What Happened to Mentally Insane People During The Old Wild West...

The Oregon State Hospital, established in the 1860s, was a pioneering institution for mental health care in the Wild West, embracing 'moral treatment' principles of a peaceful environment and daily routines. Despite facing challenges and doubts about its effectiveness, the hospital maintained a positive reputation and served as a model for other Western states, showcasing the possibility of compassionate mental health care amidst the frontier's harsh realities.

Early Beliefs on Mental Illness

• 00:01:37 In the early 1800s, mental illness was attributed to breaking societal rules and 'exciting causes' like excessive alcohol, religious zeal, and self-pleasure. Doctors believed city and repetitive work harmed the brain, causing tiny injuries requiring treatment, despite lacking evidence. This perspective was prevalent in Oregon, emphasizing the brain's fragility and the need for a return to a balanced life.

Moral Treatment & Hospital Establishment

• 00:03:38 Influenced by John Locke's philosophy, doctors adopted 'moral treatment' in the 1820s, creating treatment facilities resembling natural settings to facilitate healing. Oregon's first insane asylum, established in 1861, followed this model, emphasizing a caring environment and peaceful surroundings. The location in the Western frontier offered a tranquil setting for patients to recover through exercise, good food, and cleanliness.

Hospital Challenges and Evolution

• 00:05:29 While initially successful, 'moral treatment' faced challenges as hospitals became overcrowded with immigrants, hindering individual attention and peaceful environments. This led to a decline in patient recovery and government investigations. The focus shifted to basic caretaking within a welfare system, deviating from its initial treatment-oriented purpose.

Dr. Hawthorne's Role and Leadership

• 00:11:01 Dr. James C. Hawthorne, a trusted and caring physician, played a crucial role in Oregon's mental health care. He advocated for 'moral therapy' and implemented it at the Oregon insane hospital, ensuring clean conditions, comfortable rooms, and outdoor spaces for patient well-being. He believed in early intervention and emphasized the importance of regular routines for patient recovery.

Hospital's Success and Legacy

• 00:17:00 The Oregon State Hospital's success stemmed from its adherence to moral treatment principles, garnering support from the community and government. It was praised for its orderly environment and positive patient outcomes, even amidst the frontier's volatility. The hospital's reputation as one of the best in the West highlights the commitment to mental health care in early Oregon.