Question

What problems did Bly uncover with the process for admitting people into the asylum and releasing them? Support your ideas with evidence from the text.(2 points)

Answer 1

In her investigative trip to the Blackwell Island Asylum, Nellie Bly uncovered several significant problems with the admission and release processes for patients. First, she found that individuals were often committed to the asylum based on flimsy or unjust reasons, such as being a political dissenter or merely exhibiting signs of distress. This indicated a lack of proper evaluation and understanding of mental health needs, suggesting that many people were institutionalized unfairly.

Second, Bly observed that the release process was systematic and disorganized. Patients often remained in the asylum for extended periods, even after they had recovered or were no longer considered a threat. Many individuals were released without any formal process or a proper assessment, leading to the potential for continued issues reintegrating into society.

Through her detailed observations, Bly highlighted these systemic flaws, showcasing the urgent need for reform in how mental health patients were handled within the asylum system. Her findings ultimately called for greater accountability and compassion in the treatment and evaluation of individuals in mental health care facilities.