David Oaks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David William Oaks
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David William Oaks, 2009
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| Born | September 16, 1955 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Harvard University, St. Ignatius College Prep |
| Occupation | revolutionary consultant |
| Years active | 47 |
| Known for | Psychiatric Survivor Human Rights |
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Notable work
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Co-founder and former Executive Director of MindFreedom International |
| Movement | psychiatric survivors movement |
David William Oaks (born September 16, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois) is an American activist. He is well-known for his work in civil rights. He also helped start and used to lead an organization called MindFreedom International. This group is based in Eugene, Oregon.
David Oaks's Work
David Oaks helped create MindFreedom International. This group includes people who have experienced mental health challenges. It also includes some doctors who disagree with common ideas about mental health.
They believe that strong feelings and not having enough social support can cause emotional distress. They are concerned about how often people are given certain medicines. They also speak out against a treatment called ECT, or electroshock. They believe this treatment can go against people's human rights.
Oaks has said that some mental health medicines can cause problems. He believes people can get better without them. He has protested against drug companies. He has also gone on hunger strikes to ask for proof that medicines can fix "chemical imbalances" in the brain.
David Oaks has asked for a peaceful change in how mental health care works. He calls it a "nonviolent revolution."
In the 1970s, while studying at Harvard University, David Oaks had a difficult experience. He was cared for in a special facility and given medicine. He was told he had schizophrenia. He says he got better by choosing not to take medicines. He also got support from his family and friends.
Oaks keeps himself well by exercising, eating healthy, and getting advice from others. He also enjoys trips into nature. These ways of staying healthy are different from what many doctors suggest. He has also been on the board of directors for the United States International Council on Disability.
On December 2, 2012, David Oaks had an accident. He fell from a ladder and broke his neck, which caused him to become paralyzed. After this, he stepped down from his role as executive director of MindFreedom in December 2012.
Awards and Honors
David Oaks has received many awards for his important work. The United States International Council on Disability has listed some of them:
- 1994 David J. Vail National Advocacy Award from the National Mental Health Association of Minnesota.
- Project Censored award in 2000.
- 2002 Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology.
- Barrier Awareness Day 2003 Leadership Award.
- Utne Reader magazine named Oaks as one of "50 Visionaries" in 2009.
- Lane Independent Living Alliance award in 2011.
See also
- Anatomy of an Epidemic
- Psychiatric survivors movement
- Anti-psychiatry
- Rethinking Madness
- Judi Chamberlin
- Peter Lehmann
- Involuntary commitment
