Mental Illness
The mental hospital reform transformed institutions which would lock up the mentally disturbed with criminals. New institutions were founded which attempted to treat the mentally ill in a healthy way. The poor treatment of the mentally ill was recognized, and individuals, and the government attempted to change conditions. The reform of mental hospitals made the country work towards improving itself in a positive way, that would benefit the country. Nationalism was a result.
People and Events:
People and Events:
- Dorthea Dix: Wanted to improve conditions for emotionally disturbed persons by improving mental institutions (insane asylums). By observing and reporting the
shocking and horrible conditions, she caused state legislatures to build new mental hospitals or improve institutions. Mental patients now began to receive professional treatment at state expense. About two dozen new mental hospitals were built. - 1832: The Tennessee General Assembly asylum was established, allowing patients beginning in 1840. The goal of this asylum was to remove the mentally ill from harmful surroundings and place them in a healthy environment where they could develop healthy habits.