I have read, or skimmed through, or at least consulted the index of an awful lot of Victorian lives, letters, biographies, memoir
One striking factor is how many of the subjects – mostly people whose names would now be familiar only to historians – went through what they generally called a crisis. These days it would probably be called an episode of mental illness
Of course even the greats were not immune from psychological frailty.
Poor John Bright quite often retired temporarily from public life to rest his nerves (or was it that most precious instrument, his voice? Performance anxiety)
We speculate about Darwins reluctance to rush to publication of The Origin & his horrible physical symptoms
It was widely regretted that Lord Lytteltons recurrent depression meant that he could not take on the burden of higher office, but his contributions, especially to education, were much appreciated
Best not say too much about Gladstone here, tempting though it is to talk about one of our most successful but psychologically flawed Chancellors of the Exchequer who went on to become PM
Many of the crises occurred at the age of transition to adult life – JS Mill, for example
Most sufferers of crisis retired temporarily to sort themselves out. In the autobiographical writings I have seen the problem is almost invariably analysed in religious terms: a crisis of belief in God - his existence, his purpose, what he requires from the individual, or what the individual was prepared to give - & how all this worked through to personal duty in politics, society, business or even marriage
Often these doubts were discussed & worked through with family or friends. If outside advice was sought it would usually be from a man of the cloth; many of the memoirs include an expression of grateful thanks to the one who – in the most non-judgmental way – provided a sympathetic ear, intellectual help & wise counsel
And now our government has placed its faith in cognitive behaviour therapy for those in mental distress
The NHS provides the 21st century doctors of divinity
Related post
