BONUS Weird History: America’s Weird Asylum History: Nellie Bly and the Fight for Change

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A hundred years ago, being ‘different’ could land you in a lunatic asylum—places of abuse, neglect, and forgotten souls. In this episode of Weird History, we uncover the dark past of America’s psychiatric institutions, from Nellie Bly’s daring undercover exposé at Blackwell’s Island to the horrors of lobotomies and modern-day abuses in ‘troubled teen’ facilities. History’s ghosts aren’t as far away as we think.

OOOH, also check out this apartment (the one we talk about in this episode): THE OCTAGON! https://octagonnyc.com/

If You Suspect Abuse / National Resources & Hotlines (U.S.)

***In an emergency, call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.***

Elder Abuse (including in nursing homes or care facilities) Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration on Aging) 1‑800‑677‑1116 https://eldercare.acl.gov Connects you to local Adult Protective Services or Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov

Child Abuse or Neglect Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1‑800‑4-A-CHILD (1‑800‑422‑4453) Text: “CHILDHELP” to 1‑800‑422‑4453 https://childhelphotline.org Confidential help available 24/7 in 170+ languages.

Abuse of People with Disabilities National Disability Rights Network https://www.ndrn.org Finds your state’s Protection & Advocacy (P&A) office.

Mental Health & Psychiatric Facility Abuse SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

The Joint Commission (To Report a Behavioral Health Facility) https://www.jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx

Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Abuse The Hotline 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) Text: "START" to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org 24/7 confidential support for victims and concerned loved ones.

Troubled Teen Industry / Institutional Abuse Breaking Code Silence (Survivor Advocacy) https://www.breakingcodesilence.org

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