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{{Short description|American mental health network (2002–2020)}}
{{about|the "Icarus" mental health concept|other uses|Project Icarus (disambiguation)}}
{{about|the "Icarus" mental health concept|other uses|Project Icarus (disambiguation)}}
{{Multiple issues|
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The '''Icarus Project''' (2002–2020) was an American network of peer-support groups and media projects with the stated aim of changing the social stigmas regarding mental health.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal|title=The Icarus Project: A Counter Narrative for Psychic Diversity|first=Sascha Altman|last=DuBrul|date=17 July 2014|journal=Journal of Medical Humanities|volume=35|issue=3|pages=257–271|doi=10.1007/s10912-014-9293-5|pmid=25030378|s2cid=19672691}}</ref>
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'''The Icarus Project''' is a media and activist endeavor broadly aligned to the [[anti-psychiatry]] movement<ref name=":1"/> and [[recovery approach]],{{citation needed|date=May 2019}} arguing that [[mental illness]] should be understood as an issue of [[social justice]] and that a person's mental state can improve through greater social support and collective liberation.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal|title=The Icarus Project: A Counter Narrative for Psychic Diversity|first=Sascha Altman|last=DuBrul|date=17 July 2014|journal=Journal of Medical Humanities|volume=35|issue=3|pages=257–271|doi=10.1007/s10912-014-9293-5|pmid=25030378}}</ref> It shares similarities with the academic fields of Psychopolitics<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cresswell & Spandler|date=2013|title=The Engaged Academic: Academic Intellectuals and the Psychiatric Survivor Movement|journal=Social Movement Studies|volume=12 |issue=2|pages=138–154|doi=10.1080/14742837.2012.696821|url=http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/2024/3/2024_Spandler.pdf}}</ref> and [[Mad Studies]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Castrodale|first=Mark|date=Jan 2017|title=Critical Disability Studies And Mad Studies: Enabling New Pedagogies In Practice|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312659111|journal=CJSAE, the Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education|volume=29 |issue=1|pages=49–66|via=}}</ref> The name is derived from [[Icarus]], a hero in [[Greek mythology]], and is metaphorically used to convey that the experiences of mental distress and other extreme mental states can lead to "potential[ly] flying dangerously close to the sun." <ref name=theicarusproject1>theicarusproject [http://www.theicarusproject.net/icarus-organizational/origins-and-purpose organizational/origins-and-purpose] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019034311/http://www.theicarusproject.net/icarus-organizational/origins-and-purpose |date=October 19, 2007 }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
In 2002, musician [[Sascha Scatter|Sascha Altman DuBrul]] wrote "Bipolar World", an article published in the ''[[San Francisco Bay Guardian]]''. The article described his experiences being diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]]. Among the dozens of e-mails and other correspondence that he received after this publication was a letter from Ashley McNamara, now known as Jacks, an artist and writer who identified strongly with DuBrul's experiences.<ref name=theicarusproject1/> DuBrul and McNamara corresponded for a few weeks before finally meeting in person and deciding to start The Icarus Project. Years later, musician-activist [[Bonfire Madigan Shive]]<ref name="mutha-magazine">{{cite web|url=http://muthamagazine.com/2014/05/mutha-interviews-bonfire-madigan-shive/|title=Mutha Interviews Bonfire Madigan Shive|author=Packebush, Nina|date=May 12, 2014|work=Mutha Magazine|accessdate=January 1, 2015}}</ref> and counselor/activist [[Will Hall]] became a key leader in The Icarus Project's administration and development.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/growing-push-mad-pride-79919|title=The Growing Push for "Mad Pride"|last=Newsweek Staff|first=|date=May 1, 2009 |work=Newsweek|access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref>
In 2002, [[Sascha Scatter|Sascha Altman DuBrul]] wrote an article published in the ''[[San Francisco Bay Guardian]]'' about his experiences being diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]]. He founded the Icarus Project with Jacks McNamara, an artist and writer. The Project sought to create spaces where people could talk freely about their lived experiences in regards to their [[mental health]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=HOME |url=https://icarusprojectarchive.weebly.com/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=HOME |language=en}}</ref>


