How did journalists report on mental health in the 1800s? In this resource, we’ll examine seven primary sources from reporters in the U.S. at a time when mental health reform was just beginning to arrive. Along the way, we’ll learn about how different mediums can spread the news and one of the most famous cases of undercover reporting in U.S. history!

Analyze the gallery images together as a class, reading the image descriptions for context clues. For each image, discuss together using the discussion questions found under Student Support Materials on the right side of this page. 

Content warning: Most slides contain outdated and derogatory terms for people with mental illnesses.