Question: Why study the history of the oldest lunatic asylum in history?
Answer: In hopes of never repeating the horrors of the past.
My every day world is spent counseling college students. Nursing students to be exact. But prior to this wonderful position I’ve held for the past nineteen years I also worked in in-patient psychiatric units for adults and adolescents and in out-patient mental health settings. I’ve seen the anguish that mental illness brings to families of an affected love one and the agony that patients suffer because they are sometimes at the mercy of medications that may help, but also bring with them some pretty awful side-effects that can include weight gain, insomnia, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, and a host of other frustrations. Patients and clients just want to feel better and have normal healthy lives, but sometimes that just doesn’t happen and suicide results as a way of seeking relief from unbearable emotional and mental pain.
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Melancholia and Mania |
Engraving by C. Warren first appearing in Hughson's London of two figures carved by Gabriel Caius Cibber c. 1676. The figures represented, melancholy (on the left) and raving madness or mania (on the right). They adorned the entrance portal to the new Bethlem Royal Hospital (Bedlam) which opened at a site in Moorfields, north London in 1676. (From Wikipedia-in the public domain).
The history of mental illness and perspectives on mental health throughout the world are diverse, fascinating, and often horrific. Mental illness today continues to know no boundaries. It doesn’t care if you’re poverty stricken or wealthy, unemployed or working your dream job. There is no color barrier. Mental illness strikes children, teens, and adults. Young college students sometimes go away to school where they suffer depressions, psychotic breaks, and first bouts of schizophrenia. Almost everyone has been touched by some form of mental illness even if it’s only from seeing what happens in society at it’s worst. You’ve all seen the devastation.
Originally during the reign of Henry III, the hospital that became infamous as Bedlam got it's beginnings as St. Mary Bethlehem Hospital located in Bishop’s Gate in1247 and was not a lunatic asylum at all, but primarily utilized for the collection of alms.(Also referred to as the Priory of the New Order of St Mary of Bethlem in the city of London.) Later, when patients were admitted as insane, the term Bedlam, is the name that was created out of the chaos of Bethlem Hospital.
In 1676 Bethlem was rebuilt at Moorsfield.
In the time period of the regency (this is the time period that my Ravensmoore Chronicles take place) and for many years before, the wealthy and aristocratic frequented Bedlam as a place of entertainment and thought it amusing to visit those who suffered from mental illness. If you want to watch a very powerful but disturbing video on the history of Bedlam you can do so here.
Bethlem Royal Hospital is located today in Beckenham, Kent.
What's the last book your read or movie or television show you watched that included issues about mental mental health, past or present?
You will be included in a drawing for Mystery of the Heart when you leave a comment. Don't forget there are other giveaways this month as well.
Jillian Kent explores the darker side of Regency England. Her latest novel, Mystery of the Heart released in January 2013. Her first novel, Secrets of the Heart will introduce you to asylum life, and Chameleon will take you into historic Bedlam itself. But never fear, romance is alive and well in all of Jillian's novels.
It always angers me when I think about the way the mentally challenged were treated back then and how they are still treated badly today. I can't recall any movies, shows or books that I've read addressing this issue. I'm sure I have, but nothing comes to mind right now. I would love to read your book, Jillian, it sounds very good and the cover is very appealing. Great post. God bless.
ReplyDeletedebsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com
Hi Chaplain Debbie,
DeleteIt's a challenging issue. I'm not sure why the money isn't poured into research for mental illness as it is for cancer and diabetes, but my hope is that someday soon this will happen and there will be a better quality of life for those who suffer.
Jillian's books ARE very good! I've read and enjoyed them all. Lots of suspense and action and romance in a lovely regency setting.
ReplyDeleteI recall watching the movie Snake Pit with Olivia deHavilland in my impressionable years (I guess that was as a young teen - back when there was a movie on during the day at 4pm). I think I could name a few movies dealing with mental illness actually, but I'll just add one more 'modern' one - Benny and Joon.
I don't need to be in the drawing. Thanks for a chance to revisit Bedlam with you, Jillian.
Hey Debra,
DeleteYou can go to Bedlam with me anytime. I can speak for myself as a writer that I sometimes think I live there. :) I remember Snake Pit, too! We're getting old. I've never seen or heard of Benny and Joon. Will have to Google that one.
I think at 4:00 back in the day I was watching, Dark Shadows. :) So glad you enjoyed the books. Hope I can develop another new series soon. I have a pretty good idea where I'm headed.
It's sad how mankind treats its own at times. My mom, who is in her 80s, stayed in a nursing home for several months while recovering from knee replacement surgery. This was a brand new facility, more like a hotel, actually. But some of the people who worked there seemed to look down on the patients. Its nothing like the lunatic homes of the past, but there's still room for improvement. Interesting post, Jillian.
ReplyDeleteHi Vickie,
DeleteUnfortunately, there is still abuse in nursing homes. There are many good folks working in nursing homes too, but as a social worker and counselor I usually just hear about the bad stuff. Those people who look down on patients must have some big problems so they take it out verbally or physically on weaker people in need of care. Outrageous! That's another reason we have to keep a close eye on loved ones when they are in any type of hospital or rehab. center.
A dark part of history to be sure. I think with the internet mental illness awareness and understanding is improving. Advocates have a media they never had before.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you mentioned the word, advocates, Debbie. I forgot to mention something very important I wanted to put in the post. I highly recommend everyone visit NAMI.ORG http://www.nami.org/ This is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. All kinds of great information there and I see today theya art talking about Silver Linings Playbook. Great movie! ALL OF US CAN HELP. If you go to the link and then click on NAMI Store in the upper part of the left hand of the screen it will take you to the store. If you are going to order anything from Amazon, go through the portal there and it will help support NAMI. I think most of us here are reading books. :) The trick is remembering to do it when you order.
DeleteI have really wanted to see Silver Linings Playbook. Going to rent it tonight, you talked me into it! :) Thank you for this link, Jillian, and for the fascinating post. I feel it adds to what I posted on on the 20th, and hopefully gets people thinking about how far we've come, and how far we've yet to go.
DeleteHi Kathleen,
DeleteI think you'll like it. I loved it, but my hubby not so much, because we've lived a lot of that out in our own family. I love the use of humor in the movie. If you don't laugh about even some of the weirdest situations you're gonna cry. I remember visiting a psych unit and a little girl about ten crooked her finger at me to come close. Great counselor that I am went up to her and leaned near, she proceeded to stick her finger down my throat. Really, you have to laugh.
I read a very gripping book about ptsd...a soldier home from the war and just left to heal on his own. It is so sad what we expect them to do. truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Eliza. Our veterans don't get the support they need. God bless them!
DeleteHi Eliza,
DeleteI worked in the Veterans neuro-psychiatric center in Pittsburgh, Pa. when I was getting my graduae degree a long time ago. There is help out there for vets but I'm sure there's not enough.
I was talking to a friend here in Cincy who brings dogs into help our students with test anxiety and stress. He was saying that he still hasn't been able to get his pet therapy dogs into Veterans Hospital here. What a shame. I think the vets would respond well to having dogs in the hospital.
Here's some more information if anyone can recommend it to a vet. http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=Veterans_Resources
Since the days of the Bible, people have been suffering from mental illness and/or demon possession. Jesus certainly had compassion on such people, and healed them, and I have every confidence that He still can heal today. And we can surely learn from His example, and treatment of those who suffer in this way.
ReplyDeleteI can't fathom why watching people who suffered so horribly from the terrors in their minds would be considered entertainment. That is quite arrogant, for it could be any one of us in that position. And, actually, I'm quite sure many more people suffer from mental problems than want to admit it.
The last book I read that dealt with mental health was "Loving God With All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George. It's a wonderful book about how God's Word can help us to think in true and healthy ways.
Hi Bethany,
DeleteThe history of mental illness is horrible. There was so much that wasn't understood and I can't imagine anyone of good character and with any compassion using the mentally ill as entertainment, but they did.
I highly recommend supporting fellow agency mate, Amy Simpson, who just came out with a book called, Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church's Mission [Paperback]. She has a wonderful video out on youtube you should all watch.
I've never read that specific book by EG. I'll check it out. Thanks Bethany.
Thanks for discussing this disturbing piece of history. We need to better understand how the misconceptions and treatment of mental illness in the past inform our treatment of these illnesses today. Most mental illness is highly (though not necessarily perfectly) treatable and very common, yet we still treat it as a form of entertainment (haunted houses, anyone? sitcom jokes about "psychos"?) and keep people with diagnoses at the margins. There is hope, and we can do better! Here's that video about my book, which Jillian mentioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tVe83WywxY&feature=youtu.be
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Amy. I know your book will make a difference. And just in case any readers think all asylums in history were awful I'd refer you to the York Retreat where Quaker William Tuke made a huge difference and was a man befor his time.
ReplyDelete"The Retreat, commonly known as the York Retreat, is a place in England for the treatment of people with mental health needs. Located in Lamel Hill in York, it operates as a not for profit charitable organisation.
Opened in 1796, it is famous for having pioneered the humane treatment and moral treatment that became a model for asylums around the world. Founded by William Tuke, it was originally run by and for Quakers but gradually became open to everyone.[1] It inspired other progressive facilities such as the American Brattleboro Retreat, Hartford Retreat[2] and Friends Hospital.[3] The present day Retreat seeks to retain the essence of early moral treatment, while applying the principles to a modern healthcare setting.[1]
You can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_Retreat
So sad to think about how they were treated and misunderstood. Even though we have so much more knowledge today I still think they are misunderstood. I seriously cannot remember any specific book or movie lately regarding that - but that is just my faulty short term memory! (I can't remember what I was doing 5 minutes ago) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this bit of history.
Susan P
farmygirl at hotmail dot com
Hey Susan,
DeleteI understand the memory thing. Here's a couple movies: One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest, A Beautiful Mind, Shutter Island. Also, I've always wondered regarding the movie and book Rebecca, if Mrs. Danvers wasn't named that because of the Danvers Lunatic Aslyum in Mass. Did you all know that it was built on the site of the Salem Witch Trials?
And you're right Susan. People with mental illness of any kind are still misunderstood. We have such a long way to go but progess is being made. I think sometimes though the mental health system gets too caught up in diagnosis and not enough in treatment. Compassion goes a long way.
Yes, A Beautiful Mind! I did watch that and it's all coming back to me. See, I just needed help. lol Interesting tidbit of the Danvers Asylum; I might have read that before but (once again) cannot remember where. I feel a research coming on.
DeleteOH, what about Conspiracy Theory with Mel Gibson? I loved that one.
Yes, you have it right, the hearts of people, i.e. compassion, do go a long way!
I never saw Conspiracy Theory. I wonder how I missed that one?
DeleteI work as an occupational therapist in the public schools and see my share of mental health. I also experience through depressive disorder. It is a very difficult thing and difficult to help with a lot of the time. Even my depression isn't completely controlled. I can't imagine being locked up in an asylum for something I can't help. The last book I read, Chasing Christmas by Steven Hunt, and it talked about depression and gave it a personal and in depth light that I very much enjoyed reading about. It made me realize that other people know how I feel too.
ReplyDeleteKim LitlePokie@aol.com
Hi Kim,
DeleteI bet you see a lot of kids struggling with mental health issues in the schools. So many tough experiences in school today. It's hard to be a kid let alone and adult. Depression is so hard. I've been there too. It's soooooooooo important to take care of you. I looked up the book and it looks really good. I'd never heard of that one either.
I've never watch a movie or read a book concerning mental illness. My Grandfather was mentally ill. My Mother was the youngest of eleven children, so back then in a small town there was no where for them to go except to an asylum. In the older days you didn't talk about it and I believe it had a horrible effect on the children. I never knew my Grandmother or Grandfather only what I heard, but it was hard times. They had so many children and made very little money.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara,
DeleteI think that not talking about mental illness is such a mistake. And I know it was like a taboo to discuss mental illness and in some ways and in some families it still is. Thanks for sharing about your grandfather. I bet your mother had some stories to tell, good and bad, about being the youngest of eleven children. My father was the youngest of twelve and my hubby's mother was the youngest of sixteen. I can't imagine.
I don't recall any particular movie or book, but that does not mean I don't know it is out there. At this point in my life, I do not have anyone suffering in my family, at least that I know of. However, I know that is only by God's grace that we do not.
ReplyDeleteI majored in Psychology and also worked with developmentally disable adults, so I understand a little about mental illness. I pray that I can be sensitive to those around me that may be suffering.
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Betz,
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to think I'm really weird since so many are not thinking of books or movies related to mental illness. I guess I seek out those types of movies to evaluate them for myself, the good and the bad. Let's see, did you ever watch Monk on television? I'm so glad everyone in your family is doing well and I appreciate your comments.
Can't remember the last thing I read or saw re: mental illness, however - it has touched my family on both sides. My maternal grandmother had a sister who lived, & died, in a mental hospital, & one of my childhood memories was going with my mother to take my paternal grandmother for shock treatments. I have always been interested in how the mind works & am glad that advances have been made in the treatment of the mentally ill.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book giveaway!
bonnieroof60@yahoo.com
Hi Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI think it's beyond most of us to understand that someone would live and die in a mental institution. How very sad. However, in the reality of history I imagine that your maternal grandmother's sister was not alone in that situation. No one knew what to do. It's interesting to that shock treatments were once thought of as horrendous, but did you know that it's still being done, with more care and more science involved. I know one person in particular who seems to have done well with them but the idea still scares me. There also seems to be progress in deep brain stimulation not only for Parkinsons but for people with OCD. I'm not sure what else is being treated with DBS but it's fascinating and possible the answer for some people.
It IS sad to think of anyone living & dying in a mental institution - I remember visiting my grandmother's sister there (she was an older woman with the mind of a child) & it left a lasting impression, to say the least. But - you are right, there were others in the same situation & at that time, most people just didn't know how to handle people with mental handicaps.
ReplyDeleteYes - I DID read not too long ago that doctors had resumed the use of shock treatments, don't know much about them - but imagined they were being done in a more humane fashion without the previous social stigma.
More controlled and less frightening. Thank God! And best of all it really helps some people.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching Bates Motel. It's interesting to see how Norman Bates came to be the Psycho in Hitchcock's movie. I also watched the lifetime movie Call Me Crazy. It has several stories dealing with different forms of psychosis.
ReplyDeleteharnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com