Mental health in Ancient Greece may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the classical era. But it was surprisingly pivotal. Ancient Greek philosophers, physicians, and scholars recognized the importance of mental health and its connection to overall well-being. While their approaches were different from modern psychiatry, their insights still resonate today.

In fact, some of the key lessons from their understanding of mental health offer a unique perspective on how we can take care of our minds today. Here are four key lessons we can learn about mental health from Ancient Greeks:

Mental Health in Ancient Greece Was Considered Pivotal

The ancient Greeks believed that a person’s mental state could directly influence their physical well-being. This is evident in several ancient texts, such as Homer’s epic tales, where characters who suffered great emotional turmoil often experienced physical decline as well.

There is even a legend that suggests Homer himself died of depression. It indicates how seriously the Greeks took mental health issues.

Fine Photos / Unsplash / In the "Epidemics," a medical text written around 400 BC, an anonymous physician emphasized that mental habits and lifestyle choices (clothing, housing, physical activity) were key determinants of a person’s overall health.

The message was clear: Mental health was not just a personal issue but one that affected every aspect of life. Today, it can’t be truer than that!

Mental Health Problems Can Be Deadly!

Ancient Greek physicians recognized that poor mental health could lead to severe physical illnesses and even death. One of the most famous doctors of the time, Galen of Pergamum (129-216 AD), observed that people who suffered from a poor mental state often developed serious illnesses.

Galen believed that emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety could lead to physical imbalances in the body, which would result in various diseases. His observations of mental health in Ancient Greece highlighted the potential dangers of neglecting one’s emotional well-being.

This ancient wisdom echoes today’s understanding of the relationship between chronic stress, mental health, and physical health. Today, we know that prolonged anxiety or depression can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of heart disease, and even shorten life expectancy.

Mental Illnesses Are Curable and Can Be Prevented

The ancient Greeks did not view mental health issues as permanent afflictions. Instead, they believed that with the right approach, mental illnesses could be cured or at least significantly alleviated. One prominent Greek philosopher, Aristippus, who lived in the fifth century BC, advocated for a present-focused mindset as a way to avoid mental disturbances.

History / Aristippus, a prominent Greek philosopher, encouraged people to enjoy life’s pleasures and avoid dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future.

This philosophy of focusing on the present moment laid the groundwork for what we now call mindfulness, which has become a widely respected technique in modern mental health treatment.

The belief that mental health in Ancient Greece could be managed or improved through changes in thought patterns and lifestyle still rings true today. Many modern therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), incorporate similar ideas.

Changing Your Lifestyle Can Help Overcome Mental Illness

The Greeks also recognized the importance of lifestyle in maintaining good mental health. Caelius Aurelianus, another influential figure, suggested that people suffering from depression should engage in activities that make them laugh and feel happy, such as attending comedic performances at the theater. However, he and others believed that a single activity was not enough to restore mental well-being.

However, the real key to mental health in Ancient Greece was a holistic change in one’s way of living and thinking. They understood that mental health issues often stemmed from an imbalance in how a person approached their life and that overcoming these challenges required more than just a quick fix.