10 Famous People with Depression, pt. 1

Depressed Famous People

Depression and other mental health conditions are closely related to addiction, especially alcohol abuse. All kinds of people are affected by depression and addiction. In fact, here is a list of five famous people who have suffered from depression—some who have abused alcohol and some who haven’t.

1. Abraham Lincoln

While this US president wasn’t known for his drinking, his gloomy disposition and melancholia was familiar to those who were close to him. Even in his youth, he spoke of suicide multiple times.

2. Princess Dianna

After giving birth to her first child, the beloved Princess Di experienced post-partum depression. She later spoke openly about her struggle, and how it contrasted her previous exuberance.

3. Vincent Van Gogh

Historically known for strange episodes, this epic painter was most likely manic depressive. Van Gogh stayed in asylums, had quite a drinking habit, and apparently took his own life at age 37.

4. Mark Rothko

One of the most famous abstract expressionist painters, Rothko was a heavy drinker and highly depressed. He commit suicide at age 66, overdosing on barbiturates and cutting an artery in his arm.

5. Ernest Hemingway

A figure of modern literature, this writer was known for his drinking, but depression presented itself as he aged. After shock therapy sessions, which did not help, he shot himself in the head with a shotgun at 38 years old.

Why Depression and Alcohol are Linked

With depression comes a lack of serotonin, but alcohol creates a sudden burst of serotonin in the brain. This is why many people with depression become dependent on alcohol.

If you think you have depression or are using alcohol to feel better, there are many helpful services out there. Call (520) 288-8484 to find out if your drinking is a problem.

Check out next Monday’s Flash Blog to see the rest of the list.