The Inner Compass That Saved Her Life: Laura Delano’s Story
Laura Delano's transformative journey from a heavily medicated psychiatric patient to an advocate for informed mental health choices exemplifies resilience and self-discovery. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at fourteen, Laura embarked on a path that led to multiple psychiatric labels and a regimen involving up to six different medications simultaneously. Despite adhering to prescribed treatments, her condition deteriorated, culminating in a "treatment-resistant" diagnosis and a suicide attempt at twenty-seven.
A pivotal moment occurred when Laura questioned the efficacy of her treatments: "What if I am not sick in spite of these drugs, but because of them?" This introspection prompted her to discontinue all psychiatric medications, a process fraught with severe withdrawal symptoms. Through perseverance, she reclaimed her life, attributing her recovery to the cessation of medication rather than its continuation.
Motivated by her experiences, Laura founded the Inner Compass Initiative (ICI) in 2018. ICI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing individuals with comprehensive information, resources, and support to make informed decisions about psychiatric diagnoses and medications. The initiative emphasizes the importance of personal agency and community connection in navigating mental health challenges.
In March 2025, Laura published her memoir, "Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance," offering an in-depth account of her journey and a critical examination of modern psychiatric practices. The Washington Post noted that the book "weaves her personal journey with a scathing critique of modern psychiatry."
Laura's story underscores the necessity of questioning established mental health paradigms and advocating for informed consent. Through ICI and her writings, she continues to support others in exploring paths to mental well-being beyond conventional psychiatric interventions.
