Clifford Whittingham Beers

Clifford Whittingham Beers (1876-1943) was an American mental health advocate who played a pivotal role in changing how society views mental illness. After experiencing severe mental health struggles and abusive treatment in institutions, he wrote the influential book "A Mind That Found Itself" in 1908. This work highlighted the need for compassionate care and reform in mental health treatments, promoting the idea that mental illnesses are medical conditions deserving of understanding and support. Beers founded the National Association for Mental Health, helping lay the groundwork for modern mental health advocacy and improving the rights of individuals with mental health issues.