Years later, musician-activist [[Bonfire Madigan Shive]]<ref name="mutha-magazine">{{cite web|url=http://muthamagazine.com/2014/05/mutha-interviews-bonfire-madigan-shive/|title=Mutha Interviews Bonfire Madigan Shive|author=Packebush, Nina|date=May 12, 2014|work=Mutha Magazine|access-date=January 1, 2015}}</ref> and counsellor/activist [[Will Hall (writer)|Will Hall]] became key members in The Icarus Project's administration and development.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/growing-push-mad-pride-79919|title=The Growing Push for "Mad Pride"|last=Newsweek Staff|date=May 1, 2009 |work=Newsweek|access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref>
In the ''Journal of Medical Humanities'', co-founder DuBrul wrote of The Icarus Project:

:Though we did not fully understand it in the early days, we were walking in the footsteps of a large body of knowledge and thought from the 1960s, grouped under the category of [[Anti-Psychiatry]].

He also noted the group and its members were inspired by a range of social trends and schools of thought including [[Anarchism in the United States|anarchism]], [[permaculture]]/sustainable ecology, [[LGBT social movements|LGBTQ]] rights, [[harm reduction]], [[Global justice movement|global justice]] movement, the [[Beat Generation]], [[Counterculture of the 1960s|counterculture]], and [[punk rock]]. He writes, "Our response to the label 'bipolar' was not a 'normal' response, which is why the Icarus Project brought a new perspective to psychic diversity. To create this perspective, we drew inspiration from many social movements and subcultural communities that came before us. So even though our response was unusual, it did not arise in a vacuum. In creating the Icarus Project, we wove together the ideas and practices in these movements to imagine a powerful new counter narrative to the dominant mental health narrative that went beyond a questioning of the language around 'bipolar' and critiqued the system itself."<ref name=":1" />

The first step, they decided, was creating a website where people who identified with "bipolar and other 'mental illness' [could] find real community and contribute to it."<ref>[http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/off-their-meds/ News feature], ''East Bay Express'', 3 August 2005.</ref> DuBrul states that by 2003, "The Icarus Project website was up and running, and a virtual community began to evolve around the discussion forums." He notes that user-generated content online enabled The Icarus Project's growth: "We were attracting interesting people, creating discussion forums with names like 'Alternate Dimensions or Psychotic Delusions' and 'Experiencing Madness and Extreme States.' There was no place else where people who used psych meds and people who did not, people who identified with diagnostic categories and people who did not, could all talk with each other and share stories. Because of the outreach in the anarchist and activist community, there was a high percentage of creative people with a radical political analysis. And with the (seeming) anonymity of the Internet, people felt comfortable being honest and sharing intimate stories about their lives. Our website served as a refuge for a diverse group of people who were learning the ways in which new narratives could be woven about their lives."<ref name=":1" />


