Book Review: 'The Sleep Room' is the harrowing story of psychiatric care in the 1960s
In 'The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him,' Jon Stock tells the harrowing history of the British doctor who subjected them to medical abuse and gives voice to those who survived him.
With interwoven firsthand testimony from surviving patients and rigorous research, Stock provides a haunting account of what the psychiatrist did to his patients without their knowledge.
Throughout the book Stock also works to hold the medical establishment accountable for the neglect that occurred, but at times can simplify the complexities of psychiatric care during the '60s that most likely led to the abuse endured by many patients.
While the switching between patient stories, history and research can create some confusion for the reader, the patient testimonies allows Stock to deliver an emotionally powerful narrative that is equally as disturbing.
Written with nuance and tact, the 'The Sleep Room' is a chilling exposé into psychiatric care that will resonate deeply readers and, especially, true crime fans.
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14 Things Boomers Say About Mental Health That Are Quietly Damaging
When it comes to mental health, there's a noticeable divide between generations. While millennials and Gen Z are more open and proactive about discussing mental health, boomers often come with a set of outdated phrases that can unintentionally do more harm than good. Maybe you've heard one or two of these before from a well-meaning family member, or perhaps you've said them yourself. Either way, it's important to recognize the impact these statements can have. Here are 14 common things boomers say about mental health that don't quite hit the mark and why we should think twice before repeating them. 1. "It's All In Your Head." This phrase is often used to dismiss feelings or mental health struggles as imaginary or insignificant. While mental health is indeed in your head, in the sense that it's related to brain function, that doesn't make it any less real or important. The brain is a complex organ, and mental health issues can be as debilitating as physical ailments. According to research published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, mental health disorders can have physical manifestations, affecting the body in various ways. By saying "it's all in your head," the person inadvertently minimizes the real challenges of living with mental illness. Hearing this can make someone feel like their struggles are being trivialized or not taken seriously. It implicitly suggests that if the problem is "just in your head," you should be able to simply think your way out of it, which isn't how mental health works. This can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when someone can't just "snap out of it." Encouraging people to seek help rather than dismissing their feelings is far more productive. Acknowledging mental health as a valid concern is crucial for healing and understanding. 2. "Just Toughen Up." The idea of "toughening up" stems from a time when emotions were often seen as a weakness to be conquered. However, this mindset can be severely damaging. It implies that experiencing emotions or mental health challenges is a failure of character rather than a natural part of being human. This phrase can discourage people from acknowledging their feelings and seeking help. It suggests that resilience means hiding your struggles instead of facing and managing them. For someone dealing with mental health issues, hearing "just toughen up" can feel like a slap in the face. It dismisses the courage it takes to confront mental health challenges. Everyone has different coping mechanisms and resilience levels, and telling someone to just toughen up ignores these individual differences. It can make someone feel alone, as if their struggles are a sign of weakness that they must hide. Instead, fostering an environment where vulnerability is seen as a strength can encourage people to seek the help they need. 3. "Back In My Day, We Didn't Have Anxiety." Boomers often reminisce about "simpler times," but this statement overlooks the fact that mental health issues have always existed. The difference now is that we're better at recognizing and diagnosing these issues. Studies have shown that anxiety and depression rates have been consistent throughout history but were often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Just because mental health wasn't discussed as openly doesn't mean it wasn't there. Dismissing current mental health issues by romanticizing the past doesn't help anyone. Saying "back in my day, we didn't have anxiety" ignores the progress society has made in understanding mental health. It can make those struggling feel like their issues are a modern invention or trend rather than genuine health concerns. This mindset can lead to a reluctance to accept mental health as a serious issue that warrants attention and treatment. Opening up the conversation about how mental health might have been handled in the past versus now can create understanding across generations. Recognizing the progress in mental health awareness is vital for continued growth and acceptance. 