Shackles and Chains: Some Concluding Thoughts

Many of the themes running through this book have parallels today, associated with stigma, austerity, deaths from preventable causes, and under-provision of services from which mentally unwell people could benefit. Metaphorical shackles and chains link then and now. At the beginning of the war, speculation and hope that victory would be within easy reach informed asylum planning. Decisions justifiable on that basis, but without compensatory adjustments later in the war, created harsher asylum regimes. Public support and special provision for mentally disturbed soldiers was heartening, but it highlighted the undignified standards of care provided for mentally disturbed civilians. Despite the problems in the asylums, there were also many dedicated and kind staff. Kindness was assumed so it was not noteworthy: it usually only came to light incidental to some other matter.