==Mission==
==Mission==
The Icarus Project's stated aims<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theicarusproject.net/mission-vision-principles/|title=Mission&Valuespage_TheIcarusProject|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> are to provide a "support network and education project by and for people who experience the world in ways that are often diagnosed as mental illness." The national Icarus Collective staff is set up to support local groups instead of creating the smaller organizations themselves. The responsibilities of the local group are to gather people locally for support, education, activism, and access to alternatives to mainstream medical diagnosis and treatment.<ref name=theicarusproject2>[http://www.theicarusproject.net/about-us/icarus-project-mission-statement theicarusproject.net] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224042920/http://www.theicarusproject.net/about-us/icarus-project-mission-statement |date=2007-02-24 }}</ref> The Project advocates self-determination and caution when approaching psychiatric care. It encourages [[harm reduction]], alternatives to the prevailing medical model that is accepted by the vast majority of mental health professionals, and self-determination in treatment and diagnosis. Key members of The Icarus Project state that they "envision a world with more options to navigate mental health issues: options that support self-determination, center people who are most impacted by mental health-based oppression, and most critically, uplift social transformation as central to individual wellbeing."<ref>{{Cite book|title=Community Mental Health: Challenges for the 21st Century, 3rd edition|last=Rosenburg|first=Samuel J. & Jessica|publisher=Routledge|year=2018|isbn=978-1-138-91310-3|location=New York|pages=24}}</ref>
The Icarus Project's stated aims<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://theicarusproject.net/mission-vision-principles/|title= Mission & Values | website= theicarusproject.net | publisher= Icarus Project | access-date= 2018-02-11|archive-date=2020-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513202315/https://theicarusproject.net/mission-vision-principles/|url-status=dead}}</ref> were to provide a "support network and education project by and for people who experience the world in ways that are often diagnosed as mental illness." The responsibilities of the group are to gather people locally for support, and access to alternatives to mainstream medical diagnosis and treatment.<ref name= theicarusproject2>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theicarusproject.net/about-us/icarus-project-mission-statement |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070224042920/http://www.theicarusproject.net/about-us/icarus-project-mission-statement |title= Mission Statement| website= theicarusproject.net | publisher= Icarus Project | archivedate= February 24, 2007}}</ref> The Project advocates self-determination and caution when approaching psychiatric care. It encourages alternatives to the medical model that is accepted by mental health professionals.


Journalist Jennifer Itzenson<ref name="Itzenson2005">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070124131211/http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2005-11-01/itzenson-bipolardisorder Columbia News Service, Nov 1, 2005 - A new movement views bipolar disorder as a dangerous gift - By Jennifer Itzenson]</ref> notes that the Icarus Project accepts those with a wide range of perspectives on mental health issues, but also describes "an edge of militancy within the group," particularly among those who reject medication. Itzenson also writes that while medical professionals applaud groups like the Icarus Project for providing a sense of support and community, and combating [[social stigma]]s related to bipolar and other mental health issues, the group's questioning of the medical paradigm is "misguided" and that rejecting medication is a "potentially fatal choice" for those with bipolar disorder. A Newsweek article provides the following perspective on The Icarus Project's stance towards medication: "While some critics might view Icaristas as irresponsible, their skepticism about drugs isn't entirely unfounded. Lately, a number of antipsychotic drugs have been found to cause some troubling side effects."<ref name=":2" /> Itzenson notes that DuBrul has been quoted as saying that he has "superpowers" due to his alleged acute sensitivity to his surroundings.<ref name="Itzenson2005" />
In 2005, journalist Jennifer Itzenson<ref name="Itzenson2005">{{Cite web |url= http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2005-11-01/itzenson-bipolardisorder |title=A new movement views bipolar disorder as a dangerous gift |date= January 24, 2007 |website= jscms.jrn.columbia.edu| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070124131211/http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2005-11-01/itzenson-bipolardisorder |archive-date=24 January 2007 |url-status= dead}}</ref> noted that while the Icarus Project may accept those with a wide range of "perspectives" on mental health issues, there is also "an edge of militancy within the group," particularly among those who reject medication. Itzenson also writes that's the group's questioning of medical care is "misguided" and that rejecting medication is a "potentially fatal choice" for those with bipolar disorder.


⚫
While Icarus Project staff have described their expertise in social activism, herbalism, and labour organizing; none of them are licensed medical or mental health professionals.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://theicarusproject.net/welcome-to-the-icarus-project/staff/|title=Staff & Advisory Board| website= theicarusproject.net | publisher= Icarus Project | accessdate =}}</ref> The Icarus Project advisory board members describe their members as educators, artists, activists, writers, healers, community organizers, and other creative types. Some members of the group identify as Latinx, queer, trans, people of colour or mixed race, and trauma survivors.<ref name= ":0" /><ref name= "Itzenson2005" />
In contrast, writer Mark Lukach describes in an article for ''[[Pacific Standard]]'' his experience asking co-founder Sascha Altman DuBrul about the role of psychiatric medication as a part of his wife's recovery from a bipolar diagnosis. Lukach articulates The Icarus Project's approach to self-determination in psychiatric treatment. Lukach wrote:
:"As for medication, DuBrul said that he believed that the answer to the question of whether or not to use pharmaceuticals needed to be far more nuanced than yes or no. The best response might be ''maybe'', ''sometimes'', or ''only certain medications''. For instance, DuBrul shared that he takes lithium every night because he’s confident that, after four hospitalizations and over a decade with the label bipolar, the medication is a positive part of his care. Not the whole solution, but a piece."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://psmag.com/social-justice/lovely-wife-psych-ward-95567|title=My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>