4. "You Just Need To Get Out More." On the surface, suggesting someone get out more might seem like helpful advice, but it's often not that simple. While exercise and fresh air can be beneficial, they aren't cures for mental health disorders. Assuming that going outside will solve someone's mental health issues oversimplifies the complexities of these conditions. It also places the burden on the individual to "fix" themselves through sheer willpower. This can make someone feel like they're not trying hard enough if they don't see improvement. For someone experiencing mental health challenges, hearing "you just need to get out more" can come off as dismissive. It ignores the internal battles they might be facing, which can't be alleviated by a simple walk in the park. Mental health care often requires a multifaceted approach, including therapy, medication, or other treatments. While lifestyle changes can support mental health, they shouldn't be presented as the sole solution. Encouraging professional help and ongoing support is a more productive approach. 5. "You're Just Being Dramatic." Labeling someone as dramatic when they express mental health concerns dismisses their feelings. It suggests that their emotions are exaggerated or not genuine, which can be incredibly harmful. This mindset can lead to a person feeling invalidated, heightening feelings of isolation and shame. According to psychologist Dr. Susan David, emotions are data, not directives, meaning they provide information about our experiences and shouldn't be dismissed as mere drama. Recognizing emotions as valid responses to life events is crucial for mental well-being. Hearing "you're just being dramatic" can make someone question their perceptions and emotions. It can lead them to internalize the belief that their feelings aren't important or worthy of attention. This can discourage them from seeking help or talking about their experiences, which is the opposite of what they need. Creating a safe space where emotions can be expressed without judgment is essential for mental health support. Validating experiences rather than labeling them as dramatic fosters better understanding and healing. 6. "Snap Out Of It." The phrase "snap out of it" suggests that mental health issues are a choice or a temporary mood that can be easily shaken off. This is far from the truth; mental health conditions are complex and often require professional intervention. Telling someone to snap out of it minimizes the real struggle they face daily. It implies that they're choosing to feel this way and can just as easily choose not to. This perspective is not only unhelpful but can be damaging to someone's mental health journey. For someone who is already feeling overwhelmed, hearing "snap out of it" can add to their distress. It can cause self-doubt and lead them to question why they can't just change how they feel. Mental health issues aren't temporary bad moods that can be wished away. They require understanding, patience, and often, professional help. Encouraging someone to seek therapy or talk about their feelings is a far more supportive approach. 7. "You're Fine, Stop Worrying." Telling someone they're fine as a way to address their concerns can come off as dismissive. While this might be intended as reassurance, it doesn't acknowledge what the person is experiencing. According to a study published by Clinical Psychology Review, validation and acknowledgment are key components in supporting those with anxiety. Simply telling someone to stop worrying disregards the valid emotions they're experiencing. Recognizing their feelings and offering genuine support is more effective. When someone is told "you're fine, stop worrying," they might feel like their concerns are being overlooked. This can lead to frustration and a sense of isolation, as their feelings aren't being taken seriously. It might also discourage them from speaking up about their concerns in the future. Acknowledging someone's worries and discussing coping strategies can help them feel supported and less alone. Understanding and empathy go a long way in supporting mental health. 8. "Everyone Has Problems." While it's true that everyone faces challenges, this statement can trivialize individual mental health struggles. It implies that because everyone has problems, one should just deal with their own without seeking help. This mindset can discourage people from opening up about their mental health needs. The reality is that everyone's experiences are different, and comparing them can lead to misunderstanding and lack of support. Each person's mental health journey is unique and deserves attention and care. Hearing "everyone has problems" can make someone feel like their issues aren't worthy of attention. It can foster a sense of shame or guilt for wanting or needing help. This perspective can prevent people from seeking the support they need, as they might feel like they're overreacting. Acknowledging that while everyone has problems, each person's situation is unique can create space for understanding. Encouraging open discussions about individual experiences is key to better mental health support. 