Mental Health wherein I linked-up feminism with mental health sciences. I contested male defined ideas [of what it meant for women to be normal] via research.
I became a Global Feminist Self-advocate for mental health promotion. In the process of healing other women I healed myself completely to start ‘THE GLOBAL WOMEN’S RECOVERY MOVEMENT’. I became a beacon of hope to thousands of other women suffering from Schizophrenia. BECAUSE a person with ‘Schizophrenia’ is an experiential expert. She knows what can really help to heal and what cannot. We need a change in perspective. Schizophrenia is a creative illness. I fought a heartrending fight against the patriarchal world and the disabling social environment. And I won!!!

I and the other women HAVE AND will CONTINUE TO show the world what can be done via consecrated, dedicated work and more importantly by immersing each other in the power of NOW - AND YES!!! SISTERHOOD IS POWERFUL!!!

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #Schizophrenia #schizophrenic #selfadvocate #selfadvocacy #recoveryispossible #recoverylife #recoveryspecialist #recoverystories #womenmentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport

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