Anthropologist Erica Hua Fletcher describes Icarus Project member's diverse ways of discussing altered mental states in the ''Journal of Medical Humanities''. Fletcher writes:
:While many Icarus contributors have found relief through the use of psycho-pharmaceutical interventions and other bio-psychiatric technologies, they also have experienced the limitations of medical paradigms and language to recognize the fullness of their lives. Because of this, they frequently adopt alternative words and phrases beyond bio-psychiatric terms to describe their mental states such as "neurodivergent processing," "diasporas of distressing symptoms," "sensory/cognitive/emotional trauma," or "cognitive-emotional terror." "Bipolar disorder" is interchangeable with highs and lows; "psychosis" can be seen as a reckoning; and nonconsensus realities can describe extreme experiences, which psychiatrists could label as symptoms of "schizophrenia" (such as [[Hearing Voices Movement|hearing voices]] others do not hear or seeing objects others do not see). Such alternative words and phrases do not diminish the utility of bio- psychiatric terminology nor do they directly undermine medical treatment options, yet they allow for a range of descriptors and call for attention to individual needs and desires. They call us to listen to personal stories, to forces at work within communities, and to reevaluate the languages that enframe mental illness as such." She goes on to state, "Alternative language beyond the biomedical paradigm of mental illness fosters a diversity of paradigms. Moreover, it can create a reflective space for those with mental suffering (and for their healthcare providers) to see themselves outside of a medical identity, reevaluate their self-care regimens, advocate for the care they would like to receive, and connect to others who may have similar concerns about ascribing to solely psycho-pharmaceutical interventions."<ref>{{cite journal|pmid=28891019|title=Uncivilizing "Mental Illness": Contextualizing Diverse Mental States and Posthuman Emotional Ecologies within The Icarus Project|last=Fletcher|first=Erica Hua|date=2018|doi=10.1007/s10912-017-9476-y|volume=39|issue=1|journal=J Med Humanit|pages=29–43}}</ref>

⚫
As of early 2018, Icarus Project staff describe their expertise in social activism, herbalism, and labor organizing; none is a licensed medical or mental health professional.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://theicarusproject.net/welcome-to-the-icarus-project/staff/|title=Staff & Advisory Board|last=|first=|date=|website=Icarus Project|access-date=}}</ref> Icarus Project advisory board members describe themselves as educators, artists, activists, writers, healers, community organizers, and other creative types and some identify as Latinx, queer, trans, people of color or mixed race, and trauma survivors; none is a licensed medical or mental health professional.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Itzenson2005" /> Leadership currently offers publications on self-care and community care, workshops and training for peers, training and talks for providers, peer support spaces, webinars, and other events.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://theicarusproject.net/what-we-do/|title=What We Do|last=|first=|date=|website=Icarus Project|access-date=}}</ref>


==Structure / funding==
==Structure / funding==
The Icarus Project is currently under the fiscal sponsorship of FJC, a non-profit 501(c)3 umbrella organization arm of an investment firm, based in New York City. The Icarus Project currently gets the bulk of its money from foundation grants, including the Ittleson Foundation,<ref name=":1" /> but it also has many individual donors. There has been considerable talk for many years of alternate funding structures, and efforts are currently underway to explore 501c3 and cooperative structures. The Icarus Project maintains a financial transparency page which is current as of 2010, receiving grants totaling $16,000 and individual donations of about $3,500.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theicarusproject.net/financialtransparency |title=TIP: Financial Reports |publisher=The Icarus Project |accessdate=2010-08-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723155417/http://theicarusproject.net/financialtransparency |archivedate=2011-07-23 }}</ref> The Icarus Project does not accept funding from [[pharmaceutical companies]].<ref name=theicarusproject2/> The Icarus Project has a social media presence on Twitter and Facebook.<ref name=":3" />
The Icarus Project was under the fiscal sponsorship of FJC, a non-profit 501(c)3 umbrella organization arm of an investment firm, based in New York City. The Icarus Project formerly got the bulk of its money from foundation grants, including the Ittleson Foundation,<ref name=":1" /> but it also had many individual donors.


