One of the most impactful presidents the United States has ever had, Abraham Lincoln left quite the legacy. From leading the country out of civil war to the abolition of slavery, Lincoln is known for many things, yet one aspect of his life is often overlooked: throughout his life, Lincoln suffered from severe clinical depression. Mental illness wasn't a well-recognized topic at the period when Lincoln lived, but, looking back, it becomes clear that he wasn't mentally well. His close companions often described him as "dripping with melancholy," "diffident," and "plagued." In 1841, Lincoln sought the help of a doctor after becoming openly suicidal, describing himself as "the most miserable man living."

After spending some time recovering with said doctor, Lincoln used his feeling of duty to his country as motivation. Serving his nation gave him a sense of purpose, and the unending nature of his work led him to live out the rest of his life. While Lincoln continued to struggle with mental issues until his assassination, his dedication to his work allowed him to escape a far more premature death.

While we can point out hundreds of modern celebrities who have suffered from/overcome depression, it's another thing entirely to recognize that depression has affected millions of people throughout all of human history. Although it may be increasing, depression has been around for a long time, and countless famous historical figures have felt its burden.