[ad_1]
He is probably greatest identified for his honesty — however a lesser-known truth about Abraham Lincoln is that the sixteenth president of the United States battled extreme depression throughout his lifetime.
Dr. Chris Tuell, a medical psychotherapist and a chemical and behavioral dependancy specialist on the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has studied Lincoln’s psychological well being struggles extensively.
“Though the history books play a significant role in our perception and understanding of the ‘rail splitter’ from Illinois, it often becomes easy for us to forget that Abraham Lincoln was very human,” Tuell instructed Fox News Digital.
HOW ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS SAVED BY HIS SON TAD — AND GAVE US ‘A HOLIDAY TRADITION’ TO REMEMBER
“Lincoln led this nation through its worst crisis, while at the same time battling his own internal war of persistent depression.”
Here’s what to know.
Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States, is depicted on this portray on the Gettysburg Address. (Painting by J.L.G. Ferris)
Signs of Lincoln’s depression
At age 32, in a letter to John Stuart in 1841, Lincoln wrote, “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell; I awfully forebode I shall not; to remain as I am is impossible.”
Lincoln students have “clear evidence” that he suffered from depressive episodes starting in his 20s, Tuell famous.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, FEBRUARY 12, 1809, ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS BORN IN KENTUCKY
“Lincoln’s school teacher, Mentor Graham, stated, ‘Lincoln told me that he felt like committing suicide often,’” Tuell mentioned.
“Law partner and biographer William Herndon stated, ‘He was a sad-looking man, gloomy and melancholic. His melancholy dripped from him as he walked.’”
Contributing elements to Lincoln’s depression
The president’s psychological well being situation may be attributed to each genetics and traumatic experiences, in line with the ebook “Lincoln’s Melancholy” by Joshua Wolf Shenk.
Lincoln is claimed to have had a household historical past of depression.
Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the U.S., battled extreme depression. (Library of Congress Prints and Photographs)
“Historical information point out that Lincoln’s mom and father have been disposed to melancholy and that one aspect of the household ‘was thick with mental disease,'” said Tuell.
“Bereavement in childhood can be one of the most significant factors in the development of depressive illness in later life.”
As a child, Lincoln lost several close family members.
After his brother died in infancy, Lincoln’s mom, aunt and uncle all died when he was simply 9 years outdated. A decade later, his sister died whereas delivering a stillborn toddler.
Later, Lincoln skilled the lack of his past love, Ann Rutledge, in 1835.
As a father, he skilled the loss of life of two younger sons, Eddie and Willie.
AFTER THEY LEAVE THE WHITE HOUSE, WHAT SHOULD AMERICA DO WITH OUR EX-PRESIDENTS?
“According to mental health professionals, bereavement in childhood can be one of the most significant factors in the development of depressive illness in later life,” Tuell mentioned.
Dr. Marc Siegel, medical professor of medication at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, mentioned that Lincoln’s melancholy could have been tied to his “intellectual prowess and [his tendency to] see and feel things deeply.”
How Lincoln dealt with depression
Before the age of psychotherapy and antidepressant medicines, Lincoln discovered to stay with his depressive disposition, Tuell mentioned.
“He would frequently use humor and storytelling to elevate his mood and distract himself from his depression,” the psychologist instructed Fox News Digital.
Abraham Lincoln is depicted on the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave enslaved folks their freedom. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
“Only his closest friends had any insight concerning the extent of his condition.”
In a time interval when psychological well being therapy was not accessible, Tuell famous that studying learn how to handle his life with his depression was Lincoln’s solely selection.
“The only other option would have been for him to succumb to these adversities,” he mentioned.
“He managed to overcome it and the Civil War to become our greatest president, by most people’s estimation.”
“It does not appear that it was in the 16th president’s persona to acquiesce. Lincoln persevered and served this country eloquently.”
Siegel famous that in Lincoln’s time, depression was known as “melancholy” and was usually handled with opium, a extremely addictive narcotic drug that’s extracted from the poppy plant.
“It does not appear that it was in the 16th president’s persona to acquiesce,” a psychologist mentioned. “Lincoln persevered and served this country eloquently.” (AP)
Historians have famous that Lincoln’s sons introduced him durations of happiness regardless of his ongoing depression.
“We are so used to seeing Abraham Lincoln looking depressed and sad, that we forget — and the historical record is clear on this — he would break down in laughter when playing with his boys or observing the mayhem they created,” Raymond Arroyo, a Fox News contributor and bestselling creator, beforehand instructed Fox News Digital.
He is the creator of the ebook, “The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln,” a part of his Turnabout Tales collection of books.
What to know about depression
Depressive problems have an effect on roughly 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. inhabitants age 18 and older in a given yr, in line with the National Institute of Mental Health.
There are several types of depressive problems, in line with Tuell.
These could embody main depression, dysthymia (an ongoing, low-grade depression) and bipolar (temper swings of depression and mania).
Depressive problems have an effect on roughly 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. inhabitants age 18 and older in a given yr, in line with the National Institute of Mental Health. (iStock)
“Depression can have an effect on each side of 1’s life — bodily well being, sleep [habits], consuming habits, job and your relationships with associates and household,” mentioned Tuell. “It affects thoughts, feelings and behaviors.”
While depression is likely one of the most severe psychological well being points going through folks right this moment, Tuell famous that it’s additionally one of the crucial treatable.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Lincoln’s perseverance within the face of extreme depression was one thing to be admired, Tuell and Siegel agreed.
“We can only speculate what Lincoln would say or do about our current state of political affairs, or even what thoughts he may have toward the new millennium’s understanding of depression and mental health,” Tuell mentioned.
President Abraham Lincoln with General George B. McClellan at his headquarters at Antietam, Oct. 3, 1862. From left: General George W. Morell, Colonel Alexander S. Webb, General McClellan, scout Adams, Dr. Jonathan Letterman, unidentified officer, President Lincoln, Colonel Henry Hunt, General Fitz, John Porter, unidentified officer. (Getty Images)
“But now, some 159 years later, Lincoln’s historical persona continues to belong to the ages.”
Lincoln believed within the human spirit and spoke of the position folks should have towards each other, Tuell famous.
“This was no more clearly expressed than through Lincoln’s own words, ‘With malice toward none; with charity for all,’” he mentioned.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Lincoln’s battle with depression may be thought to be an “inspiration to all who suffer from this dreaded disease or feel stigmatized by it,” Siegel added.
“He managed to overcome it and the Civil War to become our greatest president, by most people’s estimation.”
For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being.
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink