Although he is perhaps best known for his honesty, a lesser known fact about Abraham Lincoln is that 16th president The American struggled with severe depression throughout his life.
Dr. Chris Tuell, a clinical psychologist and chemical and behavioral addiction expert at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has studied Lincoln’s mental health struggles extensively.
“History books play an important role in our perception and understanding of Illinois’ ‘Rail Splitter,’ but it’s easy to forget that Abraham Lincoln was a very human being,” Tuell said. told FOX News Digital.
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“Lincoln led this nation through its worst crisis while at the same time fighting its own civil war.” chronic depression. ”
Here’s what you need to know:
This painting depicts Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, giving the Gettysburg Address. (Illustration: JLG Ferris)
Signs of depression in Lincoln
In 1841, at the age of 32, Lincoln wrote to John Stuart: “I am now the most miserable man alive. There wouldn’t be a single bright face on the planet if it were distributed to the world.I’m going to get better from now on, I don’t know; I have a terrible feeling it won’t be; it’s impossible to stay like this. .”
Tuell noted that Lincoln scholars have “clear evidence” that Lincoln suffered from depression starting in his 20s.
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“Lincoln’s school teacher, Mentor Graham, “told me that Lincoln often felt suicidal,” Tuell said.
“He was a sad-looking man, gloomy and melancholy,” said his law partner and biographer William Herndon. “His melancholy dripped out as he walked.”
Factors causing Lincoln’s depression
According to Joshua Wolf Schenk’s book “Lincoln’s Melancholy,” the president’s mental health can be traced to both genetics and traumatic experiences.
Lincoln is said to have a family history of depression.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, battled severe depression. (Library of Congress prints and photos)
“Historical records indicate that Lincoln’s mother and father were prone to depression, and that one member of the family was ‘plagued with mental illness,'” Tuell said.
“Early childhood bereavement can be one of the most important factors in developing depression later in life.”
As a child, Lincoln lost several close family members.
After his older brother died at an early age, Lincoln’s mother, aunt, and uncle all died when Lincoln was only nine years old. Ten years later, his sister died during a stillbirth.
Then, in 1835, Lincoln lost his first love, Anne Rutledge.
As a father, he experienced the death of two young sons, Eddie and Willie.
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“According to mental health experts, childhood bereavement can be one of the most significant factors in developing depression later in life,” Tuell said.
Dr. Mark Siegel, Clinical Professor, School of Medicine New York University Langone Medical Center A Fox News medical contributor said Lincoln’s depression could be related to his “intellectual ability and talent.” [his tendency to] Look and feel things deeply. ”
How did Lincoln deal with depression?
Before the era of psychotherapy, antidepressantsLincoln learned to live with his depressive temperament, Tuell said.
“He frequently used humor and stories to lift his spirits and distract from depression,” the psychologist told Fox News Digital.
It depicts Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation, granting freedom to enslaved people. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
“Only his closest friends had any insight into the extent of his symptoms.”
In a certain era, mental health treatment Tuell said learning how to manage depression and his life was Lincoln’s only choice.
“The only other option would have been for him to succumb to these adversities,” he said.
“He managed to survive the Civil War and become, by most estimates, our greatest president.”
“It seems to be in the nature of the 16th president not to acquiesce. Lincoln served this country tenaciously and eloquently.”
Siegel pointed out that in Lincoln’s time, depression was called “melancholy” and was usually treated with highly addictive opiates. drug It is extracted from the poppy plant.
“I don’t think the personality of the 16th president would have tolerated that,” the psychologist said. “Lincoln served this country patiently and eloquently.” (AP)
Historians note that despite Lincoln’s continued depression, his sons brought him a period of happiness.
“We’re so used to seeing Abraham Lincoln looking depressed and sad that we forget, but the historical record is clear on this. He played with his sons. I was breaking down laughing as I watched them and the mayhem they caused,” Raymond Arroyo said. The Fox News contributor and best-selling author previously spoke to Fox News Digital.
He is the author of “The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln,” part of the Turnabout Tales series of books.
What you need to know about depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or approximately 9.5% of the U.S. population over the age of 18, suffer from depression each year.
There are different types of depression, Tuell said.
These may include major depression, dysthymia (ongoing mild depression), and bipolar disorder (mood swings between depression and mania).
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or approximately 9.5% of the U.S. population over the age of 18, suffer from depression each year. (St. Petersburg)
“Depression can affect every aspect of your life, including your physical health and sleep.” [habits]your eating habits, your job, your relationships with friends and family, etc.,” Tuell said. “It affects how you think, feel, and behave.”
Depression is one of the most serious illnesses, but mental health It’s also one of the most treatable problems facing people today, Tuell said.
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Tuell and Siegel agreed that Lincoln’s perseverance in the face of severe depression was admirable.
“It’s hard to speculate about what President Lincoln might say or do about the current political climate or what he thinks about the new millennium’s understanding of depression and mental health. That’s all we can do,” Tuel said.
President Abraham Lincoln and General George B. McClellan at their headquarters in Antietam, October 3, 1862. From left: General George W. Morrell, Colonel Alexander S. Webb, General McClellan, Scout Adams, Dr. Jonathan Letterman, unidentified officer, President Lincoln, Colonel Henry Hunt, General Fitz, John Porter, unidentified. Unknown officer. (Getty Images)
“But nearly 159 years later, Lincoln’s historical figure remains timeless.”
Tuell noted that Lincoln believed in the human spirit and spoke about the role people should play in relation to each other.
“Nowhere was this more clearly expressed than in Lincoln’s own words: ‘Malice toward none, but mercy toward all.'”
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Siegel added that Lincoln’s battle with depression was “an inspiration to all who suffer from or feel stigmatized by this terrible disease.”
“He managed to survive the Civil War and become, by most estimates, our greatest president.”
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