In a world where nearly a billion people are grappling with mental health issues, according to the World Health Organization, it’s enlightening to reflect on how our ancestors viewed and managed mental health. The ancient Greeks and Romans, with their rich history of philosophy and medicine, offered insights that remain relevant even today. Let’s explore four key lessons they taught us about mental health.
1. The Mind’s Influence on Health
Mental health challenges, such as depression, were well-known in ancient times. Homer, the famed poet of the “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” is believed to have succumbed to depression in the 8th century BC. Ancient Greek doctors, as early as the late 5th century BC, recognized the significant impact of our thoughts on our overall health.
In the “Epidemics,” a medical text from around 400 BC, an anonymous doctor emphasized that our habits of thinking, along with lifestyle choices, play a crucial role in determining our health. The ancient belief that mental well-being is intertwined with physical health is a perspective that continues to resonate in modern times.
2. Mental Health Problems as a Cause of Physical Illness
The ancient texts also document how severe mental distress could lead to physical illness. The “Epidemics” recounts the case of Parmeniscus, whose mental turmoil rendered him delirious and speechless, confined to bed for 14 days. While the specifics of his cure remain unknown, this case highlights the profound connection between mental and physical health.
Galen of Pergamum, a renowned physician from the 2nd century AD, observed that a disturbed mental state often precipitated illness. He noted that emotions such as anger, confusion, and fear could manifest physically, leading to prolonged sickness or even death. One of his patients, after losing a significant sum of money, wasted away in grief, eventually succumbing to brain fever and delirium.
3. Prevention and Treatment of Mental Illness
The ancients employed various strategies to prevent and treat mental illness. The philosopher Aristippus advised focusing on the present moment to avoid mental disturbances, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness. Clinias, another philosopher, found solace in music, using his lyre to calm his anger.
Doctors of the time also advocated lifestyle changes to improve mental health. These included adopting new exercise routines, altering diets, traveling, engaging in intellectual pursuits like listening to philosophers, playing strategic games, and performing mental exercises akin to modern crossword puzzles or sudoku.
Galen believed that mental health issues stemmed from certain ideas taking hold of the mind. He argued that removing these harmful ideas was essential for curing mental illnesses, rather than relying solely on physical remedies. His methods included redirecting patients’ thoughts towards new, often fear-inducing, ideas to shift their focus away from their mental distress.
4. The Effort Required for Mental Well-being
Maintaining a healthy mental state, according to ancient thinkers, required active effort. If someone was anxious, angry, or despondent, they believed that engaging in activities that induced opposite emotions was essential.
Physician Caelius Aurelianus, writing in the 5th century AD, suggested that those suffering from depression should seek out activities that made them laugh, such as watching comedies. However, the ancients were clear that no single activity could guarantee mental well-being; rather, a comprehensive change in one’s lifestyle and mindset was necessary.
Conclusion
The struggles with mental health that we face today echo those of our ancient ancestors. While our methods and medications have evolved, many of the core principles of mental well-being recognized by the Greeks and Romans remain remarkably relevant. Their belief in the importance of mental health, the connection between mind and body, and the need for proactive care serves as a testament to the enduring wisdom of ancient civilizations.