AMC221 (Blog posts June 17, 2012)

I'm an inmate with an I.Q. of 123, yet I suffer from impulsive behaviors and cut on myself.
Wash. DOC locks me up in segregation and label me a "behavioral" problem inmate.
Medications that help are not allowed because they fetch good prices on the big yard.
Psychotherapy is considered counterproductive because I can't stop cutting on myself.
My therapist disrespects me and I've filed multiple complaints at him, I even cut myself twice because he frustrates me that bad, yet I'm not allowed a therapist charge because the Wash. State Penitentiary must uphold its reputation as tough guys.
Disability Rights of Washington are actively involved in getting DOC to help all mental health inmates!

How to fix Wash. DOC mental health dept.?

1) Create an oversite committee designed to hire & fire all mental health providers. This committee should be a community program outside of DOC politics.

2) Allow psychiatrists more meds to choose from.

3) Create more programs that teach us some skills we will need once released.
(a) How to manage food in your own home
(b) Where to find cheap household items
(c) Plumbing
(d) Car Maintenance
(e) Shopping
(f) Sewing
(g) Cooking, etc...

4) Allow inmates to choose their programs so we feel like it's not another pissing match.

5) More one-on-one time with a therapist in a comfortable setting. (e.g. a walk outside)

6) Create a serious grievance system for mental health issues.

*Attached is a 2 pg grievance re on incident where staff refused to keep me in restraints and let me cut myself. This has happened multiple times at WSP. I have a lot of documented abuses; for anyone who wants to view them just contact me and I'll make copies for you.

I know I'm smart, I know I'm a good person, I just can't get past my nightmares, self harm and thoughts of suicide.

"Self-mutilation is only a small part of a complex mind full of suicidal land mines."
- O. Troupe