The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic
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Book Overview
The acclaimed portrait of institutionalized patients whose abandoned possessions recall their forgotten lives
"A deeply moving testament to the human side of mental illness." -Oliver Sacks
When Willard State Hospital closed its doors in 1995, after operating as one of New York State's largest mental institutions for over 120 years, a forgotten attic filled with suitcases belonging to former patients was discovered. Using the possessions found in these suitcases along with institutional records and doctors' notes from patient sessions, Darby Penney, a leading advocate of patients' rights, and Peter Stastny, a psychiatrist and documentary filmmaker, were able to reconstruct the lives of ten patients who resided at Willard during the first half of the twentieth century.
The Lives They Left Behind tells their story. In addition to these human portraits, the book contains over 100 photographs as well as valuable historical background on how this state-funded institution operated. As it restores the humanity of the individuals it so poignantly evokes, The Lives They Left Behind reveals the vast historical inadequacies of a psychiatric system that has yet to heal itself.
Related Subjects
Biographical Biographies Biographies & History Biography & History Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting Medical Mental Health Mental Illness Mid Atlantic Parenting & Relationships Professionals & Academics Psychology Psychology & Counseling Regional U.S. Special Needs Specific GroupsCustomer Reviews
Excellent read if you are interested in the history of mental illness!
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