Abraham Lincoln was born Feburary 12, 1809 to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln. They were two poor, uneducated farmers in Southeast Kentucky. His mother died when he was 9 years old. When he was 22 years old, Lincoln set out on his own in Illinios. He was self-taught and was admitted to the bar in 1837. He served 4 terms in the Illinios House of Representatives, 1 term in the US House of Representatives, and served 2 terms as President. He was assassinated at Ford's Theatre on April 15, 1865.
Psychologists today believe that Lincoln was subject to periods of depression, which his friends described as "melancholy" and he called "hypo." However, Lincoln was skillful from hiding this from the majority of the people he met. As a result, he was able to prevent it from interfering with his work as President. He was able to cope with his depression using a variety of means - work, humor, religion, and his sheer will. In fact, he gave advice to others on how to deal with their depression.
Personally, I feel that depression is a serious disorder, but one that can be overcome without professional help. Back in Lincoln's day, there were no drugs that one could take to cure depression, nor were there pyschologists to help people deal with it, yet Lincoln was able to overcome his depression and succesfully lead the US in its time of greatest trial. Clearly, it is possible to overcome depression without professional help, it only requires the will.
For more information:
http://home.att.net/~rjnorton/Lincoln84.html
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln
Psychologists today believe that Lincoln was subject to periods of depression, which his friends described as "melancholy" and he called "hypo." However, Lincoln was skillful from hiding this from the majority of the people he met. As a result, he was able to prevent it from interfering with his work as President. He was able to cope with his depression using a variety of means - work, humor, religion, and his sheer will. In fact, he gave advice to others on how to deal with their depression.
Personally, I feel that depression is a serious disorder, but one that can be overcome without professional help. Back in Lincoln's day, there were no drugs that one could take to cure depression, nor were there pyschologists to help people deal with it, yet Lincoln was able to overcome his depression and succesfully lead the US in its time of greatest trial. Clearly, it is possible to overcome depression without professional help, it only requires the will.
For more information:
http://home.att.net/~rjnorton/Lincoln84.html
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln
8 comments:
I totally believe that if a person wants to help themselves then it is possible. However, people usually cannot do this without supportive friends and family. Having something to believe in, such as faith in religion, must help as well. It's kind of crazy to think that he was able to deal with a civil war and depression. He must have had a loooooooot of stress.
I totally agree with Jonika. If a person want to help themselves then it is possible. However, he must have to willpower to do it. I don't think this is always possible with individuals who are depressed. So, more often than not, psychological help is needed.
Our past president was depressed? That's so hard to believe! Good job on blogging on something really interesting!
that's CRAZY! to think that the leader of our nation.. and one of the greatest.. EVER, was depressed. my gosh. just shows that no matter who you are you can have problems.... disorders don't discriminate
Oh wow, this was definitely really interesting to read about. Who knew? Great blog! :)
Its weird how in the history books the cover this little tid bit about the true nature of Abraham Lincoln
I completely agree with your last statement depression can be cured without medication if there is will power...Its impressive how Abrahan Lincoln dealt with all the stress.
It's interesting how he was able to hide his depression and even give others advice on how to cope with it. It's hard to believe that he was able to just put it aside like that. Good post!
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