9. "Therapy Is For Crazy People." This outdated stereotype about therapy is not only inaccurate but also harmful. Therapy is a tool for anyone looking to understand themselves better or needing support, not just for those with severe mental illness. Characterizing therapy in this way can prevent people from seeking the help they need. It reinforces the stigma around mental health and getting professional help. Therapy should be seen as a resource for growth and healing, not as a last resort for those labeled as "crazy." For someone considering therapy, hearing "therapy is for crazy people" can reinforce negative stereotypes. It can lead them to question the validity of their own need for support. This mindset can result in people delaying or avoiding the help that could benefit them greatly. Promoting therapy as a positive and proactive choice can help break down these harmful stereotypes. Encouraging an open dialogue about the benefits of therapy can make it more accessible and less stigmatized. 10. "Just Pray About It." While faith and spirituality can be important components of mental well-being for many people, they aren't substitutes for professional mental health care. Telling someone to "just pray about it" can dismiss the need for other forms of treatment. This phrase suggests that prayer alone can resolve mental health issues, which isn't the case for everyone. Combining faith with therapy or other treatments can be more effective. It's important to respect each person's approach to mental health and offer support beyond religious advice. For individuals struggling with mental health, "just pray about it" might feel like their struggles are being minimized. It can make them feel guilty if prayer doesn't bring the relief they're seeking. Mental health issues often require a multifaceted approach, including spiritual, medical, and therapeutic support. Encouraging people to explore various avenues for healing respects their journey and needs. Supporting someone in finding the right combination of treatments is more helpful than suggesting prayer as a sole solution. 11. "You're Just Lazy." Connecting mental health struggles to laziness is a harmful misconception. Mental health issues can impact energy levels, motivation, and daily functioning, but this isn't due to laziness. Labeling someone as lazy can add to the shame and guilt they might already be feeling. It overlooks the real challenges that come with mental health conditions. Understanding that mental health issues can affect someone's ability to function is crucial for offering support. Hearing "you're just lazy" can be incredibly invalidating for someone dealing with mental health issues. It discounts their efforts to manage their condition and can discourage them from seeking help. This mindset can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism. Recognizing the difference between laziness and the effects of mental health issues is important for providing appropriate support. Encouraging empathy and understanding over judgment fosters a supportive environment. 12. "It's Just A Phase." Describing mental health struggles as "just a phase" minimizes the person's experiences and challenges. It suggests that their feelings and behaviors are temporary and will naturally resolve, which isn't always the case. Many mental health conditions require ongoing management and support. This phrase can discourage people from seeking help, as it implies their issues aren't serious. Accepting that mental health isn't always a passing phase is crucial for effective support. For someone experiencing mental health challenges, being told "it's just a phase" can be disheartening. It can make them feel misunderstood and dismissed. This mindset might prevent them from acknowledging the seriousness of their condition and pursuing necessary treatment. Recognizing that mental health issues can be ongoing and require professional help is vital. Supporting someone in getting the help they need rather than dismissing their struggles as temporary can make a significant difference. 13. "You're Overthinking It." While overthinking can be a component of anxiety, reducing someone's mental health struggle to overthinking is dismissive. It implies that the solution is as simple as thinking less, which oversimplifies the complexity of mental health issues. This mindset can discourage people from expressing their feelings or seeking help. It suggests that their struggles are self-imposed and easily controlled. Understanding that mental health is more than overthinking is important for providing real support. For someone dealing with mental health challenges, being told "you're overthinking it" can feel invalidating. It can make them question the legitimacy of their emotions and experiences. This can prevent them from reaching out for help or discussing their situation further. Recognizing that mental health is more nuanced than just overthinking is crucial for offering genuine support. Encouraging open conversation and understanding can help those struggling feel less alone. 