One common element is the sense of isolation. Patients are often cut off from the outside world, which can be really terrifying. Another is the inhumane treatment by some of the staff. For example, using excessive force or ignoring the basic needs of the patients.
There was a case in a certain psychiatric asylum where a patient claimed to be seeing ghosts. The staff dismissed it as hallucinations, but strange things started to happen. Doors would open and close on their own, and cold drafts would sweep through the halls. The patient became more and more terrified, but no one really listened to him. Eventually, he stopped talking altogether. It was as if the asylum itself had a malevolent presence.
Another element is the poor living conditions. Dirty rooms, bad food, and uncomfortable beds are often mentioned. These factors can contribute to the patients' discomfort and worsen their mental state. For instance, if a teen is already depressed and has to stay in a filthy room, it's going to make them feel even worse.
One common element is isolation. Patients are often cut off from the outside world, which can make them feel extremely alone and helpless. This can exacerbate their mental problems.
The loss of one's own identity. In many psychiatric horror stories, patients seem to lose touch with who they really are. For example, a person may suddenly start believing they are someone else entirely, like a serial killer from a past era. This is scary because it makes us wonder about the fragility of our own sense of self.
Well, it depends on how you define 'common'. In the big picture, there are thousands of psychiatric hospitals around the world and the vast majority operate smoothly. But every now and then, a story surfaces about abuse or neglect in a hospital. It could be due to a single bad apple among the staff or problems with the hospital's funding and resources. So, while not common, it's not unheard of either.
One of the most common elements is the sense of powerlessness of the patients. In many real asylum horror stories, patients are at the mercy of the asylum system. For example, they could be wrongly diagnosed and then forced to endure treatments that were not appropriate for them. And then there is the issue of neglect. Asylums may be underfunded, so basic needs like food and clean clothing are not met for the patients.
Darkness is a key element. The lack of proper lighting in an asylum makes it a perfect place for horror. The unknown is another big part. You don't know what's behind the next door or in the next room. There could be a deranged doctor's ghost or a patient who has turned into something not quite human. And then there are the symbols of restraint like old straitjackets and chains, which give the impression of a place where people were held against their will and suffered, and that suffering lingers as a horror in the building.
Often, a genuine need for protection is a key element. People who have faced real and immediate danger in their home countries, like political opponents or those in war zones, are more likely to have successful asylum stories. Also, cooperation with the asylum - granting country's procedures and authorities is important. If applicants are cooperative during interviews, provide all required information, and follow the legal processes, it increases their chances of success.
One common element is the lack of proper understanding. Often, the medical staff or the people in charge don't fully understand the patients' conditions, leading to inappropriate treatment. For example, they might use excessive force or wrong medications.
One common element is a well - documented case of persecution. For example, if someone has official records or witness statements to prove they were targeted in their home country. Another is a clear need for protection. Like if a person's life is in immediate danger.