Science has come a long way to diagnosing various disorders, but even today, mental illnesses are often stigmatized and misunderstood. Looking back in history may provide reasons behind why these stigma originated or advice on dealing with current mental illnesses. So, how do approaches to mental health differ between ancient and contemporary times?
The first example of recorded texts on mental illness is often credited to the physician Caelius Aurelianus. He translated the text “On Acute and Chronic Diseases” which described three types of madness: phrenitis, mania, and melancholy. Many of the symptoms recorded are similar to the mental health diseases that are seen today.
One of Ancient Rome’s main influences was from the Greek physician Hippocrates. His ideas entailed that an imbalance in the four bodily fluids or humors would ultimately result in madness. Some examples of these fluids are yellow and black bile, and when there is a surplus of these humors, mania and melancholy ensue. Although attributing humors to mental disorders is very outdated, the same principle can be a parallel to now-known hormonal imbalances which can cause shifts in mood.
Many ancient peoples also believed the mental disorders came from the Greek and Roman gods, typically as punishment for sin. Especially since not many of these diseases had a scientific explanation yet, the gods were a common reason provided for any unusual occurrence. One of the main mythological figures thought to cause madness is the “Furies” who are a trio of vengeful goddesses sent by Pluto (Hades) mainly after those who committed horrible crimes.
The cures for mental illnesses, however, were often harsh and even life-threatening. Many people did not seek medical help, instead relying on religious or mythological methods such as spending the night in the temple of Asclepius, the god of healing, and hoping that he would provide a cure. On the other hand, many physicians believed that physical and medical treatments were the only effective cure, examples including bloodletting, purging, and even whipping. Additionally, different herbal drugs, diet, and baths were advised to stabilize the humoral balance thereby restoring health. After the affected individual took these drugs they were expected to have sweat, vomit, and diarrhea which were believed to be signs of the medications efficacy. Asclepiades of Bithynia opposed Hippocrates’ humoral theories and instead preached that disease should be combated by fresh air, light, good diet, and exercise as opposed to the common methods of torture. These ideas were squashed by the increasing prevalence of Chistianity which promoted the belief that madness was demonic possession or divine punishment.
Furthermore, the state never assumed the duty of caring for the insane, leaving their families to have to try and help them or often ending up homeless. The lack of recognition for these peoples perpetuated for centuries and symptoms continued to be treated with torture or isolation.
We can learn from past history and precedent to understand more of what to do today in terms of mental health. By promoting awareness and acceptance, those with mental health may finally be able to overcome the stigma around their illness and receive the needed treatment. Untreated mental health issues or ones that are treated improperly can worsen the symptoms and the affected person’s quality of life, making it necessary to be more mindful of the various mental health issues that people around the world are impacted by daily.
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