It's important to clarify that the term "crazy people" is outdated and considered stigmatizing. The appropriate and respectful way to refer to individuals with mental health challenges is "people with mental health conditions" or "people with mental illnesses."
Historically, mental health facilities, including those depicted with white rooms and bright lighting, were used for psychiatric patients. These environments were associated with psychiatric hospitals or asylums in the past. The reasons behind these design choices were influenced by different factors:
Sterile Environment: The white walls and bright lighting were chosen to create a sterile and clinical environment. This was thought to be conducive to cleanliness and hygiene in an era when understanding of infection control was limited.
Visibility and Surveillance: The bright lighting allowed staff to have clear visibility of patients and their actions. In old psychiatric facilities, it was believed that close monitoring and observation were necessary to ensure safety and prevent any harm to patients or staff.
Historical Perspectives: In the past, there was a lack of understanding and knowledge about mental health conditions. As a result, individuals with mental illnesses were often stigmatized, misunderstood, and treated in inhumane ways. The design of psychiatric facilities reflected these misconceptions and societal attitudes at the time.
Simplistic Approach: The environment with white walls and bright lighting was part of a broader approach to treat mental illnesses that may have focused more on containment and control rather than on therapeutic interventions.
It's essential to recognize that mental health treatment has evolved significantly over the years. Today, there is a greater emphasis on person-centered care, where individuals are treated with dignity and respect, and therapeutic environments aim to promote healing and recovery. Modern mental health facilities prioritize creating comfortable, calming, and therapeutic spaces to support patients' well-being and recovery.
In contemporary mental health care, the focus is on providing evidence-based treatments, supporting patients' autonomy, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Design elements are chosen to foster a sense of safety, comfort, and privacy, rather than employing historical stereotypes and misconceptions about mental health.