Caitlyn D.
Oshawa, Ontario
Durham Regional Fair
The Dark History of Mental Asylums
In the 18th and 19th century the mentally ill were treated with no respect and were tortured beyond belief. The purpose of my project is to get the word out about how they were treated, so that we can be the voice for those that don't always have one
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
The most interesting things ive learned from my project was that back in 18th and 19th century, there was really no research or funding put into mental health. This led to unsanitary residence and brutal/inhumane treatment.
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
Important lessons I have learned from my project were that we need to be the voice for those that don't have one. Also, that one person (with will power and strength) can change the course of the future for many.
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
Its very hard to put myself in the shoes of mental asylum patients in the 18th and 19th century because I have, thankfully, never had to experience anything near the trauma they were put through. However, now we have more individualized care for each different mental health disorder and with this comes more funding, respect and knowledge of mental health. Also, now we have more advocates for people with disorders to ensure they are heard and in good conditions.