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Depression and anxiety

Helen
3 min readSep 1, 2024

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Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. Both conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. In this essay, we will delve into the historical context of depression and anxiety, explore key figures in the field, discuss their impact, and analyze influential individuals who have contributed to our understanding of these conditions.

Depression and anxiety have a long history, with accounts of these conditions appearing in ancient texts as early as the second millennium BC. Throughout history, various cultures have viewed mental health differently, ranging from spiritual beliefs to medical explanations. In the Middle Ages, depression was often associated with possession by evil spirits, while anxiety was seen as a sign of weakness or lack of faith. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that mental health conditions were increasingly viewed through a medical lens, leading to advancements in treatment and understanding.

One key figure in the field of depression and anxiety is Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. Freud’s work revolutionized the field of psychology, emphasizing the role of unconscious thoughts and experiences in shaping behavior. He believed that depression and anxiety stemmed from unresolved conflicts and repressed emotions from childhood. Freud’s…

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Helen
Helen

Written by Helen

I’m a board member for the Harvard Creative Writing Collective and an outreach associate director for Harvard Women in Computer Science.

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