For the beginning of my research I chose to read Mad in America by Robert Whitaker. The book gives a detailed history of the ups and downs of mental health treatment through the history of the United States, beginning in 1750 and traveling into the present day. One aspect of this book that I found very helpful to my research process was that Whitaker did not just discuss the treatments for mental illness in America, he also discussed the roots of those treatments. One of the major roots of change in the care of the mentally ill that this book talks about, is the constant fluctuation in our society between a highly scientific, and a highly behavioral approach to treating insanity. During the beginnings of psychology, insanity was first considered to be either purely medical, or purely behavioral, those two perspectives have battled each other for most of the history of psychology. Currently, we are treating psychology with more of a balanced perspective, that is, recognizing that both environment and biology affect mental health. However, in American society today, patients are often medicated hastily and without consideration to a more wholistic picture of their illness.
Reading Mad in America helped me to understand how much society's interpretation of religion changes our views on caring for mental illness, and how as a society we have separated mind, body, and spirit to such a degree that wholistic treatment is not often achieved. I am hoping from here to explore different religions that do have a more wholistic way of viewing the mind, body, and spirit, and comparing their treatment of insanity to ours.
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple books in the past about mental illness in America, but never one that took a look at the origins of mental illness treatments. Now that I think about some of the therapy methods used, the connection between religion and these methods makes sense. What religions are you specifically going to focus on with your research? I might recommend taking a look at one of the more influential religions and driving headfirst into that religion's influence. I'm of the opinion that focusing in on a single topic is better than taking a broader approach to a topic. Really hope to read your paper when you finish it!
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteIn the past I have read and experienced a snapshot of mental illness and its snapshot. As a person who can't stand taking medication I have wondered why we as a culture are so quick to medicate. What you stated about our approach to treatment as being a result of believing in a separate mind body and soul is something I have never thought of but makes sense. I have never understood the way we treat mental illness with meds and am extremely interested to learn what you discover as you look at other culture's treatment. Alex might be able to help as she is studying Hinduism which has a much more wholistic idea. Also I would suggest possibly looking at the use of treatment facilities that emphasize the importance of separating a patient from his/her family and friends as a part of treatment and how that affects not only the treatment process but also the aftermath and reintroduction to their former lives.