14. "You'll Get Over It." The phrase "you'll get over it" implies that mental health struggles are something one can simply move past with time. While time can help with healing, it isn't a cure-all for mental health issues. This statement can be dismissive and invalidate the person's current experiences and challenges. Mental health often requires active management and support, not just waiting it out. Acknowledging the need for ongoing support and treatment is important for effective mental health care. Hearing "you'll get over it" can be discouraging for someone dealing with mental health issues. It can make them feel like their struggles are transient and unimportant. This mindset might prevent them from seeking the help they need, as it downplays the seriousness of their condition. Understanding that mental health is a complex issue that requires attention and care is essential. Offering empathy and support instead of dismissal can make a significant difference in someone's mental health journey. Solve the daily Crossword
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Like Justin Timberlake, these 15 celebrities have Lyme disesase and shared their journeys with fans
After wrapping his mammoth tour, singer Justin Timberlake shared a personal health update with fans and explained that touring had been tougher than ever due to his Lyme disease diagnosis. Lyme disease, an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi (are spread by ticks), can "cause arthritis, memory problems, neurological symptoms, Bell's palsy, cardiac arrhythmias, depression and anxiety", Dr Deborah Lee previously told Cosmopolitan UK. It can also be "a cause of chronic fatigue with a clinical picture similar to chronic fatigue syndrome." Many people are able to treat the disease with antibiotics meaning it cannot progress, but unfortunately for some it can cause life-altering symptoms on a long-term basis. Sharing his own experience, Timberlake said, "If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness." He added that at one point, quitting touring seemed like an option but he ultimately decided that the joy performing gives him outweighed the downsides. "I'm so glad I kept going." Here are 15 celebrities who've opened up about their Lyme disease diagnosis: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical with Lyme disease: Avril Lavigne Singer Lavigne had a really difficult time during the earlier stages of her diagnosis, saying it left her bed-bound for two years, but is now back to making music and doing well – proving recovery is possible. "I spent the last few years at home sick fighting Lyme disease," she wrote in a letter to fans on her website. "[At one point, I] had accepted death and could feel my body shutting down. I felt like I was drowning. Like I was in a river being pulled in a current. Unable to breathe." Lavigne added, "A single bug bite can f*ck you up hard. People aren't aware that Lyme must be treated almost immediately."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Bella Hadid The model has been candid about the difficulties she's faced following her Lyme disease diagnosis, sharing honest posts of her journey and recovery on social media. "If you look back at work pictures from the past eight years you can tell the difference between me when my Lyme flares up and me when I'm healthy," she said. "She's a different girl. I feel so bad for her." In an Instagram post following months of intensive treatments, Hadid wrote, "If you are struggling – it will get better. I promise. Take a step away, stay strong, have faith in your path, walk in your truth and the clouds will start to clear up. I have so much gratitude for and perspective on life, this 100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, co-infection treatment, almost 15 years of invisible suffering, was all worth it if I'm able to, God willing, have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Justin Bieber Back in January 2020, Bieber took to Instagram to clear up some speculation about his health, telling fans he was working hard to recover from Lyme disease. "It's been a rough couple years," he told them, pointing out that allegations that he was dealing with a substance abuse issue had been hurtful. "They failed to realise I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health." "I've been battling and OVERCOMING!!" the singer added. "I will be back and better than ever."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Hailey Bieber While luckily not impacted to the same extent as her husband, Justin Bieber, the make-up mogul revealed on Women's Health's Going for Goal podcast that she too had faced a Lyme disease diagnosis – showing just how differently it can impact individuals. "Lyme disease is an interesting thing because a lot of people don't believe it's real, and a lot of people think it's BS," she said. "But I've had it before, I've dealt with it. My husband has it and deals with it very deeply. "I think it's about finding the right doctors who believe in getting to the bottom of any health issues that you might have."