"Operation Speak Up" is an effort founded by the International Society for Ethical Psychology & Psychiatry (ISEPP) to change our government’s policy regarding the treatment of service members and veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress. At present, the government’s first-line of treatment is the prescription of dangerous psychiatric drug cocktails that are ineffective at best and deadly at worst.  This harm includes the typical “side effects” that cause serious health problems, chemical insults to the brain and its functioning, and a dampening of important emotional signals that result in an “I don’t care” attitude among those taking these drugs.  This last problem can diminish concern for the consequences of one’s actions and increase the risk of impulsive and reckless behavior.  The government’s first-line treatment is driven by the idea that post-traumatic reactions are symptoms of the disease called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and therefore, must be medicated.  In reality though, there is nothing abnormal or pathological about such reactions to war and therefore, medications are unwarranted and contraindicated.

Over the last few years we have witnessed a rash of news reports of unusually high suicide rates, sudden cardiac deaths, and acts of violence committed by those who have been prescribed these chemical cocktails.  ISEPP maintains that psychiatric drugs can significantly increase the risk of these terrible events.

ISEPP’s view of post-traumatic stress differs greatly from the prevailing view.  We assert that post-traumatic reactions are normal and expected responses to horrific and shocking experiences.  We urge the government to abandon their reliance on psychiatric drugs, and instead use various forms of exposure-based talk therapies, group therapy, and especially peer counseling, all of which show strong empirical evidence of effectiveness without the risks that drugs have.  These safer and more effective forms of treatment help integrate the traumatic memories, express the horrors, find meaning, and develop a sense of bonding with others who understand.  They also allow those so affected to address the broader moral questions about war and its use as a political tool.

The name “Operation Speak Up” was chosen to highlight not only our desire to speak up about this problem, but also to reflect our hope that post-traumatic stress survivors speak up about their experiences instead of being shut up by psychiatric drugs. Help us Speak Up!"