Posted on Jun 19, 2021
'Where Madness Lies' Traces Family History Of Mental Illness From Nazi Germany To Massachusetts
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In 1984, author Sylvia True admitted herself to the McLean Hospital in Belmont to be treated for depression. When doctors asked her if there was a history of mental illness in her family, she told them what she thought was the truth: No.
Over the course of her treatment, True learned that was not the case.
In 1926, in pre-war Germany, her great-aunt, Rigmor Blumenthal, was struck by fits of mania and unrelenting depression. Her condition got worse in her 20s. By that time, the Nazi Party had risen to power in Germany and it was intent on systematically doing away with people who were physically or mentally ill, or were deemed undesirable.
Blumenthal was not only mentally ill; she was Jewish. She was forcibly sterilized and died following the procedure.
Over the course of her treatment, True learned that was not the case.
In 1926, in pre-war Germany, her great-aunt, Rigmor Blumenthal, was struck by fits of mania and unrelenting depression. Her condition got worse in her 20s. By that time, the Nazi Party had risen to power in Germany and it was intent on systematically doing away with people who were physically or mentally ill, or were deemed undesirable.
Blumenthal was not only mentally ill; she was Jewish. She was forcibly sterilized and died following the procedure.
'Where Madness Lies' Traces Family History Of Mental Illness From Nazi Germany To Massachusetts
Posted from wbur.org
Mental Health
Depression
Germany
WWII World War Two
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 2
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
On how knowing the history of mental illness would have changed her life.
I think my trajectory would have been very different. I look at my daughters ... I raised both of my daughters with an openness and an acceptance for this. And they both have struggled with some depression and anxiety, but it wasn't a big deal for them, we took care of it, and that was fine ... It's very important that they know there shouldn't be a stigma around this.
On how knowing the history of mental illness would have changed her life.
I think my trajectory would have been very different. I look at my daughters ... I raised both of my daughters with an openness and an acceptance for this. And they both have struggled with some depression and anxiety, but it wasn't a big deal for them, we took care of it, and that was fine ... It's very important that they know there shouldn't be a stigma around this.
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