The Times Abraham Lincoln Was Put On Suicide Watch
One of our greatest presidents suffered more than we ever thought.
“Lincoln’s story confounds those who see depression as a collection of symptoms to be eliminated. But it resonates with those who see suffering as a potential catalyst of emotional growth,” writes author Joshua Wolf Shenk.
Abraham Lincoln is often cited as one of the most famous historical figures who suffered from depression. Sometimes, with that knowledge also comes the implication of “if Lincoln could overcome depression, you can too.”
But Lincoln never overcame his depression. In fact, according to Shenk, Lincoln used it to fuel his greatness. This knowledge is not meant to minimize the challenges people with depression face, but is instead meant to validate the fact that a lot of people suffered from depression, even someone like Abraham Lincoln. To me, the thing about Lincoln’s depression isn’t that he suffered from it, but that few know the severity and extent to his suffering. Lincoln would be put on suicide watch — twice. In this article, I learn and explore the history behind one of our greatest President’s suffering.
In 1841, Lincoln had his second depressive episode. But despite his lifelong depression, the Ilinois lawyer became President 19 years later, and…
