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In 1692, the town of Salem, Massachusetts was overwhelmed from one of the most infamous cases of mass hysteria in recorded history. Pinpointing the exact cause, leading to such a bewildering effect, is a task that historians still debate. A family feud, a beggar woman, pirates, and an unsanctioned government, seem to have set the stage, in what would become an out of control, game of nuts. The first domino fell when four young girls became violently ill. Rather than investigating the nature of the outbreak, or questioning a possible ruse (one of the sick girls was a part of the family, feuding with the family of one of the accused). Three women were arrested, and charged with witchcraft.
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from Sacramento
Mozzy with Perk Callin
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Is Mental Illness Catchable?
written & edited by Kendall F. Person
TIME reports: “Researchers from John Hopkins & Stanley Medical Research Institute, investigate a possible link between parasites in cats and mental illness [in us].” A contagious offense, if verified by science. Medical Daily – a conservative news site – however, screams hogwash “The idea that mental illness can be carried from one person to another is almost absolutely false.”
Almost
During the 17th century, belief in the supernatural was not uncommon, making the initial accusation, understandable when put into context. When word of the arrest spread, however, the opposite transpired, of what a reasonable community could anticipate. So real had this nonsensical gossip become, that the townsfolk of Salem not only believed the jailed women were witches – but were certain – their friends, families and neighbors… were all witches too.
Paranoia of a single individual – stoked by fear and anxiety – can ricochet around the room. If the paranoid speaks loud enough or through a megaphone, than paranoia may erupt into mass hysteria. If left unchecked by voices of reason and help, mass hysteria can grow until epidemic, manifesting into a land of nuts.
Is mental illness contagious? The jury deliberates. But catchable… a verdict has been reached.
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First, examine the definition of “mental illness”.
In most cases since the commercialization and capitalization of, quote, mental illness…. it is, to say the least, a social construct; more often to do with social conformity than disease that causes harm. Since none of us know exactly what system of behavior or politics is proper, and since many of us are always trying to spread our own particular cultures and ways of life – with much of “mental illness” little more than modern, high-class name-calling (let’s be real!) – we can say that mental illness (as such – though I disagree with the very premise as used here) – IS not only contagious but exists for the very purpose of being a contagion, if you will. 🙂 Hope you had a good laugh at that one, sincerely, me
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Very interesting. A contagion. Wow. Thank you for adding your voice to this forum
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Under certain conditions groups of people are vulnerable to episodes
of mass psychosis.
This ‘contagious’ form of mental illness requires specific psychic toxins.
Evil men introduce those toxins into a healthy civil order, intentionally.
People forget about the dark side of human nature when times are good.
We forget about the human capacity and tolerance for evil.
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Mental illness is not contagious; it cannot be caught, but hysteria is contagious and mass hysteria is a dangerous ailment in any community.
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I did not catch my mental illness from being in close proximity to other people with mental illness. I was born with Autism Spectrum Disorder. No-one is going to catch it from me…
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Interesting post, and indeed I also wish those that suffer from mental illnesses get peace. I think the important thing is how and what one would define as a mental illness. Humans have ‘herd mentality’ and hysteria for example can be very catching, something that is seen sometimes these days when big issues arise world wide, for example when the referendum for gay marriage was happening in Ireland, people went frantic, friends and families fell out over the for or against of it. Social media and face to face people were afraid to say if they were against this because of the strong reactions of others.
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Granted paranoia, unfounded fear, sheer ignorance and rage can engender mass hysteria and personal agenda against another is often behind biased action but only clinical and medical examinations can diagnose genuine mental illness. And in the case of real mental illness, I very much doubt it can be contagious. Inherited, possibly so, as case studies go, but I respectfully beg to differ.
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Very interesting, I hope all those suffering with the illness will get better. Would love your thoughts on our new short called Eaten an Eskimo, please come on by and share your thoughts
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Interesting post. By virtue of the fact that we are all in such close proximity to each other it is understandable when we take on traits belonging to another. It is the nature of the beast that we mimic each other. Well done. An important topic.
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quiall – thanks for chiming in and – by the way – nice new photo (big smile)
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Totally thought you were going some place else with this post. Sometimes a spouse can take on the personality of a dominant spouse. Therefore, (I believe) one spouse can take on the crazy of another.
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Different routes, but I think we arrived at the same location (big smile). Thank you for adding your voice and a chipping in another example of catchable crazy.
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