“I remember…so, let’s not forget”: remembering our past lest we repeat it

ABSTRACT

What happens when we, as a profession, forget our past, whether it is what history and research have taught or the values that motivated us to become healers? Here, I explore this question. First, I remember several experiences I have had that illustrate what can go wrong when we “forget.” Then, I review some of our history and research, critically examining it, to remind us of those lessons. Finally, I share examples from my own practice to show how remembering the past can guide us in the present.

KEYWORDS:

• Stigma
• Mental illness
• History

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.