September, 2003 -- Stephen's Story is the outgrowth of one family's lengthy experience operating under the psychiatric industry and the accepted standards of psychiatric care.
Beginning with some routine problems as a young teen, Stephen's family was encouraged to involve various professionals in his life.
Abused while in the custody of 'the system,' Stephen was irreversibly damaged by what was initially designed to help him. The worst was yet to come. Ultimately, the assistance the family obtained became more and more oppressive and Stephen has suffered extensively because of it.
Forced to participate in the psychiatric drugging programs utilized at various institutions, Stephen's well-being was ultimately compromised and recovery made infinitely more difficult by psychotropic medications prescribed in exorbitant amounts by various system psychiatrists. Further, specifically because of such therapies utilized in programs undertaken in a range of circumstances, Stephen was often forced into situations in which he was drugged, withdrawn and then drugged again -- in amounts that would almost assure his brain would be damaged -- and by those very medications intended to 'cure' him.
At last count, then, Stephen has been 16 years in the psych system and is, at this point, costing the state of California over $110,000.00 per year for his institutionalization.
Statistics show that among those 'treated for mental health issues in the United States, less than 5% ever recover. This, in the U.S., is almost inconceivable since other countries, which do not treat such illnesses, have a recovery rate of 50%.
This 'system' is, at best, a dismal failure.
This website is a tribute to Stephen's life and plight.