Dear Abigail,
I don't know if you could tell I was controlling myself when I wrote that response. There were so many points you covered that could lead to discussion. I decided not to hog the page :)

York Retreat and the Quakers. Have to admire these people. I'm familiar with Quaker efforts to reform 19th century institutional care, as well as their position in the vanguard of the abolition movement in the US. So your description of York Retreat (they call it a retreat--how lovely) did not surprise.

As for over treatment in the US--I think we suffer from "I can give you something for that syndrome". Have indigestion? I can give you something for that. Have a headache? I can give you something for that. Sad? I can give you something for that. It seems we are not able to tolerate here the least amount of physical distress, and the pharmaceutical industry is more than willing to coddle us. The ADHD thing is especially concerning, I agree.

You see? I did control myself. But now I have a second bite at the apple. Such a rich post 🌟...so much to mine. Great job, Abigail.

With affection and appreciation,

Your, as ever, impressed friend,🌷

AG