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Rae Unzinger, ca. 1980
"To be a mental patient is to be stigmatized, ostracized, socialized, patronized, and psychiatrized."
From "To be a Mental Patient" by Rae Unzicker, 1984
Public servant and disability civil rights activist, Rae Unzicker spent her adult life advocating the fair treatment and equal rights for psychiatric patients, including their right to decide if and how they receive treatment. Unzicker's advocacy was grounded in her own experiences, for she knew firsthand the damaging atmosphere of psychiatric institutions. From the age of 12, she found herself in and out of therapists' offices, hospitals, and mental institutions. It was not until the age of 24 that her road to recover really started to see significant positive changes, although she continued to have high and low periods throughout her life. Despite her continual struggles, Unzicker considered herself a psychiatric survivor, and she was determined to create change in the care of mental health patients.
Born Carole Renetta Engles in 1948, Rae grew up in Ottawa, Kansas, where she graduated from high school in 1966. During high school, Unzicker was known for her poetry, oratorical skill, and interest in journalism. During her senior year, she won the American Legion Oratorical Award as well as a Senior High Journalist of the Year award and a journalism scholarship awarded to her by
After a very traumatic year which included being raped and having a therapeutic abortion, Unzicker moved to Sioux Falls, where she made her home until her death in 2001. In Sioux Falls, Unzicker began working for the local news station, KSOO-TV. It was the beginning of a promising career, but suffering from the same doubts and anxiety that plagued her in high school and college, she attempted suicide multiple times which resulted in her termination from the news station. Despite the unfortunate outcome of her time at the station, it was during this time that she began seeing Dr. Robert Hughes, who was extremely influential in her recovery. He was the first to refuse to indulge her threats of suicide and the first to reward her with consistent positive feedback. It was this positive reinforcement and encouragement for her accomplishments that started to change the way Unzicker saw herself and how she reacted to situations. However, after another failed suicide attempt, Hughes refused to see Unzicker as his patient. This act changed Rae. She came to recognize that she had hurt someone who cared about her and whom she considered a friend, and from this, she pushed herself to join the "healthies," using the lessons Dr. Hughes had taught her.
Rae married Jim Unzicker (1932-1998) in 1974 and became a mother to five step-children. Together Rae and Jim operated a film and advertising company. After being married for a few months, Rae drafted a manuscript of her memoir,
As part of her advocacy for the rights of mental health patients, Rae spoke at multiple conferences and workshops around the country and in Europe. She appeared on multiple television shows including
Rae was a prolific writer, and wrote numerous speeches and articles on the subject of mental health care. Late in her life, she published a chapter in
Approaching the end of her life, her battle with breast cancer worsened as the cancer returned in 1999. Then in 2000, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Finally, she lost her battle with cancer at the age of 52 in 2001, in her home in Sioux Falls.
Described as energetic but tempestuous by David Kohn, one of her "refugees," Rae was a witty and charming woman and a phenomenal public speaker. Yet, she did have a darker, troubled side that she continually battled her entire life. However, it was ultimately her struggle that informed her career as a mental health activist, and is what drove her to pursue equal rights for all mental health patients.
Rae Unzicker's papers document her activities as a leading advocate for the rights of mental health patients. Although small, the collection provides insight into Unzicker's life, thoughts, and passions. Newspaper clippings of Unzicker's articles from
In addition to these materials, the collection includes videotaped appearances, photographs, a press kit, resources for mental health care (such as articles, poetry, and worksheets), Rae's poetry and creative writings, and newspaper clippings about Rae and her husband Jim as well as various issues in mental health care.
The collection is open for research.
Acquired from Donor, 2013.
Processed by Brittany Mayo, May 2014.
For materials related to the civil rights for mental patients, see:
Greeting card, possibly from Laura Van Tosh, transfers Unzicker's papers to Chamberlin.
Two clippings featuring Unzicker in theatrical performances.
Includes written materials by Judi Chamberlin, Laura Prescott, Estelle Reiner.