Drop the Disorder + Do Something! Activism to change the culture of mental health

‘At this unprecedented point in time and history, we are starting to re-evaluate previously accepted norms in terms of language, doctrine and accepted cultural and systemic beliefs. Drop the Disorder + Do Something! offers a richly inspirational contribution to the discourse regarding our ever-evolving human condition. Dig into this book for some mind-changing ideas and insights.’  Annie Lennox, singer-songwriter, political activist and philanthropist

‘An absolute must-read for anyone who wants to radically rethink why so many of us are depressed or anxious or emotionally distressed - and, crucially, how we solve these problems. A beautiful and profound challenge to the misconceptions that are keeping us stuck.’ Johann Hari, writer and journalist, author of Lost Connections (2018) and Stolen Focus (2022)

‘Drop the Disorder + Do Something! is a powerful, thought-provoking book that dares to question the status quo in mental health care. It is a must-have resource for anyone dedicated to creating more equitable, compassionate social and psychiatric systems. With a combination of courageous narratives, cutting-edge research and practical insights, it shines a spotlight on the transformative individuals and movements fighting for mental health justice and serves as an inspiring, empowering read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the mind, and the sometimes-devastating limitations of approaches which claim to treat it.’ Eleanor Longden, Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester and Co-Director, Complex Trauma and Resilience Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

‘Learning and unlearning is what I do to live, create, and embrace this human experience fully. I share what I learn late to help others learn sooner. Jo has collected stories that I will continue to share, as this book is a call to action – encouraging people to DO something! May this book ignite the sparks that continues the inevitable revolution!’ Mitzy Sky, writer, author and human rights advocate. substack.com/@mitzysky

‘Drop the Disorder + Do Something! brings together an impressive line-up of authors and artists from around the world to weave a rich tapestry of wisdom, research, practice, history and activism. If you see the problems with today's mental health industry and want to learn more about what led us to where we are, what people are doing to change things and how you can get more involved, this book is an absolute must-read. What a beautiful collection of chapters written by inspiring people who've devoted their lives to contributing towards the building of a demedicalised, rehumanised society.’ Laura Delano, author of UNSHRUNK and Executive Director of Inner Compass Initiative. lauradelano.com

‘This book is very much needed and very timely. There is increasing evidence that the biomedical model that has dominated the global mental health field during last 40 yearshas failed to deliver on its promises. Change is needed – but what needs to be done differently? Jo Watson’s new book is a treasure house of creative solutions and useful insightsassembled from an impressive array of contributors who are actively challenging the culture of diagnosis and disorder. This book is a perfect guidance for anyone who wants to know more and to contribute to this vital change process.’ Dainius Pūras, Professor of Psychiatry, Vilnius University

‘The more we can help people understand we are not suffering from disorders but struggling with living in contexts that frighten us and deprive us of essential nutrients for the mind, the more we free ourselves to discover our own compassionate courage and wisdom and build the relationships with ourselves and others that help us flourish personally morally and spiritually. This outstanding book is a must for all clinicians because it takes us to the heart of how to consider and address the traumas, tragedies and suffering of life. It is the future.’ Paul Gilbert, Professor of Clinical psychology, University of Derby, and founder of the Compassionate Mind Foundation

‘Drop the Disorder + Do Something! is filled with vibrant and interesting stories, illustrating the misguided orthodoxy of the medical model. It celebrates the growing community of activists who have gone out on a limb to challenge the status quo. What can we all do to counter the damage and create another way of understanding and responding to emotional distress? The book is a call to arms and there is no fence to sit on – only collusion or protest. After reading, I think most will choose the latter.’  Janet Tolan, counsellor/psychotherapist, team development practitioner and co-editor of People Not Pathology: Freeing therapy from the medical model

‘The title of this book says it all. Free yourself from the very harmful tyranny of mainstream (biological) psychiatry and do everything you can to help those who are stuck in the system to come off their drugs and get a chance to recover and come back to a normal life. The chapters are full of people who have contributed a lot to this much-needed activism. Words matters, and I have no doubt that this book will accomplish much-needed changes. For some people, it may help them reclaim their life.’ Professor Peter C. Gøtzsche, physician, medical researcher and writer. www.scientificfreedom.dk/books

‘Watson’s book is another nail in the coffin of traditional biomedical psychiatry, which is already falling apart in the face of continuous embarrassments. For a reader seething with rage in the face of injustice, uncertainty in the face of disillusionment, or inertia in response to colossal institutionalapathy, cruelty, and failure, this book lights up multiple pathways by sharing the numerous ways people have mobilised themselves and others against seemingly invincible corrupt systems. In sharing these stories of some of the most renowned figures in the world of critical psychiatry andservice-user rights, the book offers us both hope and ways to shake off the inertia, channel the rage, and leap into the uncertainty.’ Ayurdhi Dhar, Founder, Mad in South Asia, and Assistant Professor of Psychology, Amity University, India

‘In this book, Jo Watson has brought together some remarkable people doing remarkable things to challenge the fundamental human rights issue of ensuring that people in distress are provided with healing relationship experiencesinstead of being labelled, drugged and categorised. The book is full of thought-provoking interviews and deeply moving stories of how people have healed when someone has listenedto their story, understood and helped to make sense of what’s happened. Every author writes in such a way as to inspire us all to be active in a movement that truly elevates the dignity of people who’ve experienced traumatic life experiences and helps them thrive.’  Margot Sunderland, Director of Innovation and Research, Trauma Informed Schools UK, and Director of the Education and Training Centre for Child Mental Health

‘Drop the Disorder + Do Something! boldly challenges the mental health industry’s status quo, urging society to resist pathologising human distress, confront systemic injustices, and advocate for the dignity of every person.’ Vesper Moore, international human rights advocate 

'Jo Watson’s book is food for the soul. She offers us a carefully curated selection of authors, each bringing new ideas that promote a depathologising model of mental health and addiction. The book emphasises the need for action as a way of building community strength and alternative paths for healing. A must read.'  Jan Winhall, author of Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model