Mental Health Timeline by

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:52:27 UTC

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the U.S., struggled with depression. He often felt deep sadness and had suicidal thoughts. Despite this, he remained strong and led the country through the Civil War.

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:53:20 UTC

Vincent van Gogh, a famous painter, had severe mental illness. He struggled emotionally, which showed in his art. Though he wasn’t famous in his lifetime, his work later became well known.

Yer Blues (1968) – The Beatles

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:54:01 UTC

The Beatles' song Yer Blues talks about deep sadness and feeling suicidal. The lyrics describe loneliness and emotional pain such as "Yes I'm lonely, wanna die". The song shows how music can express mental health struggles.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1928) – Paul Bäumer

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:54:45 UTC

Paul Bäumer, a soldier in All Quiet on the Western Front, sees the horrors of war and loses hope. He becomes numb and eventually gives up on life. His story shows how war deeply affects mental health.

Sylvia Plath (1932–1963)

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:55:47 UTC

Sylvia Plath, a poet, suffered from depression. Her writing reflected her struggles, and she eventually died by suicide. Her work helped bring attention to mental health issues.

Unwell (2002) – Matchbox Twenty

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:56:41 UTC

The song Unwell by Matchbox Twenty talks about anxiety and feeling different from others. The lyrics show feelings of paranoia and loneliness. The song helps people relate to struggles with mental health. This is seen in his lyrics "I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell".

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – Charlie

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:57:22 UTC

Charlie, the main character, struggles with past trauma and PTSD. His mental health affects his friendships and emotions. The movie shows how support and self-acceptance can help.

BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:58:38 UTC

BoJack Horseman is a character who deals with addiction and depression. His bad choices and self-hate make his life worse. The show gives a real look at mental health struggles.

13 Reasons Why (2017–2020) – Hannah Baker

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 02:59:41 UTC

In 13 Reasons Why, Hannah Baker experiences bullying and trauma, which lead to her suicide. The show highlights how mental health struggles can have lasting effects. It also stresses the importance of talking about these issues.

Brain on Fire (2017) – Susannah Cahalan

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:00:49 UTC

Susannah Cahalan was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia but actually had a brain disease. Her story shows how important it is to get the right diagnosis. It highlights the connection between physical and mental health.

Turtles All the Way Down (2017) – Aza Holmes

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:01:57 UTC

Aza Holmes has OCD and anxiety, making her daily life difficult. She has thoughts she can’t control, which affects her relationships. The book helps people understand what it’s like to live with OCD.

Just a Farmer (2019)

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:03:12 UTC

Just a Farmer shows how farmers struggle with stress and depression. The movie highlights the mental health issues that many farmers face. It reminds us that they need support too.

Drinking Alone (2019) – Cole Phillips

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:05:06 UTC

The song Drinking Alone tells a story of someone struggling with depression. The person turns to alcohol to cope with their pain. The song warns about the dangers of unhealthy coping habits. It is seen in his lyrics "Last words to mama was 'I was in the dark just drinking alone"

The King of Staten Island (2020) – Scott Carlin

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:06:46 UTC

Scott Carlin lost his firefighter father and struggles with grief. He uses humor and reckless behavior to cope. The movie shows how unhealed trauma can shape someone’s life.

How It Feels to Float (2019) – Biz

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:07:48 UTC

Biz, the main character, struggles with grief after losing her father. She has panic attacks and feels disconnected from reality. The book shows how loss and mental health struggles can feel overwhelming.

Proposal

dwgandolfo — 2025-03-11 03:15:02 UTC

People still see mental illness as weakness instead of a real problem. Many don’t get help because of stigma, high costs, or lack of support. We need better education, and cheaper treatment. Therapy should be easier to get, and jobs should offer mental health support. Talking openly and showing mental illness in a real way in media can reduce stigma. Things like support groups can help a lot to get people to talk.