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WHAT MAKES A HISTORICAL

LEADER?

Their position in government ?

Changes they made ?
Number of people they helped?
Ability to inspire?
Others?? What do you think?

LEADERS STRUGGLE TOO

Abraham Lincoln
- Lincoln was said to have suffered from not only severe
stretches of depression but also suicidal ideation.
- Lincolns depression was visible to those close to him such as
William Herndon, his law partner, who described Lincoln: "His
melancholy dripped from him as he walked.
- Suffered many personal losses during his presidency. -Today
we know that early losses, especially of a parent, can lead to
depression later in life.

LEADERS STRUGGLE TOO

Thomas Jefferson
-

Experienced what we would call clinical

depression today

Financial woes and personal loss deepened Jeffersons

depression, including the loss of his wife, Martha

It is said that following his wifes death that he stayed

in his room for three weeks and ventured out only to
join his daughter Patsy on all-day rides on horseback.

LEADERS STRUGGLE TOO

John Quincy Adams
-

Alcoholism and depression seemed to run

in Adams family.

Adams, plagued by internal conflicts, was often

described as stubborn, aloof, and angry.

His son Charles described him as hiding behind an

iron mask because he didnt show his feelings.

Adams is said to have found relief in attending

church, walking, poetry, swimming and astronomy.

LEADERS STRUGGLE TOO

-Lester Hunt, United States Senator, committed suicide
via gunshot
-Meriwether Lewis, U.S. explorer and partner of
William Clark, gunshot. There is some debate as
to whether his death was a suicide
-Jeremy Michael Boorda, Died at 57 (1996) Chief
of Naval Operations, US Navy from suicide
-Robert Adams, Jr. at 57 (1906) Congressman from
Pennsylvania, shot himself after heavy losses in stock
speculation

MENTAL HEALTH
- Refers to the maintenance of successful mental
activity
- Maintaining healthy relationships with others and
positive daily activity and thoughts
- Ability to adapt to change and cope with stress
-

Can stem from biological factors, such as genes or

brain chemistry, life
experiences, such as trauma or abuse and/or family
history of mental health problems
- Like any other illness. What does this mean?

SIGNS OF STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL

HEALTH

Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying

Hopelessness

Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously

favorite activities

Persistent boredom; low energy

Social isolation, poor communication

Low self esteem and guilt

Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure

Increased irritability, anger, or hostility

Difficulty with relationships

Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and

stomachaches

Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school

Poor concentration

A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns

Talk of or efforts to run away from home

Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior

-AACAP, The Depressed Child

MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS INCLUDE

ADD

ADHD

Anxiety

Panic Disorder

Bipolar

Depression

Suicide

Acute Stress Disorder

Social Phobia

OCD

PTSD

CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

MAKING HISTORY
University of Pennsylvania track star, Madison Holleran, her father
said she was struggling with school work, had shared her suicidal thoughts
with her family and was seeing a psychiatristbefore she committed suicide
shocking her community
Demi Lovato
- https://youtu.be/10gcsrx-ANA
Silver Linings Playbook
- Bradley Coopers plays characters who returns from a mental institution
and finds and unlikely friend in Jennifer Lawrence with her out mental
health struggles (check with parents about rating before watching this
movie)
According to Center for Military Health Research, at least 20% of
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD and/or Depression.

SCHOOL RESOURCES

This was just a BRIEF overview of the mental health

issues

Group counseling at our school: covers different

mental health topics while developing healthy
relationships and a strong support system with others
experiencing similar difficulties

If you experience or want to talk one-on-one or have

further questions please feel free to meet with me!

www.Mentalhealth.gov

Even the most influential leaders of our

American history struggle with mental health
wellness.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Comments? Questions? Concerns?
What did you learn today?
Thank you for your participation today