Verified by Psychology Today

A Short History of Mental Health

Looking backward to move forward

Montrose Harbor today
Psychiatry
The Sunny Side of the Asylum

Matthew Smith Ph.D. on September 5, 2024

One of the most important mental health reformers of the asylum era, this woman helped extend Enlightenment thinking to mental health, yet you've probably never heard of her.

One of the most important mental health reformers of the asylum era, this woman helped extend Enlightenment thinking to mental health, yet you've probably never heard of her.

Psychiatry
Asylum History From the Bottom Up

Matthew Smith Ph.D. on May 19, 2024

How to find the perspectives of patients in historical asylums? It's a little like looking for a needle in a haystack.

How to find the perspectives of patients in historical asylums? It's a little like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Diet
How a Corn-Based Diet Led to Mental Illness

Matthew Smith Ph.D. on January 29, 2024

How could corn cause mental illness? The history of the disease pellagra could help us better understand the link between diet and mental health.

How could corn cause mental illness? The history of the disease pellagra could help us better understand the link between diet and mental health.

Psychiatry
Hydrotherapy in a Prairie Asylum

Matthew Smith Ph.D. on July 14, 2023

Hydrotherapy was used in many asylums, including those in remote locations. But was this practice a form of treatment or punishment?

Hydrotherapy was used in many asylums, including those in remote locations. But was this practice a form of treatment or punishment?

ADHD
The Nervous Child

Matthew Smith Ph.D. on May 12, 2020

What kind of kids concerned child experts before ADHD? The opposite type of kid.

What kind of kids concerned child experts before ADHD? The opposite type of kid.