In the Age of Enlightenment, a period marked by intellectual
curiosity, scientific progress, and philosophical discourse, attitudes towards
mental health and depression underwent significant transformation. This era,
spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, saw a reevaluation of traditional beliefs
about the mind and body, leading to new insights into the nature of mental
illness. Philosophers, physicians, and society at large grappled with questions
surrounding depression, shaping understandings and treatments that continue to
resonate in contemporary discourse.
During the Enlightenment, depression was often described as
a melancholic state of mind characterized by sadness, despondency, and a lack
of motivation. This era marked a transition from superstition-based beliefs
about mental illness to a more rational understanding of emotional distress.
Then, depression came to be viewed as a weakness in
temperament that was inherited and could not be changed. The result of these
beliefs was that people with this condition should be shunned or locked up. During
the latter part of the Age of Enlightenment, doctors began to suggest the idea
that aggression was at the root of the condition.
Actually, a variety of complex explanations for
depression came into being during the latter part of the Age of Enlightenment.
Some doctors and authors suggested that aggression was the real root of depression.
They advocated exercise, music, drugs and diet, and stressed the importance of
discussing problems with a close friend, or a doctor. Others thought that
depression was caused by an internal conflict between unacceptable impulses and
a person's conscience. In contrast, advances in general medical knowledge
caused other scientists to believe in and search for organic (physical) causes
of depression.
Philosophical Perspectives on Mental Health
Philosophers during the Age of Enlightenment held diverse
views on mental health, shaping societal attitudes towards depression.
Rationalist thinkers like René Descartes emphasized the
importance of reason and self-awareness in maintaining mental well-being. They
viewed mental health issues, such as depression, as disruptions in rational
thought that could be addressed through introspection and self-reflection.
Empiricists such as John Locke focused on sensory
experiences and observation to understand mental health. They believed that
external factors and environmental influences played a significant role in
shaping mental well-being, including the emergence of depressive symptoms.
Medical Understanding and Treatments of Depression
In the Enlightenment era, the concept of mental illness
began to be studied systematically. Physicians and philosophers developed
theories about the causes of mental disorders, including depression, laying the
groundwork for modern psychiatric understanding.
Medical Treatments during the Enlightenment
Treatment methods for depression during the Enlightenment
varied widely, from bloodletting and purging to the use of herbal remedies and
early forms of psychotherapy. These treatments reflected the evolving beliefs
about the mind-body connection and the need for holistic approaches to mental
health.
Towards the beginning of the 19th century, new therapies
for depression included water immersion (keeping people under water for as long
as possible without drowning them) and a special spinning stool to induce
dizziness (to rearrange the contents of the brain into the correct positions).
In addition, Benjamin Franklin introduced an early form of electroshock
therapy. Horseback riding, special diets, enemas and vomiting were also
recommended therapy.
Other doctors of the time spoke of depression as
resulting from internal conflicts between what you want and what you know is
right. And yet others sought to identify the physical causes of this condition.
Treatments during this period included water immersion
(staying underwater for long as possible without drowning) and using a spinning
stool to put the brain contents back into their correct positions.
Additional treatments included:
·
Diet changes
·
Enemas
·
Horseback riding
·
Vomiting
Overall, the treatment for depression could be categorized
the following way:
1. Philosophical
Counseling: Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the power of reason and
rationality to overcome emotional challenges. Philosophical counseling,
involving discussions and reflections on moral and existential questions, was
sometimes employed to help individuals cope with depression and melancholy.
2. Religious
Practices: For many people during this period, religion played a central
role in providing comfort and guidance during times of distress. Practices such
as prayer, meditation, and confession were commonly used as means of seeking
solace and spiritual healing.
3. Moral
and Ethical Guidance: Moral and ethical teachings were often considered
essential for managing one's emotions. Individuals experiencing depression
might turn to moral philosophy or religious teachings for guidance on
cultivating virtues such as courage, temperance, and resilience.
4. Physical
Remedies: While the understanding of the mind-body connection was limited
compared to modern knowledge, some physical remedies were employed for treating
depression. These might include activities such as exercise, spending time
outdoors, or engaging in pleasurable activities to lift one's spirits.
5. Social
Support Networks: Friends, family members, and community networks played a
crucial role in providing emotional support during times of distress. Social
interactions and supportive relationships were seen as essential for
maintaining mental well-being.
6. Artistic
and Creative Expression: Engaging in artistic or creative pursuits, such as
writing, painting, or playing music, was sometimes recommended as a means of
expressing and processing emotions.
7. Travel
and Change of Environment: Some individuals believed that a change of scenery
or environment could have a positive impact on mental health. Traveling to new
places or spending time in nature was thought to offer opportunities for
reflection and renewal.
Some of the medicinal treatments used during this period
included:
1. Herbal
Remedies: Herbal remedies were commonly used for various ailments during
the Enlightenment, and some were believed to have mood-altering properties.
Plants such as St. John's Wort, lavender, and valerian were sometimes used to
alleviate symptoms of depression, although their efficacy was not well
understood.
2. Opium
and Laudanum: Opium, derived from the poppy plant, and laudanum, a tincture
containing opium, alcohol, and other ingredients, were used as painkillers and
sedatives during the Enlightenment. While these substances could temporarily
alleviate symptoms of depression by inducing relaxation and euphoria, they also
carried significant risks of addiction and other adverse effects.
3. Bloodletting:
Bloodletting, the practice of intentionally withdrawing blood from a patient,
was a common medical treatment during the Enlightenment for a wide range of
ailments, including mental health disorders. It was based on the ancient theory
of balancing bodily humors, but its effectiveness in treating depression was
dubious and potentially harmful.
4. Electrotherapy:
While not widely practiced during the Enlightenment, there were some early
experiments with electrotherapy for treating mental illness. These treatments
involved the application of electrical currents to the body, with the belief
that they could restore balance and alleviate symptoms. However, these
approaches were experimental and not well understood at the time.
5. Aromatherapy
and Perfumes: Some physicians and healers believed that certain scents and
perfumes could have therapeutic effects on mood and mental well-being.
Aromatherapy using essential oils extracted from plants was occasionally used
as a complementary treatment for depression and other emotional disturbances.
Social Stigma and Perceptions of Mental Illness
Attitudes towards mental illness, including depression,
were influenced by societal norms and institutions during the Age of
Enlightenment. Public perceptions of mental illness were often marred by stigma
and misconceptions. Individuals experiencing depression were sometimes seen as
morally weak or spiritually deficient, contributing to feelings of shame and
isolation.
The Role of Institutions in Addressing Mental Illness
Institutions such as asylums and hospitals played a role
in caring for individuals with mental health conditions, including depression.
However, the treatment within these institutions varied greatly, from humane
approaches to neglect and abuse, highlighting the challenges in addressing
mental illness within society.
Enlightenment Thinkers and Mental Health
In the Age of Enlightenment, prominent figures like
Voltaire and Rousseau shared their perspectives on mental health. Voltaire
believed in the power of reason and advocated for a rational approach to
addressing mental struggles. Rousseau, on the other hand, emphasized the
importance of inner reflection and finding harmony within oneself as a way to
combat depression.
Case Studies of Individuals Dealing with Depression
Exploring the lives of individuals like Mary
Wollstonecraft and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe provides insight into how
depression was perceived and managed in the Enlightenment era. Wollstonecraft's
struggles with mental health shed light on the societal stigmas surrounding
depression, while Goethe's experiences offer a glimpse into the personal
battles individuals faced during this time.
