That's Depressing!

Exorcisms, drowning, and burning. These are just a few of the 'cures' for depression in the Middle Ages.

On this week's episode we are discussing the history of depression. Call it a brief history of mental illness, if you will. We are covering its earliest theories as well as how it has influenced pop culture. Our own stories are also thrown in for a bit of flavour and context.

Beginning with Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, depression was thought to be an imbalance in the humors. The humoral theory of Melancholia became the standard model for treatment. Of the 4 humors, black bile was considered the cause of depression or melancholia as it was known.

In addition to the early history, we discuss how depression was seen and treated over the last 25 centuries. Medications, and alternative treatments are discussed. And we end our show with a look at the pop culture influences and ramifications.

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