Ten Years and Ten Months in Lunatic Asylums in Different States

About this book

In an era marked by burgeoning awareness of mental health, "Ten Years and Ten Months in Lunatic Asylums in Different States" by Moses Swan provides a poignant exploration of the conditions within these institutions. Swan’s firsthand account reveals the stark realities of confinement, emphasizing the struggle for dignity amidst dehumanizing practices and the quest for “unalienable rights” that extend even to the mentally ill. This compelling narrative serves as a crucial document for students, civic activists, and historians alike, shedding light on the societal attitudes towards mental health during a transformative period in American history. With its vivid descriptions and critical insights, this work challenges readers to reconsider the implications of institutionalization and the human spirit's resilience.