Dorothea Dix
(1802-1887)
WHO SHE WAS:
Dorothea Dix was a pioneering American advocate for the mentally ill who revolutionized the way mental illness was perceived and treated in the United States. A teacher and nurse by profession, Dix dedicated her life to improving conditions for the mentally ill, lobbying for the establishment of more than 30 hospitals for their care. Her relentless advocacy led to widespread social reform and changed the landscape of mental health care in the 19th century.
WHAT SHE SAID:
"In a world where there is so much to be done, I felt strongly impressed that there must be something for me to do."
WHY SHE MATTERED:
Dorothea Dix's work mattered greatly because she highlighted the plight of the mentally ill at a time when they were grossly mistreated and misunderstood. She humanized those suffering from mental illness, advocating for compassionate care and specialized institutions. Her efforts not only improved conditions in the U.S. but also in Europe, influencing mental health care internationally.