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==Publications==
==The Icarus Project network==
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Educational materials published by The Icarus Project have been published in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Greek, and Bosnian/Croatian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scattergoodfoundation.org/innovideas/icarus-project#.WqMWdqinFm-|title=Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness|website=Scattergood Foundation|access-date=2018-03-10|archive-date=2018-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113330/http://www.scattergoodfoundation.org/innovideas/icarus-project#.WqMWdqinFm-|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some of these publications are listed below:
Some of the local groups currently meet in
* ''Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness; A Reader and Roadmap of Bipolar Worlds'' (2004)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resources |url=https://www.saschadubrul.com/resources |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Transformative Mental Health Practices |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Anchorage, Alaska
* ''Friends Make the Best Medicine: A Guide to Creating Community Mental Health Support Networks''. (2006)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resources |url=https://www.saschadubrul.com/resources |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Transformative Mental Health Practices |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Asheville, North Carolina
* ''Through the Labyrinth; A Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs'' (2009)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Will |title=Coming Off Pscyh Drugs |url=http://www.willhall.net/files/ComingOffPsychDrugsHarmReductGuide2Edonline.pdf}}</ref>
* Atlanta, Georgia
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* ''Mindful Occupation: Rising Up without Burning Out'' (2012)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mindfuloccupation.org/publications/|title=Mindful Occupation: The Booklet|website=mindfuloccupation.org}}</ref>
* Boston, Massachusetts
* ''Madness and Oppression: Personal Paths to Transformation and Collective Liberation'' (2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fireweed Collective |url=https://fireweedcollective.org/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Fireweed Collective |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Chicago, Illinois
* Los Angeles, California (Wildflowers' Movement)<ref>{{cite web|title=Wildflowers' Movement: Mindful Peer Support, Self-Awareness, and Radical Wellness|url=http://www.wildflowersmovement.com/|website=Wildflowers' Movement|accessdate=15 April 2017}}</ref>
* Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Madison, Wisconsin
* New York City, New York
* Northampton, Massachusetts (Freedom Center)
* Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Portland, Oregon
* San Francisco (Bay Area), California
* Columbus, Ohio
* Gainesville, Florida


==Media mentions==
==Filmography==
The Icarus Project has been mentioned in passing in ''The New York Times'' as a resource for those who "don't want to 'get better'",<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18fob-Medium-t.html | work=The New York Times | title=Psycho-Babble - An Online Support Group | first=Virginia | last=Heffernan | date=2010-04-16}}</ref> by ''Frontline 20/20'', and many local media outlets.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jill Carlson on Friday 07/17/2009, (1) Comment |url=http://isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=26420 |title=Saying no to drugs with Mad Pride - Isthmus &#124; The Daily Page |publisher=Isthmus |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2010-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jansen |first=Steve |url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2010/07/mental_health_collective_inaug.php |title=Mental Health Collective Inaugural Meeting - Phoenix Art - Jackalope Ranch |publisher=Blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com |date=2010-07-30 |accessdate=2010-08-11}}</ref>

