“Ask for work. If they won’t give you work, ask for bread. If they won’t give you bread, take bread.”
–Emma Goldman

Dear Mental Health Therapist (?),

Sorry. I’m terrible with names. We spoke this morning and thinking about something you said prompted me to consider writing an article for publication, and also wanted to respond more fully to what you said– so, two birds with one stone, as it were, I’m writing an open letter that serves both purposes. YOU get stuck with the barely legible hand-written version. Again, sorry.

We were discussing the designation of ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER that has been placed upon me despite the provable absence of a “pervasive pattern” of “violating the rights of others” via evidence of 3 or more specifically-defined behaviors that are NOT indicative of me (1). So, at one point, seemingly giving up on the idea of rationalizing the diagnosis by pointing to behaviors that would justify it, you asked me, “If you saw another inmate steal an extra tray, would you report it?”

And to be clear here, at this disjuncture, you began exploring my beliefs and thoughts rather than behavior, which is very odd when we consider that the diagnostic definition of ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER exclusively relies on BEHAVIORS as indicators of disorder rather than beliefs. But, okay. We’re inquiring into my thinking.
I responded, “Absolutely not.” Continue reading →