The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership.
In the 1980s, most of the the residence halls at Ohio University were located on three “Greens,” East, West and South. Officially, there was a North Green with a single small residence hall, but the term was more commonly used as slang for the brooding Victorian structure that stood high on a hill across the Hocking River.
The Athens Asylum for the Insane opened as the Athens Lunatic Asylum in 1874, less than 75 years after the founding of the university. The location was likely chosen for its remoteness and its temperate (for Ohio) climate.
During the 19th century, mental illness was often misunderstood, and those affected were marginalized or subjected to cruel treatments. Despite its ominous appearance – seriously, it looks like it belongs in a Stephen King novel – the Athens Lunatic Asylum was one of the first facilities in the United States to take a different approach, advocating for a more humane and compassionate approach to mental health care.
The asylum’s primary objective was to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals suffering from mental illness. Patients were treated with dignity and the institution aimed to promote their overall well-being. Rather than resorting to restraints or harsh disciplinary measures, the staff at Athens Lunatic Asylum emphasized therapeutic interventions and a patient-centered approach.
The asylum prioritized occupational therapy as a means of engaging patients in meaningful activities. Patients were encouraged to participate in various forms of work, such as farming, gardening and craftsmanship. These activities not only provided patients with a sense of purpose but also contributed to their mental and physical well-being. The asylum believed that
through occupation, patients could regain a sense of control over their lives and establish a connection to the outside world.
After it closed in 1993, the buildings were repurposed for other uses, such as administrative offices for the university, which now occupies the site.
All of the progressive treatment policies were lost, of course, on the OU students of my era, who jokingly suggested a trip to the North Green for any of their friends who acted out or acted up. College-age kids were flippant that way. We were all healthy and well-adjusted, the picture of sound mental health. Or not. I have written candidly about my own issues (Field Notes: Very superstitious) and touched on those of some of my classmates.
In a recent survey, 2 percent of college students indicated they contemplated suicide in the past year. And, sadly, those numbers are born out by the shocking number who go through with it. The sad truth is the majority of college graduates know someone personally who has attempted to take their own life … or succeeded.
During the winter quarter of my sophomore year at OU, I attended a basketball game with some of my buddies. During the halftime show, two groups of students from a dorm or Greek house would compete against one another in some silly contest, like seeing how high they could stack pizza boxes. I was surprised to see that “B,” a high school classmate, was one of the contestants representing a Greek house that night.
I didn’t know “B” well – I probably wouldn’t have recognized him if they hadn’t announced his name as part of the festivities – but I was pretty sure he wasn’t at OU the previous year, so he must have transferred from another school. I didn’t think much about it until I went home for spring break and learned from my friend Carl that “B” had committed suicide.
Carl had run into him at a local store a few days earlier. Carl knew him a little better since they were on the football team together. While their brief interaction “seemed a little weird,” Carl assumed “B” was having a bad day and just let it go. A few hours later, “B” was dead by his own hand.
It’s something I know haunted Carl for the rest of his life: “Could I have been more sympathetic?” “Should I have asked him if he was okay?” “Should I have asked if he wanted to get a beer and talk?”
It’s a reminder that we can never really know what others are going through, what dark maelstrom rages just below the calm surface. If you believe someone is experiencing mental health issues and you want to offer your support, it’s important to approach the situation with care, empathy and respect. Find a suitable and private setting where you can have an open conversation without interruptions or distractions. Start by expressing your genuine concern for their well-being. Let them know that you’ve noticed changes or behaviors that have led you to believe they might be struggling, and assure them that you’re there to support them. Ask if there’s anything specific they need or if there are any practical ways you can help. Remember that you are not a mental health professional, so avoid diagnosing or prescribing solutions. Instead, encourage them to seek professional help where their concerns can be properly addressed.
Remember, while your intentions are good, you are not responsible for their mental health. Your role is to offer support, encourage professional help and be there for them during their journey to recovery.