Causes of Insanity 1862

Whilst conducting research for my PhD on the Cumbrian Victorian Lunatic Asylum - Garlands (Carlisle) - I found the causes of insanity recorded for the patients admitted in its first year of operation, 1862, rather interesting, and some rather amusing. 

They begin with the relatively common causes: epilepsy; drunkenness; childbirth; melancholia (today would be depression); dementia, and a hereditary predisposition passed on by parents.

The more outlandish causes I came across were: 

Sunstroke in Bombay

Fright from being thrown in the sea

Religion

Taunting about men by neighbours

Jealousy 

Pride & haughty temper

Fright by being bitten by dog

Quarrel with Wife

Change of menstrual period

Love affair

Study

Disappointed affections

This blog is a small part of my ongoing PhD research into the Garlands Hospital. I am attempting to write the asylum's history as it is one currently unwritten. Any stories you may have about the history of the Garlands Hospital, Carlisle, please use the comment box to share them. I would love to learn as much as possible about this undiscovered institution.