Mental Illness in the 19th Century

There was very little known about mental illness.  The at colonist thought mental illness was witch craft. I found this interesting. I gusess if I were born back then and saw someone not acting normal I would have though it was witchcraft.
   Dorthea Dix after seeing the conditions of women prison became an advocte for mental illness.  Ms. Dix wanted to help the mentally ill she got bills past.
 In the late 18th century the "moral Treatment" was used in the US.  This theory believed that mental illness ws caused b brain damage.  In the late 18th century it was believed it hereditary . I'm not sure what causes mental illness but I do agree with Dorthea Dix mental patients should be taken care of the same way anyone who is sick and in a hospital. With great care and kindness.