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Asylum: The Battle for Mental Healthcare in India
New insights into the human mind have radically altered the way mental illness is understood. And modern science now offers accepted methods of diagnosis and effective means of treatment. In some parts of the world, healthcare has thus been reformed; the state provides the mentally ill with the same rights as other citizens, and society enables them to live a life of dignity, respect, and meaning. Elsewhere, the gains have been sparse and slow.
The reform of mental healthcare in India began in the early 20th century, during British rule. What prompted this move? Which new ideas took root then? Who were the people that pushed for change? How did political events affect the pace of progress? When did international opinion begin to matter? What did all of this mean for the treatment and care of the mentally ill? And why do four out of five mentally ill persons go untreated even today?
Daman Singh looked for answers to these questions in archival records, official reports, parliamentary debates, court proceedings, academic journals, and news articles. The result is this intriguing account of a little-known battle spanning a century and more.
The reform of mental healthcare in India began in the early 20th century, during British rule. What prompted this move? Which new ideas took root then? Who were the people that pushed for change? How did political events affect the pace of progress? When did international opinion begin to matter? What did all of this mean for the treatment and care of the mentally ill? And why do four out of five mentally ill persons go untreated even today?
Daman Singh looked for answers to these questions in archival records, official reports, parliamentary debates, court proceedings, academic journals, and news articles. The result is this intriguing account of a little-known battle spanning a century and more.
- GenresMental Health
174 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
About the author
Daman Singh
10 books14 followersDaman Singh is an Indian writer and daughter of Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 24, 2022
Asylum by Daman Singh is a book you would expected to have already exist but it didn't, not till 18th October, 2021.
Did you know, mental health and illness, a topic that is gaining insight these days, already has its reform begun during the early 20th century? New information, isn't it? Why did you think it happened? Who were the people who lead this reform? How did the British rule impact it?
Daman Singh has compiled archival records, official reports, parliamentary debates, court proceedings, academic journals, and news articles in an order to attempt to answer these questions. She has created a time series that provides insights into the battle for mental healthcare through the years. It is shocking, it is sad, it is to read about what went down during those times and probably today too upto an extent. Written in a sequential manner, the book provides to be a really interesting one.
This wonderful piece of work is evidence based and can be surely used for reference as well as to gain insight on the topic.
Did you know, mental health and illness, a topic that is gaining insight these days, already has its reform begun during the early 20th century? New information, isn't it? Why did you think it happened? Who were the people who lead this reform? How did the British rule impact it?
Daman Singh has compiled archival records, official reports, parliamentary debates, court proceedings, academic journals, and news articles in an order to attempt to answer these questions. She has created a time series that provides insights into the battle for mental healthcare through the years. It is shocking, it is sad, it is to read about what went down during those times and probably today too upto an extent. Written in a sequential manner, the book provides to be a really interesting one.
This wonderful piece of work is evidence based and can be surely used for reference as well as to gain insight on the topic.
April 2, 2022
The book is unique as it deals with a complicated subject, yet makes it accessible as well as interesting. That is especially due to the author's ability to bring to life the stories of people. It brings to light the fact that those with mental health difficulties are "actual people", not mere statistics as we see in academic writings. While the author brings out horrific stories of abuse and neglect, she tempers it with some elements of humour and interesting anecdotes. That makes the book a very interesting read. I believe this book is a must-read for mental health professionals as well as for lawyers who wish to understand the evolution of the legal framework on mental health in India.
September 1, 2022
Promoting mental health is one thing but delving into the history of the mental health reforms is a necessity. EVERYTHING has history and so does these reforms.
Asylum, is one of a kind book full of stats and insights into the evolution of mental health issues, institutions and much more.
A must-read!
Asylum, is one of a kind book full of stats and insights into the evolution of mental health issues, institutions and much more.
A must-read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews