Women’s History Month: Dorothea Dix
A Pioneer in Behavioral Health
It’s Women’s History Month, so this post is a shout-out to the monumental Dorothea Dix. She was a nurse, teacher, and activist that fundamentally changed the approach to the mentally ill in the United States, leading to the mental healthcare system we have now.
First, let’s set the scene. Dix was born in 1802. At that time, “insanity” was not understood and treatments from that time would make a modern psychiatrist shudder. In the very first United States mental institution in Williamsburg, Virginia – founded in 1773 – for example, “prevailing treatments included solitary confinement, conditioned fear of the doctor, powerful but minimally effective drugs, bleeding, shackles, and plunge baths” (source). The second state hospital, opened 25 years later in Baltimore, wasn’t much better.
Dix, however, recognized the need for change. Dix’s life was affected by her poor health (possibly major depressive episodes). She also taught children and adults in various parts of the county, leading her to witness the cruelty of mental institutions and the inhumanity of slavery. Dix became friends with other reformers and activities, who inspired her to step up for the rights of the mentally ill. She grew impassioned and starting visiting more hospitals (source).
She was on fire. Dix visited every institution she could. She wrote. She published. She advocated for human rights in front of senators and legislators. Her accounts of hospital conditions appalled those in power and lead to new bills and reforms in multiple states (source). Over time, 32 new hospitals were built and based on her more humanitarian values. Her work led to a global movement to improve the rights of those with mental illness.
Over time, of course, the inpatient model of treatment moved to a community-based model, enhancing individual autonomy and community integration. Without Dix’s revolutionary efforts, however, a large part of the population wouldn’t have received the care and support they deserved and we would be far behind the level of integrated care available to many now. Thank you Dorothea Dix!
Learn more about mental illness here.
Contact your local politician to continue to bring about change.