During the month of March, women throughout history are being celebrated for their diversity, tenacity, encouragement, support, creative ideas, strength, resilience, and endless contributions to our society today. This month our agency is honored to highlight a true pioneer who has impacted and changed the history of mental health. Dorothea Dix played a major role in mental health reform in the 1800’s. Dorothea pioneered the reform of the treatment and living conditions of those who were mentally ill in the United States and “lobbied state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to enact some of the earliest American laws governing mental asylums and psychiatric care” (Markel, 2020).

Dorothea Dix was an author, teacher, social activist, and humanitarian who directed her efforts to improving how those with mental illnesses were being viewed and treated during this time (Britannica, 2021). Her efforts over the course of 2 decades through lobbying, protesting and advocacy resulted in the reform of mental health treatment. This made mental health treatment more humane and challenged states to provide adequate living conditions for patients as well. Dorothea also inspired 15 legislators across the United States and in Canada to create hospitals specifically for mentally ill individuals (Britannica, 2021). It didn’t take long before her persistent efforts eventually led to 32 mental health institutions being created within the United States alone (Britannica, 2021).

Dorothea Dix made major contributions to the mental health system in the 19^th century and her contributions forever changed how mentally ill patients are viewed and treated today. For Dorothea to accomplish so much during a time where woman didn’t even have equal rights, truly is a testament to how resilient, powerful, and innovative women are and have been since the beginning of time. Be reminded that women throughout history have accomplished so much and will continue to impact society in a major way. Take a moment during this month to celebrate what you or the women in your life have accomplished thus far and are working towards in the future. Happy Women’s History Month!

Looking to begin your mental health transformation? Text us today 302-607-1404 or visit us on the web, www.lavantedorsey.com

Cited Sources

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2021, July 13). Dorothea Dix. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothea-Dix

Markel, H. (2020, April 4). Dorothea Dix’s tireless fight to end inhumane treatment for mental health patients. PBS NewsHour. Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/dorothea-dixs-tireless-fight-to-end-inhumane-treatment-for-mental-health-patients