Over history, several prominent and successful Americans have been afflicted with the debilitating internal pain of the disorder.



No one is immune to the mental illness. A plethora of icons in entertainment, the arts, politics and others industries have skirted the social stigma of depression by keeping their illness out of the media.

For a ray of hope in defeating depression,

the following heroes, legends, icons and celebrity stories will dispel how depression is not an illness restricted to common folks or the frail.

Abraham Lincoln

One of our countries' most celebrated presidents, Abe Lincoln, struggled with depression his entire life. Behind closed doors, he was haunted with

premonitions of his own passing. He referred to his sad spells as "the shadow of madness." During the Civil War, subsequent to the Bull run, Lincoln experienced a few bouts of depression.

Nevertheless, he rose to the occasion and is revered as one of America's legendary

presidents.

Art Buchwald

Art Buchwald, the political humorist admitted to suffering from two bouts of depression. The first was in 1963 (clinical depression) and then in 1987 (manic depression). He feared losing his sense of humor. At one point Buchwald was hospitalized for showing suicidal tendencies.

Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe's self-confidence was completely shattered when she found her husband involved in an affair with a younger woman. After a short

hospitalization, Georgia rebounded and channeled her energy into the sweeping landscapes of the Southwest.

Greg Louganis

The world's most renowned diver of history, Greg Louganis has confessed to struggling with his mental health. Overwhelmed by inadequate feelings about being a homosexual, Louganis was devastated when he was diagnosed HIVpositive.

The appropriate medical treatment has enabled Louganis to go public to help others.

Isaac Newton

For Isaac Newton, his madness is attributed to his ingenious discovery of calculus, the laws of gravity as well as the laws of relativity. During the 16th and 17th century, no one knew that Newton was afflicted with manic depression;

however, many referred to him as "mad." In fact, during a manic period in his early 20s, Newton worked sunrise to sundown. Frequently, he would to bathe, eat and sleep; but it was during Newton's moments of mania that he made the most important discoveries.

The critically acclaimed scientist's treatment alternatives were limited to concoctions of mixed sedatives, prayer, a good book, purging or a walk in the woods. His symptoms of depression, loss of appetite coalesced with the insomnia induced disorientation, memory loss, and paranoia. Newton's mania phase enabled him to work his way into London's serving as the president of the

Royal Society. Prior to passing away at what was considered an unusually old age (85), Newton was knighted.