History of Mental Health

During the colonial period, through the eighteenth century, neither pauperism nor insanity was a critical problem in society. The mentally ill were considered to be one of several classes of dependent citizens. The colonies accepted the English principle that it was the responsibility of local communities to care for their own and subsequently to the church and local government. Since colonial society was predominately rural, deviant behavior was largely tolerated. In sparsely settled areas, persons who broke social rules could easily keep to themselves. Wealthier families kept their…