Zelda's Treatment and Reconnection with the World

In February 1932, Zelda Fitzgerald, the renowned American novelist and wife of famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald, was hospitalized at the Phipps Clinic at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. This period marked a significant chapter in Zelda's life as she sought treatment for her mental health struggles, which had been exacerbated by the pressures of her husband's literary fame and her own artistic ambitions. The Phipps Clinic was known for its progressive approach to psychiatric care, offering a range of therapies that aimed to address the complexities of mental illness. During her stay, Zelda engaged in various therapeutic activities, including art and writing, which were integral to her identity as a creative individual. In April 1932, after a period of treatment, Zelda was permitted to leave the clinic for a brief outing with her husband, where they dined with notable literary critic H. L. Mencken. This outing not only highlighted Zelda's ongoing battle with mental health but also her desire to reconnect with the literary world that had both inspired and troubled her. The experience at Phipps Clinic was pivotal, as it underscored the challenges faced by women in the early 20th century, particularly those who strived for independence and recognition in a male-dominated society. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #ZeldaFitzgerald #PhippsClinic #JohnsHopkinsUniversity #MentalHealth #F.ScottFitzgerald