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==Publications==
⚫
Educational materials published by The Icarus Project have been published in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Greek, and Bosnian/Croatian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scattergoodfoundation.org/innovideas/icarus-project#.WqMWdqinFm-|title=Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness|last=|first=|date=|website=Scattergood Foundation|access-date=}}</ref> Some of these publications are listed below:
* In March 2004, The Icarus Project released ''Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness; A Reader and Roadmap of Bipolar Worlds''. The book is currently in its 6th printing.<ref>[http://www.theicarusproject.net/publications/navigating-the-space-between-brilliance-and-madness-reader publications] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030173322/http://www.theicarusproject.net/publications/navigating-the-space-between-brilliance-and-madness-reader |date=October 30, 2007 }}</ref>
* In July 2006, The Icarus Project released the first draft of ''Friends Make the Best Medicine: A Guide to Creating Community Mental Health Support Networks''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nycicarus.org/images/fmtbm.pdf|title=Friends Make the Best Medicine|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
* In 2008, The Icarus Project released ''Through the Labyrinth; A Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs'', and in 2009 this publication was translated into Spanish and German and made available for free download on the Icarus Project website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theicarusproject.net/alternative-treatments/harm-reduction-guide-to-coming-off-psychiatric-drugs |title=Harm Reduction Guide To Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs & Withdrawal |publisher=The Icarus Project |date=2008-04-23 |accessdate=2010-08-11}}</ref>
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* In 2012, The Icarus Project released ''Mindful Occupation: Rising Up without Burning Out''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mindfuloccupation.org/publications/|title=Mindful Occupation|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
* In 2015, The Icarus Project released ''Madness and Oppression: Personal Paths to Transformation and Collective Liberation''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theicarusproject.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MadnessAndOppressionGuide-compressed.pdf|title=MadnessandOppression|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
Scholarship about The Icarus Project is listed below:
* Bradley Lewis (2006). 'A Mad Fight: Psychiatry and Disability Activism. In ''Disability Studies Reader''.' 2nd edition. Lennard Davis, ed., pp.&nbsp;3–16 New York: Routledge.
* Maryse Mitchell-Brody (2007). 'The Icarus Project: Dangerous Gifts, Iridescent Visions and Mad Community Alternatives'. In Peter Stastny & Peter Lehmann (Eds.), ''Alternatives Beyond Psychiatry'' (pp.&nbsp;137–145). Berlin / Eugene / Shrewsbury: Peter Lehmann Publishing. {{ISBN|978-0-9545428-1-8}} (UK), {{ISBN|978-0-9788399-1-8}} (USA). E-Book in 2018.
* Maryse Mitchell-Brody (2007). 'Das Ikarus-Projekt. Gefährliche Begabungen, schillernde Visionen und eine Gemeinschaft von Verrückten'. In Peter Lehmann & Peter Stastny (Eds.), ''Statt Psychiatrie 2'' (pp.&nbsp;141–149). Berlin / Eugene / Shrewsbury: Antipsychiatrieverlag. {{ISBN|978-3-925931-38-3}}. E-Book in 2018.
* {{cite journal | last1 = Martin | first1 = Emily | year = 2010 | title = Self-Making and the Brain | url = | journal = Subjectivity | volume = 3 | issue = 4| pages = 366–381 | doi=10.1057/sub.2010.23| doi-access = free }}
* {{cite journal | last1 = Altman DuBrul | first1 = Sascha | year = 2014 | title = The Icarus Project: A Counter Narrative for Psychic Diversity | url = | journal = Journal of Medical Humanities | volume = 35 | issue = 3| pages = 257–71 | doi=10.1007/s10912-014-9293-5}}
* Jeremy Andersen, Ed Altwies, Jonah Bossewitch, Celia Brown, Kermit Cole, Sera Davidow, Sascha Altman Dubrul, Eric Friedland-Kays, Gelini Fontaine, Will Hall, Chris Hansen, Bradley Lewis, Audre Lorde Project, Maryse Mitchell-Brody, Jacks McNamara, Gina Nikkel, Pablo Sandler, David Stark, Adaku Utah, Agustina Vidal, and Cheyenna Layne Weber. (2017). 'Mad Resistance/Mad Alternatives: Democratizing Mental Health Care.' ''In'' ''Community Mental Health: Challenges for the 21st Century''. S J. Rosenberg, ed., pp.&nbsp;19–33. New York City, NY: Taylor & Francis.
* {{cite journal | last1 = Hua Fletcher | first1 = Erica | year = 2018 | title = Uncivilizing "Mental Illness": Contextualizing Diverse Mental States and Posthuman Emotional Ecologies within The Icarus Project | url = | journal = Journal of Medical Humanities | volume = 39 | issue = 1| pages = 29–43 | doi = 10.1007/s10912-017-9476-y | pmid = 28891019 }}
Films about Icarus Project members are listed below:
Films about Icarus Project members are listed below:
* Ken Paul Rosenthal (2010).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kenpaulrosenthal.com/|title=Ken Paul Rosenthal|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> ''Crooked Beauty''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/28315394|title=Crooked Beauty|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> 30 min. Poetic documentary featuring Jacks McNamara. In ''Mad Dance Mental Health Film Trilogy''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kenpaulrosenthal.com/films/crooked-beauty/|title=Mad Dance Mental Health Film Trilogy|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
* Ken Paul Rosenthal (2010). ''Crooked Beauty''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/28315394|title=Crooked Beauty|first=Ken Paul|last=Rosenthal|date=August 29, 2011|website=Vimeo}}</ref> 30 min. Poetic documentary featuring Jacks McNamara. In ''Mad Dance Mental Health Film Trilogy''.
* Ken Paul Rosenthal (2018). ''Whisper Rapture''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kenpaulrosenthal.com/films/whisper-rapture/|title=Whisper Rapture|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> 36 min. A doc-opera featuring Bonfire Madigan Shive.
* Ken Paul Rosenthal (2018). ''Whisper Rapture''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kenpaulrosenthal.com/films/whisper-rapture/|title=Whisper Rapture - Ken Paul Rosenthal|website=www.kenpaulrosenthal.com}}</ref> 36 min. A doc-opera featuring Bonfire Madigan Shive.


