Comments on: Episode 27: From Insane Asylum to Psychiatric Center: A Brief History

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:21:29 +0000

Kathy, I too just finished reading your book and found it to be captivating. Thank you for your courage in sharing your story.

By: Kathy H.

Kathy H. — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:08:35 +0000

Wow, thank you Olivia, you just made my day:)

By: Olivia

Olivia — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:02:43 +0000

hey Kathy, I bought and read your book and i thought it was very personal and insightful. I really enjoyed it and it gave me a good idea of what it was like being committed to a state hospital.

By: Kathy H.

Kathy H. — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:18:51 +0000

Hey guys,

I was at Hillcrest from Oct. 64-March 65 and have just published a book about it. Look me up on Facebook, my name is Kathy Lou.
You can also check me out by searching: KL Hiatt and or Turning 15 In The Loony Bin. I have a video with that title on You Tube as well.

Why would we want to reminisce anyway? What are we, crazy? Yep, certifiably! Well not really, when I was in the admitting ward and they took me and a slew load of other patients down to be mug shot and fingerprinted, I ran to the done line when the nurse was bringing another patient in the room and I never had it done. Consequently, there is no record of me being there. They were so inefficient at that mad house. What a nightmare it was. Two years? you must be one hell of a strong person to have survived that without losing your mind.

I’m really looking forward to comparing notes.

God Bless,

Kathy

By: Tim D.

Tim D. — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:41:32 +0000

Dear John L. :
Since March of 1972 was when I got out of what you correctly term “Nightmare On The Hill”, I am surprised that anyone would say that 1971 was the year it closed. However, since I was told that 1973 or 1974 was the year when it did close, I am shocked beyond belief that it stayed open until 1978. I do feel strongly that we should get together at some point along with as many others as possible who went through what we did. But since I am currently unemployed, I wont be able to do this for a while.
I do intend to contact you, but at the present moment, I am busy.

Thanks a million anyway
Tim D.

By: John L.

John L. — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 01:02:08 +0000

As previously stated, I was at Hillcrest for a little over (2) years.
I was (1) of (3) residents remaining on the day they closed the doors for good in 1978. (not 1971 as someone said previously)
In classic Hillcrest style; they tried to “screw” me right up to the final moments. I would be happy to “detail” this and other
memories. Please contact me !!
Would like to hear from anyone, especially those who were there with me. The “Nightmare On The Hill”. Please contact me at : jdbj@mail.com, or text to (504) 249-6619.

By: John L.

John L. — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:41:28 +0000

Was a resident patient at Hillcrest from 1976-78. Would like to
communicate with others. (regardless of when you were there)

Also, would be interested to hear from anyone who actually
worked at the “nightmare on the hill”.

Contact at : jdbj@mail.com

By: CLove

CLove — Mon, 23 May 2011 11:26:51 +0000

Having worked in an “institution” type setting for over 10 yrs. I do not agree w/some of the cruel practices patients of the past had to endure. But I believe the mentally ill/mentally disabled have it too easy now. They live in homes I myself will never be able to afford. They want for nothing, they behave like animals and they are well aware of their “rights” and there’s little to no consequence for the animalistic behaviors. Tim, I will never know what it feels like to be you, I never lived in an “institution” but when you ask why residents were not allowed to participate in staff parties/gatherings etc. That is because You and the other “residents” (clients, patients, Im not sure how the staff refered to the individuals residing there) Clients should not be involved in staffs personal lives. It was not cruel of them to not include the clients in their personal affairs it is keeping a professional boundary.

By: Shawn Hogan

Shawn Hogan — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:01:19 +0000

Thank you for the contact info.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:47:08 +0000

For information concerning deceised family that were patients, contact NYS Office of Mental Health, Consumer Affairs Bureau. 44 Holland Ave. 8th floor Albany NY 12229