History of Mental Health
While mental health has always existed, its meaning and treatment has evolved over the years.
Image by University of Central Florida
References to mental health have been observed throughout history, however, its notion has not always been acknowledged. Oftentimes, due to lack of understanding of what mental health is, those with mental health disorders and illnesses were often isolated or even imprisoned, further deteriorating their mental health. In current society, there are many more resources and treatments available for mental health. However, it is undeniable that in order to truly understand the significance of mental health in daily life, it is critical to acknowledge its history and work towards a better future.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, issues regarding mental health (though the term had not yet been created) were thought to be due to demonic possession. This is due to the fact that during this time, religion was a critical aspect of the daily lives of European citizens, and thus, unusual behavior was believed to be due to supernatural reasons, that being, demonic possession, or even at times, witchcraft.
Dorthea Dix was integral to the mental health movement. In 1837, she moved to the United States and began working within prisons. Upon seeing the treatment of prisoners, particularly those with mental health, she chose to devote her life to aiding the mentally ill. In the prisons, she observed those with mental illnesses being called “lunatics” and being dehumanized. She sought to change this by lobbying for better treatment of prisoners and proper care to those who had mental illness (Nursing 2023). From such efforts, the treatment of those with mental health began to change for the better.
In 1843, William Sweetzer, was the first to coin the term “mental hygiene” by publishing a book with the title Mental Hygiene, through which he (Johns Hopkins University). This book would help to bring awareness regarding what mental health entails
The founder of the American Psychiatric Association, Isaac Ray, would officially define the term “mental hygiene” stating that it is “the art of preserving the mind against all incidents and influences calculated to deteriorate its qualities, impair its energies, or derange its movements. The management of the bodily powers in regard to exercise, rest, food, clothing and climate, the laws of breeding, the government of the passions, the sympathy with current emotions and opinions, the discipline of the intellect—all these come within the province of mental hygiene” (Johns Hopkins University). Such a definition encompassed both the mental and bodily aspects of mental health.
Modern mental health treatment began to emerge around the 20th century, with Clifford Beers as one of the major players. Clifford Beers founded the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene as well as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, which effectively advocated for mental health and treatment for those with mental health illness across the United States. Prior to these organizations, however, Beers published A mind that found itself in 1908, and this autobiography followed his own struggle with “insanity” (psychosis) and his own experiences within mental health hospitals, where he was dehumanized (Parry).
With the mental hygiene movement gaining more traction due to the efforts of Beers, efforts to have legislation to provide for citizens’ mental health needs increased. Then, in 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act as part of his New Frontier. The act would provide funding for mental health centers and research facilities devoted to the treatment of mental retardation (JFK Library).
In 2008, the Mental Health Parity Act would require health insurers to provide benefits for those with mental health or substance abuse disorders to the same degree that they do to physical health instances (US Department of Health and Human Services). This would allow greater access to mental health services so that those with mental health disorders can receive the treatment that they require.
Now, within 2023, abundant mental health resources are available, and the subject of mental health is even being taught in schools. It is due to the prior efforts of mental health advocates that we are able to have access to the resources we have today. However, it is essential to still advocate that mental health is made a priority in order to achieve a better quality of life for the general welfare of those across the globe.