==References==
==References==
Line 79: Line 36:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|http://theicarusproject.net/}}
* {{official website|http://theicarusproject.net}}
* [https://archive.is/20120724154955/http://www.eastbayexpress.com/2005-08-03/news/off-their-meds/ East Bay Express, August 3, 2005 - Off Their Meds - Modern psychiatrists prescribe pills for hundreds of "biological" disorders. The radical mental health movement isn't so sure - By Stefanie Kalem]
* [https://archive.today/20120724154955/http://www.eastbayexpress.com/2005-08-03/news/off-their-meds/ East Bay Express, August 3, 2005 - Off Their Meds - Modern psychiatrists prescribe pills for hundreds of "biological" disorders. The radical mental health movement isn't so sure - By Stefanie Kalem]
* [http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/media/mfradio/show/sascha-debrul-guest MindFreedom Radio - Sascha DuBrul of Icarus Project Next Guest on MF Radio]
* [http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/media/mfradio/show/sascha-debrul-guest MindFreedom Radio - Sascha DuBrul of Icarus Project Next Guest on MF Radio]


{{Anti-psychiatry}}
{{Anti-psychiatry}}


[[Category:Mental health organizations in the United States]]
[[Category:Mental health organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Anti-psychiatry]]
[[Category:Anti-psychiatry]]
[[Category:Disability rights organizations]]
[[Category:DIY culture]]
[[Category:DIY culture]]
[[Category:Health and disability rights organizations in the United States]]
[[Category:Health and disability rights organizations in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 18:09, 26 December 2024

This article is about the "Icarus" mental health concept. For other uses, see Project Icarus (disambiguation).

The Icarus Project (2002–2020) was an American network of peer-support groups and media projects with the stated aim of changing the social stigmas regarding mental health.[1]

History

[edit]

In 2002, Sascha Altman DuBrul wrote an article published in the San Francisco Bay Guardian about his experiences being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He founded the Icarus Project with Jacks McNamara, an artist and writer. The Project sought to create spaces where people could talk freely about their lived experiences in regards to their mental health.[2]

Years later, musician-activist Bonfire Madigan Shive[3] and counsellor/activist Will Hall became key members in The Icarus Project's administration and development.[4]

Mission

[edit]

The Icarus Project's stated aims[5] were to provide a "support network and education project by and for people who experience the world in ways that are often diagnosed as mental illness." The responsibilities of the group are to gather people locally for support, and access to alternatives to mainstream medical diagnosis and treatment.[6] The Project advocates self-determination and caution when approaching psychiatric care. It encourages alternatives to the medical model that is accepted by mental health professionals.