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Riley Keough Speaking about seeking treatment for Lyme disease and how it impacted on her family planning, the Daisy Jones and the Six star told Vanity Fair, "I used this little break that I have to come and try and see if I can alleviate [my Lyme disease] a bit. It's a holistic treatment centre and offers all kinds of things that you can't really do in America yet, like cleaning your blood." She also discussed how her condition influenced her decision to choose surrogacy for her daughter, who she welcomed in 2022 with husband Ben Smith-Petersen."I can carry children, but it felt like the best choice for what I had going on physically with the autoimmune stuff."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Kelly Osbourne In her memoir, Osbourne wrote about her battle to be diagnosed. "I had started entering my symptoms into online quizzes, and the results kept coming back Lyme disease. I got tested. The results were positive: I had stage III neurological Lyme disease. I was relieved to finally know what was going on, but I was also scared sh*tless." She has since stated that stem cell therapy has helped to alleviate her symptoms, although this is not a formally recognised with Lyme disease: Shania Twain In a documentary of her life, Not Just A Girl, Twain recalled her symptoms and how she was initially worried she would never be able to sing again. "My symptoms were quite scary because before I was diagnosed, I was on stage very dizzy. I was losing my balance. I was afraid I was going to fall off the stage," she said. "I was having these very, very, very millisecond blackouts, but regularly, every minute or every 30 seconds." The diagnosis process was difficult, the star also recalled. "It took several years to determine what it was. It wasn't anything obvious. Nobody connected the Lyme disease to it. In the end, a neurologist finally connected that it was the nerve to each vocal cord." Twain now says she has "a grip" on the disease, and is back touring, singing and doing what she loves in the music with Lyme disease: Ben Stiller Actor Stiller has told press that he has had periods of living symptom-free from Lyme disease, but that it has stayed in his system. "I got it in Nantucket, Mass., a couple of years ago. My knee became inflamed and they couldn't figure out what it was, then they found out it was Lyme," he said. "I'm symptom-free now, but Lyme doesn't ever leave your system. It's a really tough thing."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Miranda Hart After taking a break from her acting and comedy career due to her health, Hart wrote a poignant book, I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You, about her experience of living with Lyme disease – something she attributes to being bitten by a tick as a teenager while holidaying in the US. While promoting the book, Hart said on BBC Radio 4, "I thought I need to research this whole wellness expertise and dialogue that's out there, but I was at bed at home alone, the doctors didn't know what to do with me and I couldn't have a cold plunge or go on a yoga retreat. "So I thought what are the universal truths? So I did years of research, when I felt able to, and in the book there are 10 keys, which I call my treasures, to living well. And they've really genuinely [helped]. I feel like despite the suffering it came from, that I'm living a life of joy and meaning and fulfilment in a way I never have before."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Justin Timberlake Following a two-year tour, Timberlake told fans on Instagram that he'd been juggling a Lyme disease diagnosis as well as a gruelling schedule – but that working and performing was worth it for all the joy it provides him with. "If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically," he said. "When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. "But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Yolanda Hadid Like her daughter Bella, Yolanda Hadid has also been living with Lyme disease for a number of years – and wrote about it in her book, Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease. "I honestly don't have the proper words in my vocabulary to describe to you the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell I've lived these past years. I actually did not live," she shared in a speech about her illness, too. Thankfully, Hadid has been in remission for years now and says she's feeling well, happy and healthy, with diet having a big impact on her with Lyme disease: Mark Ruffalo When The Quiet Epidemic, a film about a young student and a scientist who are both diagnosed with Lyme disease and who embark on a joint quest for answers, came out, Ruffalo urged people to take note and watch it. "From personal experience, Lyme disease can be brutal, persistent, and misdiagnosed. The healthcare industry is way behind on this disease," he with Lyme disease: Ramona Singer The Real Housewives star said she counts herself "blessed" to have caught her Lyme disease in its early stages and to have been able to start an effective antibiotics regime, along with overhauling her diet. "You must get tested [for Lyme disease] once a year, especially if you're in an area where there are deer," she told E! News. "But, we caught it early and I'm very lucky and very blessed."