Floating with Van Gogh

Posted on May 17, 2006 in Biography Depression Reading

Theo, if only I might succeed in this, if that heavy depression because everything I undertakes fails, that torrent of reproaches which I have heard and felt, if it might be taken from me, and if only there might be given to me both the opportunity and the strength needed to come to full development and to persevere in that course for which my father and I should thank the Lord so fervently!

Vincent Van Gogh, January 1877

My depression ballooned, rose, and, on a zephyr, drifted away. For a few days, a few weeks, until I get to the next mania or the next depression, I am well.

Poor Vincent. There was no lithium or Lamictal or Depakote to stop his pain. And he was surrounded by people who told him that his smothering sorrow was a character flaw or a sin .