Mental Illness

In this novel the theme of Mental Illness is the prevailing theme. The ongoing 'legacy' of mental illness is shown to have started, as far as the story allows, as far back as both of Laura's parents, most notably her mother.

Laura's mother hung herself after a long struggle with mental illness and many misdiagnosed disorders. Laura, only four years old, found her mother hanging in the garage. This set the stage for Laura's onset later in life.

Additionally, mental illness is shown to be treatable and that with proper diagnosis and maintenance is manageable and those who have many of the disorders can go on to lead completely normal lives.

The use of the Bridges Asylum suggests that many health care providers see mental health as a lesser medical issue and as such don't give it the full attention or gravity that it needs...