From what we can gather or what has been recorded, earlier humans often approached mental health challenges differently compared to modern practices.

They often blended spiritual, communal, and practical approaches to heal the mentally ill.

Let’s discuss some historical methods and beliefs that shaped their understanding and treatment of mental health.

Historic Mental Health Treatment

Spiritual and Supernatural Beliefs

Some ancient cultures often attributed mental health issues to spiritual causes such as possession by evil spirits, curses, or divine punishment. Shamans, priests, or spiritual leaders would perform rituals, prayers, or exorcisms to heal the afflicted individual.

Herbal and Natural Remedies

Many ancient civilizations used herbal remedies and natural substances to treat symptoms associated with mental health disorders. Plants with calming or mood-stabilizing properties were often used in concoctions or teas to alleviate anxiety or depression.

Physical Therapies

Some ancient societies believed in the therapeutic benefits of physical activities and experiences. Exercise, massage, bathing in hot springs, or exposure to certain environments were thought to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

Community Support and Rituals

Communal support was integral to mental health care in ancient times. Families, clans, or tribes would rally around individuals experiencing distress, offering social support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Rituals and ceremonies provided frameworks for understanding and coping with mental health challenges.

Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

Much like today, it’s believed that dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments were often recommended to maintain mental and emotional balance. For example, certain foods were believed to influence mood, and dietary restrictions or fasting were sometimes prescribed as part of healing practices.

Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches

Though less formalized than modern cognitive-behavioural therapies, ancient cultures did recognize the importance of mindset and behaviour in mental health. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, storytelling, and philosophical discourse were used to promote psychological well-being and resilience.

Art and Expression

Creativity and expression through art, music, dance, or storytelling were integral to therapeutic practices in many ancient civilizations. These forms of expression allowed individuals to channel emotions, process trauma, and find peace with their condition, much like today.

Trial and Error, Learning from Experience

Ancient methods of dealing with mental health were often based on trial and error, accumulated wisdom, and cultural norms passed down through generations. Successes and failures in treating mental health disorders contributed to evolving practices and beliefs.

Integration with Daily Life

Unlike modern distinctions between physical and mental health, ancient cultures often integrated mental health practices into daily life, spiritual practices, and community norms. Healing was seen as a holistic process involving mind, body, and spirit.

Final Thoughts

Historic approaches to mental health were diverse and deeply intertwined with cultural, spiritual, and practical beliefs.

Some methods outlined above may seem unconventional or mystical by modern standards.

But many are also either still in use or would seem to be rooted in a wisdom that we should consider when contemplating our modern mental health challenges.

What will future humans think of our modern practices in use today?

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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