Episode 04: Abe Lincoln & Vulnerable Leaders

Depression

Jun 17

Vulnerability, anxiety, and depression. They can feel like flaws in your character, but they might secretly be your greatest evolutionary gift. And, if you’re Lincoln, they’re the master key for unlocking life’s problems.

Show Notes:

Is it really okay for men to cry? And if depression is so dangerous to our mental health, why does it occur in every human culture throughout history? Today’s episode is all about vulnerability and mental health. Specifically depression, anxiety, and vulnerability in leaders, and how great leaders use openness to inspire loyalty in the people around them.

We start the show by exploring Abraham Lincoln’s clinical depression, and we share his infamous Suicide Soliloque. Then we talk about the myths that pervade our culture about vulnerability. Myths like; vulnerability equals weakness, men shouldn’t show vulnerability, and depressed people should seek help while they’re depressed. (Spoiler: you should seek help when you’re still mentally strong enough to begin the process!)

We also touch on facts about depression as a function of the brain, and why depression may have given Lincoln a secret edge in his presidency.

History Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Suicide%27s_Soliloquy

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2005/10/lincolns-great-depression/304247/

https://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln84.html

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4976127

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_sickness

http://www.mrlincolnandfriends.org/the-women/anne-rutledge/

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/willie-and-tad-lincoln-get-the-measles

http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/education/williedeath.htm

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4976127

Science Links: