Throughout history, cultures have viewed mental illness with a variety of confusion. Ancient writings categorized mental illness as a religious or personal problem. In the 5th century B.C., Hippocrates pioneered treating mentally ill people with techniques not rooted in religion or superstition by focusing on changing their environment or administering certain medications. During the Middle Ages, the mentally ill were believed to be possessed or in need of religion. Into the 18th century in the United States, negative attitudes towards mental illness persisted, leading to stigmatization of mental illness, and often degrading confinement of mentally ill individuals. This adventure lab explores the early history of America’s first public mental health facility, established in 1773 in Williamsburg, VA. The "Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds” provided treatment during some of the most turbulent times including both the Revolutionary War and the War Between the States.
Use your phone's native QR code scanner to open this Adventure in the Adventure Lab® mobile app. Learn more.
