The Evolution of Trauma: From Nostalgia to Shell Shock

This chapter explores the historical emergence of trauma as a medical diagnosis from the Enlightenment to World War I, focusing on key figures like Johannes Hofer and Charles Dickens. It examines the societal implications of nostalgia, the treatment of enslaved individuals, and the controversial practices surrounding mental health during and after industrial accidents. Highlighting the shift in understanding trauma from Freud's theories to the recognition of shell shock in WWI, the chapter underscores the harsh realities of mental health treatment in military contexts.