Bly in Blackwell’s: A Turning Point for Mental Health and Journalism

Abstract

ABSTRACT “Bly in Blackwell’s: A Turning Point for Mental Health and Journalism” tells the story of Nellie Bly, a Pennsylvania-born investigative journalist. In 1887, Bly was set with the task of writing and reporting on an infamous insane asylum in New York—The Lodge on Blackwell’s Island. To do this, Bly acted “insane” and was sent to the institution as a patient so she could report on its inhumane conditions and expose it firsthand. After over a week of work in a terrifying environment, Bly was able to leave and wrote a two-part article for The New York World that was later published as Ten Days in a Mad-House. By making this brave effort, Nellie Bly changed the course of journalism and mental health, especially for women. This historical article shares the steps of Bly’s journey and shows just how much of an effect this plucky young writer had on our world.