The Influence of History and Culture on Mental Health

The prevailing beliefs and power structures at any point in time shape the way we view and treat mental illness. For Black Americans, these beliefs and power structures led to inferior treatment by white physicians and administrators, who viewed them as lazy and unable to handle freedom. This had a direct impact on psychiatric practice, resulting in segregation and forced labor for Black patients at hospitals like Crownsville. The history and culture surrounding mental health play a significant role in shaping treatment and services available to different communities.