by Megan Larson “It’s called a lobotomy,” the doctor explains. “Your father thinks this is for the best.” Embarrassed by my outbursts, Father abandoned me in Bedlam with only my memories as solace. I’m sorry, Daddy. He tightens the leather straps confining me to the chair and grabs a knife. Warm blood oozes down my […]
by Corinne Pollard “Doctor, how fares my elder brother? He’s been locked inside for five years now. Is he cured? Will he take back his inheritance?” “I’m afraid not, sir. Your brother continues to show odd behaviour and disturbing symptoms like scratching at walls, screaming, attacking himself and others.” “Pity.” “Rest assured, we will find […]
by Mallory Needles The straps dig into my wrists and ankles. The doctor hums as he sticks the electrodes on my head. His face is hidden under a grimy mask and greasy hat. Only his eyes, wild with glee, peer out from underneath. “Shall we get started?” he sings. His voice seems familiar… “Listen Doc,” I […]
by Iseult Murphy They took Sarah’s phone, money and driving license at intake. “No need for these here. We’ll take care of everything.” A nurse stripped Sarah before hosing her down in the shower. “No need to be ashamed or hate yourself anymore. We’ll make you better.” Sarah took the oval tablets from the nurse […]
by Alden Terzo Fluorescent light flickered across the cracked, stained walls. The bitter aroma of disinfectant tried and failed to mask the immutable stench of despair. Gary sat, restrained, across from Dr Franklin and another. “Gary, this is Dr Guhya,” Dr Franklin said. “You’re not doctors!” Gary spit. “You’re aliens in disguise!” “We’re both aliens?” […]
by Kristin Lennox I’d been looking forward to this tour for months. Every spring, Brookhaven Psychiatric Hospital opens its doors to the public, for PR purposes. The facility was bright and welcoming on the surface. But a faint sour aroma lingered beneath the lemon-scented air, and the light jazz playing in the sunroom couldn’t quite […]
by Tracy Davidson Which is more psychotic? Doctors in white coats with their hammers and drills, or screaming patients, helpless, in their restraints and straitjackets? Once, I’d have said the patients. Before I came here, to inspect the place. They’re not patients at all. Nor inmates. They’re prisoners. They come in and never go out […]
by Sean Donaghue Johnston It was late. The only sounds were the buzzing of the fluorescent lights, the moaning of drugged patients, and Dr Laroche’s footsteps. A swipe of the keycard and Dr Laroche was in the common room, now empty. Another swipe and he was at the “welcome” desk, unmanned at this hour. A […]
by David Staiger Dr Reynolds shook his head insistently. “Some patients, sadly, must be more fully restrained, for their own safety. This one attempted to eat his tongue the other day. Thus the dental guard.” The reporter and her camerawoman each took a turn peering through the soundproofed safety glass before nodding absently and moving […]
by Pauline Yates Beechwood Psychiatric Hospital’s new nurse has a head full of ideas, like “kindness begets kindness”, that sort of shit. I play along. I stop smacking my head against the wall when she asks me, politely, mind you, to take my pills. Now she lets me eat ice cream with a spoon. I […]