07.06.08
Bedlam
I’ve long had this vague understanding that the origins of the word bedlam came from a psychiatric hospital in the English speaking world named Bedlam. Past that, I hadn’t any idea what it meant or where it was, so I dug into it a little bit. (The reasons for this digging are vague and have to do with a reference made in a very silly fiction book I’m reading at the moment.)
Bedlam is the nickname of the Bethlem Royal Hospital which was built in London. Its current location is in Beckenham, UK. Knowing this, it’s easy to see how the name Bedlam came about. Here you can read a bit more of the hospital’s history.
Best of all, the reason for this teaching site is this:
The prejudice surrounding mental illness and the stigma attached to those who suffer from it remains considerable. We hope that this resource will help to challenge assumptions and prejudices, encouraging students to become more informed citizens.