Overview

Modern society is often said to be facing a 'mental health crisis'. And mental healthcare systems around the world seem to constantly struggle to effectively support those most in need. What can Australia's early colonial history offer in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our times? Madness Then and Now explores just that-resurrecting the long-neglected history of Australia's second lunatic asylum, Liverpool Lunatic Asylum (1826-1839). Raeburn and Chang bring back to life the untold stories of those who established, worked, lived in, and influenced the Asylum and the surrounding social, political, religious, and biomedical context of the time. What emerges from this dive into the formation and functioning of Liverpool Lunatic Asylum is greater clarity on how Australia's foundations-filled with colonial violence, convict origins, religious influence, military governance, and emerging nineteenth century psychiatric science-echoes in our modern mental healthcare system. In offering perspective from a historical vantage point, Madness Then and Now, prompts us to pause and reflect on the historical foundations of our modern mental healthcare system posing new questions about how mental health services might be improved moving forward.

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9781764115612

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