"What Difference Does It Make?" (The Journey Of A Soul Surivor) [Paperback]

Wendy Funk (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0968391303 | ISBN-13: 978-0968391303 | Publication Date: January 28, 1999

"What Difference Does It Make?" (The Journey Of A Soul Survivor) is a story based on journals which were kept byt eh author during a 14 month incarceration in a Canadian Psychiatric ward. It speaks clearly of the potential dangers of psychiatric labelling and "treatment" including that of chemicals and electroshock. The book also describes what it was like to emerge from the psychiatric ward with complete amnesia as a result of electroshock and how life after such brain damage is forever altered.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wendy Funk has written a brutally honest, moving and courageous account about what it's like to survive electroschock and the psychiatric system. She seeks help for a sore throat and ends up getting forcibly drugged, electroshocked and terrorized in a Canadian psychoprison." -- DON WIETZ, anti-psychiatry activist, co-editor of Shrink Resistant: The Struggle Against Psychiatry in Canada, and CKLN radio producer and host of Shrinkrap.

"Wendy reveals as only a survivor can the travesty, the dehumanization, the affront to self, and the theft of self perpetrated by the psychiatric system. A gripping and terrifying account that serves as a warning to anyone who thinks that they are beyond reach." -- Bonnie Burstow, Psychotherapist, anti-psychiatry activisit, co-editor of Shrink Resistant: The Struggle Against Psychiatry in Canada.

"What Difference Does It Make?" is a courageous young woman's experience of psychiatric hospitalization and tragic life altering, memory robbing effects of Electroshock "therapy". A true story of survival. Recommended reading for ECT survivors, their families, activists, and anyone considering ECT as a treatment option for themselves or a loved one. If you want to know what ECT really does, read this book." -- Barbara C. Cody B.Sc., R.N. Electroshock Survivor, Activist, Writer, Speaker

About the Author

Wendy Funk grew up with the notion that if she worked hard and lived a clean life, her goals could be attained. Much to her horror - this was not to be the case. Wendy is here to tell the story that so desperately needs to be told. The one that too many people around the globe have expereienced first hand. It's the story of having all freedoms and rights once taken for granted - suddenly stripped away; of learning to live without the memories of a lifetime; of knowing the ultimate in betrayals. It's the story of how survival after psychiatry is possible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Wild Flower Pub (January 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0968391303
• ISBN-13: 978-0968391303
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #765,992 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Survivor and Inspiration, January 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: "What Difference Does It Make?" (The Journey Of A Soul Surivor) (Paperback)

I first met Wendy on the internet a few years ago and was able to attain a copy of the book just recently. I have never been much of an advocate for some of the methods used by the psychiatric profession to treat "Mental Illnesses". I have had several friends who had nervous breakdowns and such, and they always returned from their stays at various hospitals and psych wards worse off then they were prior to going in. They were either subjected to ECT or the miriad of drugs these doctors like to prescribe instead of just finding out what the real problem is and supporting the person through the rough patch. We had always joked about ECT, as we all had our reasons for not supporting it. This book confirmed exactly why we were against it.

I read this book out loud to my roommate and we both could not believe what was happening to Wendy. When I read out loud where she was from, it shocked us even more, considering we live in the same city she did. That brought this story a lot closer to home for us.

This book shows that these things can happen to anyone, anywhere...even in your hometown. It also shows how much power those in the medical profession hold and what can happen when that power falls into the wrong hands. For seven years, I worked in the medical profession as a medical assistant and home care worker, and I too saw what sort torment many patients, especially those in long term care situations, have to endure.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has either been in this situation, is considering this situation or knows someone in this situation. This is an inspiring look at how one woman managed to survive such a situation.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wendy I have come to know., December 19, 2002

By 

Joe Foreman (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: "What Difference Does It Make?" (The Journey Of A Soul Surivor) (Paperback)

Wendy's book is a very well written horror story. Someone should make a movie about her experiences. The true tragedy is that this story takes place in modern times. You would expect this sort of treatment to have taken place a hundred years ago, when we knew little about the human mind and psychology. I have come to know Wendy over the past several months, and I am in awe of her ability to adapt to her new life, and in her bravery in telling her story. God bless you, Wendy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I remember, August 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: "What Difference Does It Make?" (The Journey Of A Soul Surivor) (Paperback)

Being on the same ward as Wendy I remember how she suffered. It was heartbreaking seeing this girl become a nobody with her thoughts and memories disappearing day after day. Havn't spoken to her in years but hope she is doing fine. If anyone hears from her tell her "Jack" says hi.