Mental health in 1917, particularly amongst soldiers, was a grim picture: Shell Shock: World War I saw a massive rise in mental breakdowns among soldiers, often referred to as "shell shock." This condition, now recognized as PTSD, caused symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, tremors, and unexplained physical issues. Lack of Understanding: Medical professionals of the time often attributed shell shock to physical causes rather than psychological ones. This led to ineffective treatments like electroconvulsive therapy and physical conditioning, often worsening the soldiers' condition. Stigma and Shame: There was immense stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially in the military context. Soldiers suffering from shell shock were often seen as weak or cowardly, further hindering them from seeking help. Limited Treatment Options: Treatments were primitive compared to today. Rest, observation, and talking therapies were available, but the understanding of mental health was far from advanced. Here are some key points to remember: Unprecedented Scale: The sheer scale of the war's horrors led to a mental health crisis among soldiers, unlike anything previously experienced. Misdiagnosis and Ineffective Treatments: The lack of understanding of PTSD led to misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, causing further suffering. Stigma and Shame: The societal stigma surrounding mental health prevented many soldiers from seeking help. While 1917 marked a turning point in recognizing the psychological impact of war, effective treatment and societal acceptance of mental health struggles were still far off. source: Gemini AI music production: Ableton foto subject: Saint Kyriaki location: Detroit Selfie Museum AI filter on the Prequel app day 1 - mental health awareness month 2024