This complemented the 'Abnormal Psychology' module that they studied. The museum “records the lives and experiences and celebrates the achievements of people with mental health problems.”  It stands on the former site of Bethlem Royal Hospital but today a treatment centre for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be found next to the museum.

The visit consisted of learning about the facility's rich history in the treatment and recovery of people with mental health conditions, including the ways in which attitudes regarding mental health have changed and developed over time. The students took the time to analyse a theoretical case study representing the real issue of assessing the risk that patients pose to themselves or others when they leave the treatment centre. The concept of sectioning under the Mental Health Act, which was introduced, relayed realistic issues healthcare professionals face surrounding patient autonomy and choice.

Having considered this dilemma, the students were given the opportunity to view the different exhibitions that were on display at the museum, consisting of a range of artifacts from paintings to straightjackets.

Additionally, some exhibitions had interactive elements including writing descriptions, thoughts and feelings pertaining to the artworks that were on display. 

Lydia, Year 13 

Student Reflections:

“I chose this image, a textiles-based artwork called ‘Night Tides’ by Kate Mc Donnell, because it immediately caught my attention when I arrived at the museum. It represents the feelings of restlessness and overwhelming thoughts at night often experienced by people suffering from mental health conditions. It interested me as it was bold and automatically made me think of nightmares and fear of loneliness at night, making me wonder how the patients of Bethlem felt at different points in its history.”

“The Bethlem Museum of the Mind provided a unique experience. Its rich history was interesting as it put into perspective how differently people interpreted mental illness in the past and makes you think about the potential misconceptions still present today that could be harming patients."

“This visit to Bethlem Museum of the Mind has been an eye-opening experience in understanding the development of abnormal therapies for mental disorders. Limited treatments were available at this time, and patients were potentially alienated from their environment with a lack of understanding about their disorder.”