From Bedlam to Bipolar: Changing Attitudes Towards Mental Health
Rachael Bailey-Gibson
- Regions:
- Essex, London
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Historian
- Fee:
- Paid: £50
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 25th March 2026
- Tagged:
- History Of Medicine
Madness is as old as time, and in just one hour, this talk will look at the different attitudes and approaches to mental health problems from antiquity (when the mad were thought to be possessed by evil spirits), to Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, to the present day. The history of ‘Bedlam’ and some notable ‘Bedlamites’, as well as the birth of the pauper lunatic asylum and the madness of King George III, will be considered. What we think we know about Victorian lunatic asylums will be questioned, with some truths and misconceptions that will amaze! The talk will conclude with the twentieth century, looking at ‘treatment’ such as electroconvulsive therapy and medications, along with notable psychiatrists such as Freud.
Views: 16 | Enquiries: 0About Rachael Bailey-Gibson
I was born in Brentwood, Essex, and have a lifelong interest in history, which began at an early age when my father took me to parish churches all over the county as he was a brass-rubbing enthusiast.
In 2023, I was awarded the prestigious Future 100 Centenary Scholarship by the University of Leicester, working within their globally renowned Victorian Studies Centre. My talks centre on Victorianism, specifically social and medical history —from lunatic asylums and workhouses to how Victorians celebrated Easter and Christmas, as well as death culture.
My talks last one hour but can be easily tailored to fit your schedule. I always use PowerPoint with lots of images. My talks can include entertaining quiz-style activities for participants to complete, as well as real case studies and links to more information about the different topics. There will also be time for a question-and-answer session at the end.
I have spoken at Universities, conferences, care homes, local history groups, and museums.
I can bring an overhead projector and laptop if required.
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