Lincoln's Verses About His Old Home

[Eva Elisabeth]

(12-23-2014 10:04 PM)LincolnToddFan Wrote:  Roger, like you I have always read that the traumatic loss of Ann Rutledge is what caused AL's lifelong depression. I just don't accept it. Many psychologists believe that the loss of a parent in early childhood-particularly the mother-can cause later manifestations of depression. Couple that with AL's difficult relationship with his unsympathetic surviving parent, then the tragic death of Sarah..my suspicion is that the seed of depression that had been planted very early in his life was triggered into full bloom by the loss of Ann in adulthood.

Thanks, Toia, this exactly was and is my feeling, too!!!

[Mylye2222]

(12-24-2014 06:25 AM)HerbS Wrote:  I think that Lincoln suffered from a form of PTSD, which is linked to depression!

Some authors imply that too. A form of what is called Complex PTSD. He had all the symptoms.

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(12-23-2014 10:04 PM)LincolnToddFan Wrote:  Hi everyone-

I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever heard or read about the Matthew Gentry incident in the early life of AL. How sad, no to mention sobering.

Roger, like you I have always read that the traumatic loss of Ann Rutledge is what caused AL's lifelong depression. I just don't accept it. Many psychologists believe that the loss of a parent in early childhood-particularly the mother-can cause later manifestations of depression. Couple that with AL's difficult relationship with his unsympathetic surviving parent, then the tragic death of Sarah..my suspicion is that the seed of depression that had been planted very early in his life was triggered into full bloom by the loss of Ann in adulthood.

Thanks to everyone for the info on Matthew Gentry, and for all the poems!

Add also the fact that Thom let practically Abraham and Sarah tend for themselves alone for about six months while he went to court Sarah Bush Johnson. With them were the cousin Hanks, but apparently he wasn't very successful in talking care of his cousins well being. They apparently almost starved and SBJ found them as "savage children" Such neglect today would be totally illegal. It certainly had a huge impact. No wonder why AL was reluctant to talk about childhood.