Mental Illness

Today, we are aware of how gravely incorrect it is to treat any mental condition with a lobotomy. Yet in terms of old-fashioned misconceptions about mental illness, that was merely the tip of the iceberg. And even if we still don't fully comprehend the human brain and how it functions, we generally know not to attribute bad spirits. Although that isn't the case for everyone in the current world, the majority of mental health specialists no longer attribute schizophrenia to the devil. Regrettably, this was not the case for the most of human history.

The ancient Persians had the view that mental disease was caused by evil spirits and could be avoided by thinking positive thoughts. The Hebrews of antiquity believed it to be divine anger. Mesopotamians believed that a ritualistic exorcism might cure demonic possession. Many of the women who were condemned as witches in the 17th century may have earned the reputation via the display of any conduct deemed abnormal, which would have included mental illness. Some people in ancient India thought mental illness was a sign of sins committed in previous life.

Although if some ancient societies had somewhat progressive attitudes on mental illness, or at the very least were starting to realize that it wasn't of a demonic origin, treating them remained challenging. Egyptians made an effort to distract the mentally ill with creative activities like dancing and painting in an effort to lessen their suffering. That might not have provided any relief, but it was unquestionably preferable to brain surgery. At least in terms of its concepts, brain damage, genetic abnormalities, and other causes of mental illness are now understood. But the journey has been a long and arduous one.