... the role people labeled crazy are forced to play once the psychiatric system has a firm hold on them is really that of acquiescent prisoner.

As to the electro-convulsive-therapy treatments, I like Kesey's tight comment: "The thing is, no one ever wants another one."

... I was already able to perceive that only by strictly "normal" behavior could I ever hope to get out of this place ... or prevent my situation from becoming still more unpleasant.

Rule: Solitary activity is dangerous, alienating-therefore, reading or writing are undesirable; any group activity is rehabilitating.

The dread Locked Door.

... your behavior record, that unique and precarious ladder to freedom.

And so we came forth, and once again beheld the stars.

Psychotic episodes are disintegrations which provide an opportunity for reintegration at new levels.

Gone is the terror that came hunting for me.

I dove into madness and learned how to swim.