This image is from the series Ward 81 photographed by Mary Ellen Mark in 1976. The series takes place in a mental ward in Oregon State Hospital during the 70’s. This image shows a patient’s feet strapped down to a bed in the ward. The patient is covered with blankets above and below their body. Their feet are cuffed and restrained to the end of the hospital bed. This was a common practice for patients that are deemed irrational or a threat to themselves or others. This image highlights how mental illness during this time was handled, and procedures used to deal with patients before psychological reform occurred in the 80’s-90’s.
Mary Ellen Mark. Ward 81: http://www.maryellenmark.com/books/titles/ward_81/300B-026-13A_ward81_520.html