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Amy Schumer Actor and comedian Schumer asked her followers for advice on living with Lyme disease in 2020, saying she was on medication and feeling "good" but wanted to hear the experiences of with Lyme disease: Alexis Ohanian The Reddit founder and entrepreneur who is married to Serena Williams has shared his experience of Lyme disease, saying he was asymptomatic when diagnosed. "Doing a full battery of health scans, tests, etc, and found out I have lyme disease," he wrote on X. "Wild. No symptoms, thankfully, but gonna treat." You Might Also Like A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale
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Charley Hull talks weight loss, Lottie Woad success, a Porthcawl blooper with Georgia Hall
Charley Hull returns to a major championship stage this week after leaving the last one on a stretcher. Hull, who met with the press on the eve of the biggest women's sporting event ever held in Wales, said she's lost four kilograms (9 pounds) over the past three weeks and 8 mph of swing speed. "I'm not hitting it the best coming into this week," said Hull ahead of the AIG Women's British Open at Royal Porthcawl, "which is very frustrating because it's an event I've been looking forward to playing all year. I've just got to go out there with what I've got." Hull came down with a nasty virus at the Amundi Evian Championship in France earlier this month and was carted off the course after a fainting spell on what was her back nine. "Every time I stood up, I fainted," said Hull, who first returned to action last week at the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open. "That's why I to had to get a stretcher out, off, which was quite embarrassing, but there you go. Caught on IV drip on me. They took my blood pressure. It was 80/50 which is quite low. My blood sugar was 0.4. I think I just had a really bad virus." Unable to work out on doctor's orders, Hull said she's feeling better but not quite yet up to strength. It didn't help that she recently tweaked her back taking a box out of her car and hasn't been able to rehab. While this is a first look of Royal Porthcawl for most of the field, Hull played it back in 2011 at the Junior Vagliano alongside good friend Georgia Hall, a future Women's British Open champion. "I remember in the practice round I always used to play with a No. 3 marker and three orange dots, and in tournament my ball would be a 1," said Hull. "So we went out in foursomes. On the third hole, I've hit it right, but the day before I've hit it right in the practice round. "Anyway, she gets down there and just sees three dots on the golf ball and she whacks on the green. I get up to the green, I think I've got a putt to win the hole. I look at ball, and I said, 'George, we've got No. 3 here. I play with 1.' She's like, 'It's got your marks.' I said, 'Yeah, that's my ball I lost yesterday in the practice round.' Lost the hole immediately. It was quite funny." Though she's never been a big fan of links golf, Hull praised Porthcawl and noted that Welshman Nigel Edwards, a three-time Walker Cup captain, helped her out during a practice round in May at the championship's media day. Currently No. 20 in the world, Hull took a share of 12th at both the U.S. Women's Open and KPMG Women's PGA before falling ill after a fourth-place finish at the KPMG Women's Irish Open. "I feel like the last two years I've been on autopilot, where even when I'm hitting it bad, I've got enough confidence to go out and rip it," said Hull, before rattling off her recent finishes for the press. "It annoys me because it's such an important part this time of the season, and it's something I look forward to all year. And it's just like, damn it. At the end of the day, just get me making a few birdies to start with and I think I'll get my confidence back straightaway." At last week's Scottish Open, Hull played the first two rounds alongside English sensation Lottie Woad, who in only her second start as a pro is the betting favorite in Wales. Woad counted Hull among her sporting heroes growing up and will surely be taken by what Hull had to say about her recent play on Wednesday. "I think what Lottie Woad has done is absolutely unbelievable," said Hull. "I played with her in the practice rounds in Ireland, and I played with her in the first two rounds last week, and at the minute I feel like she's playing with such confidence she can't miss a shot. I think it's great to see. She's a breath of fresh air for the game. "At the end of the day, I want to win the tournament and everything, but I don't care when people say, oh, I'm still here. I am still here. I'm out there enjoying it. No, I'm actually really proud of Lottie for what she's done. That's like goose bumps kind of stuff." This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Women's British Open: Charley Hull on weight loss, Lottie Woad's rise
