The Loony Bin
An example of the exhaustive logs that were kept on each patient.  Phone-book sized collections of these logs are scattered around the inside.  The bottom entry reads:
"7/26/89 2:30 PM"

"Patient stated: 'I was very angry this morning, but I'm cool now. I've been pretty good. My mother and father are getting along fine. ECL (?) is working, but if down the line I get depressed again I guess I need to learn coping skills.' Good eye-contact. Normal tone of voice. Patient appeared brighter: did his laundry, attended all activities, socialized with peers. Appetite was good. Give positive feedback when necessary. Continue to encourage ventilation of problems and feelings."

The lengthy "confidentiality" statement that prefaces all the documentation. The first section reads:
"Information in the record of a recipient, and other information acquired in the course of providing mantal health services to a recipient, shall be kept confidential and shall not be open to public inspection."
Patients were apparently encouraged to set goals and write them on index cards, as they are strewn about the inside.  This one didn't quite grasp the concept of the exercise.
An admission review form. All personal info has been thoroughly blurred out. The 'Signs and Symptoms:'
"Wanted to be admitted - strong urge to kill self, saddened and cried, feels worthless/useless, poor sleep, lacks interest/energy, depressed, anxious, he could 'sleep for three days.' This AM, felt 'like shooting my head off,' disgusted with his 'coke' use, becomes verbally abusive to wife at these times. On NCO for suicidal ideation. Pale, disheveled."
An "Inventory of personal effects:"
7 Slacks
2 Coats
1 Shoes
8 Shirts
2 Pajamas
1 Robes
1 Slippers
1 Sport Jacket
6 Socks
1 Belt
1 Shaving Kit
2 Underwear (!?)
...and thats it. I found it interesting, but then again, I was there, and these pictures and documents don't convey the feeling of frozen time that being there does. If you have anything to say, e-mail me here.
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