**The Shattered Mirror**

Prompt: Dc fanfiction Harley writes an article opposing a fellow psychiatrist’s claims electro shock treatment has positive results in treating bulimia treatments

The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Harley Quinn adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, glaring at the computer screen that illuminated her small office. The cursor blinked ominously, daring her to ignore the cacophony of thoughts swirling in her head. She couldn't help but sigh as she read the bold headline of the article she was about to challenge: “Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Promising Solution to Bulimia” by Dr. Jonathan Black. Harley leaned back in her chair, a world of frustration tightening her chest. How could her colleague, someone she once admired, advocate for such a controversial treatment? As a psychiatrist specialized in eating disorders, she had seen the devastating effects of both bulimia and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and the idea that ECT was a magical cure for a complex illness was nothing short of blasphemous. She cracked her knuckles, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she began typing her opposition article. "While Dr. Black presents ECT as a miracle for those suffering from bulimia, his claims ignore the profound ethical implications and the substantial body of research that indicates otherwise." Harley paused, shaking her head in disbelief, staring at the cursor now mocking her. Bulimia was not merely about reprogramming the brain; it involved emotional, psychological, and physical complexity that required comprehensive understanding and correct treatment pathways. Harley recalled her encounters with patients—fragile, profound souls whose stories mirrored one another in haunting ways. A spark of determination ignited within her as she recalled Clara, a bright young woman whose laugh had danced through the office like sunlight before the darkness of her illness eclipsed it. Clara had lost all sense of control, trapped in a cyclical pattern of purging and bingeing. Harley remembered her desperate gaze during their sessions, and how it had transformed from fear to hope over months of therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy wasn’t a viable option for Clara or anyone, as far as Harley was concerned. It dulled sensitivity to the pain that these individuals grappled with, numbing the emotional tumult rather than addressing the core of the issue. Returning her attention to the article, Harley continued typing, citing numerous studies and advocating for holistic approaches that would not only address the physical symptoms of bulimia but also dive deep into the emotional scars that festered within. “Patients recovering from eating disorders need empathy-based approaches that foster self-acceptance and self-love.” A sense of clarity began to wash over her as she laid out her arguments. She considered how discussions about mental health were frequently diluted, often overshadowed by sensationalized headlines and easy fixes. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Building a bridge of understanding between the clinician and the patient was paramount for lasting recovery. Halfway through her article, a soft knock on the door jolted Harley from her thoughts. She looked up to find Dr. Black leaning against the doorframe, casually observing her. “Burning the midnight oil, Harley?” His voice dripped with an arrogance that grated against her nerves. “Just writing something that truly matters,” she replied coolly, not bothering to conceal the edge in her voice. Harley reached to save her document, but he was already peering over her shoulder, eyes narrowing as he scanned the text. “Challenging my work, I see. You know, very few can stand against the tide of progress. ECT is a legitimate treatment option—proven to help with various mental health disorders.” His tone was condescending, as if he were patronizing a child. With every word, Harley felt her irritation boil. “What you call progress has proven to be detrimental to many. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, Jon. You can’t just apply an electric shock and assume that everything will be fine.” She sat taller, meeting his gaze defiantly. His lips twisted into a smirk. “Sounds like you might be projecting your own biases. You’re not the only one who’s seen severe cases. I’ve had patients who have undergone ECT and emerged with restored hope. Look, I’ve got the data to back it up.” She shook her head, recognizing the futility of trying to convince him. “You’re disregarding the personal narratives that accompany these statistics. Treatment isn’t abstract; it involves real people with profound stories. You should remember that,” she shot back, passion igniting her words. Dr. Black’s demeanor shifted from confident to defensive. “So, what’s your alternative, Harley? Just talk therapy? The world isn’t that simple.” “Of course it’s not. But that doesn’t mean we should resort to what’s easy or flashy. Changing lives through meaningful connection—building trust and understanding—is what resonates,” she insisted, her voice unwavering. Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, Harley decided to refocus on her article. She felt an eerie calm settle over her as she concluded her piece, urging readers to advocate for their mental health, to question the motives behind quick-fix headlines. The world needed a nuanced dialogue about mental illness, not hyperbolized claims surrounding treatments. “Like I said, good luck with your article.” Dr. Black’s parting shot flickered over his shoulder like smoke in the air. As the door closed behind him, Harley turned back to her screen, fatigue creeping in. The article was just what she needed; a powerful voice against the perils of simplified narratives in mental health. Her heart raced with anticipation as she clicked “Publish,” knowing that this was just one small step in what would be an ongoing battle for truth and compassion in psychiatry. Harley felt the pressure slowly lift. She had shared her truth, allowing Clara and all the other patients to remain at the forefront of the ongoing conversation. In a world of clinical detachment, she hoped to shine light on the intricate human experiences buried under layers of stigma and ignorance. There would always be more battles to fight, but for this moment, she had made her stand.