Ten Days in a Mad-House

Ten Days in a Mad-House she decided to conduct an undercover investigation to reveal the deplorable conditions prevailing in psychiatric institutions during the late 19th century. She feigned insanity and was committed to the Womens Lunatic Asylum on Blackwells Island (now known as Roosevelt Island) in New York City. Throughout her ten-day stay in the asylum Bly documented the inhumane treatment and neglect of patients as well as the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. She reported on the physical and emotional abuse experienced by the inmates and the lack of proper medical care and attention they received. After her release Bly wrote a series of articles for the New York World where she worked exposing the shocking realities of the asylum. Her investigative reporting led to public outrage and spurred reforms in the treatment of the mentally ill in the United States. Ten Days in a Mad-House was subsequently published as a book chronicling her experiences and bringing further attention to the need for improved mental health care and the rights of vulnerable individuals in society. The book became a bestseller and solidified Nellie Blys reputation as a fearless and compassionate journalist.