In 2005, journalist Jennifer Itzenson[7] noted that while the Icarus Project may accept those with a wide range of "perspectives" on mental health issues, there is also "an edge of militancy within the group," particularly among those who reject medication. Itzenson also writes that's the group's questioning of medical care is "misguided" and that rejecting medication is a "potentially fatal choice" for those with bipolar disorder.

While Icarus Project staff have described their expertise in social activism, herbalism, and labour organizing; none of them are licensed medical or mental health professionals.[8] The Icarus Project advisory board members describe their members as educators, artists, activists, writers, healers, community organizers, and other creative types. Some members of the group identify as Latinx, queer, trans, people of colour or mixed race, and trauma survivors.[8][7]

Structure / funding

[edit]

The Icarus Project was under the fiscal sponsorship of FJC, a non-profit 501(c)3 umbrella organization arm of an investment firm, based in New York City. The Icarus Project formerly got the bulk of its money from foundation grants, including the Ittleson Foundation,[1] but it also had many individual donors.

Publications

[edit]

Educational materials published by The Icarus Project have been published in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Greek, and Bosnian/Croatian.[9] Some of these publications are listed below:

  • Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness; A Reader and Roadmap of Bipolar Worlds (2004)[10]
  • Friends Make the Best Medicine: A Guide to Creating Community Mental Health Support Networks. (2006)[11]
  • Through the Labyrinth; A Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs (2009)[12]
  • Mindful Occupation: Rising Up without Burning Out (2012)[13]
  • Madness and Oppression: Personal Paths to Transformation and Collective Liberation (2015)[14]

Filmography

[edit]

Films about Icarus Project members are listed below:

  • Ken Paul Rosenthal (2010). Crooked Beauty.[15] 30 min. Poetic documentary featuring Jacks McNamara. In Mad Dance Mental Health Film Trilogy.
  • Ken Paul Rosenthal (2018). Whisper Rapture.[16] 36 min. A doc-opera featuring Bonfire Madigan Shive.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b DuBrul, Sascha Altman (17 July 2014). "The Icarus Project: A Counter Narrative for Psychic Diversity". Journal of Medical Humanities. 35 (3): 257–271. doi:10.1007/s10912-014-9293-5. PMID 25030378. S2CID 19672691.
  2. ^ "HOME". HOME. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  3. ^ Packebush, Nina (May 12, 2014). "Mutha Interviews Bonfire Madigan Shive". Mutha Magazine. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  4. ^ Newsweek Staff (May 1, 2009). "The Growing Push for "Mad Pride"". Newsweek. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  5. ^ "Mission & Values". theicarusproject.net. Icarus Project. Archived from the original on 2020-05-13. Retrieved 2018-02-11.
  6. ^ "Mission Statement". theicarusproject.net. Icarus Project. Archived from the original on February 24, 2007.
  7. ^ a b "A new movement views bipolar disorder as a dangerous gift". jscms.jrn.columbia.edu. January 24, 2007. Archived from the original on 24 January 2007.
  8. ^ a b "Staff & Advisory Board". theicarusproject.net. Icarus Project.
  9. ^ "Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness". Scattergood Foundation. Archived from the original on 2018-06-23. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
  10. ^ "Resources". Transformative Mental Health Practices. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  11. ^ "Resources". Transformative Mental Health Practices. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  12. ^ Hall, Will. "Coming Off Pscyh Drugs" (PDF).
  13. ^ "Mindful Occupation: The Booklet". mindfuloccupation.org.
  14. ^ "Fireweed Collective". Fireweed Collective. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  15. ^ Rosenthal, Ken Paul (August 29, 2011). "Crooked Beauty". Vimeo.
  16. ^ "Whisper Rapture - Ken Paul Rosenthal". www.kenpaulrosenthal.com.
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