Lincoln did have a couple of serious bouts of depression, which he referred to as the "black dog". However, in her best seller A Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin more accurately describes Lincoln as being melancholy. This is understandable since he lost his mother when he was just 9 and his beloved son Willie at age 11. In those days the mortality rate for men was only 45, and many mothers and their babies were lost during childbirth. Lincoln grew up surrounded by death and sadness.

Lincoln was able to cope with stresses and anxieties by: (1) avoiding idleness, (2) dealing with business, and (3) conversing with friends. He said these gave his mind "rest from that intensity of thought, which will sometimes wear the sweetest idea thread-bare and turn it to the bitterness of death."

Extreme stresses, distresses, misfortunes, and sometimes even tragedies, are a part of life. Our mental well-being does not mean that we try to escape the anxieties and stresses that may come from life. But instead, we create the ability to cope in a healthy way. An outstanding leader, like Lincoln, used his life experiences in a positive way to expand his capacity for growth and understanding, much to the benefit of our country.

This week I invite you to do the following:

1.  Notice how you deal with stresses in your life.
2. How can you benefit from Lincoln's style of coping?
3. Write down in what ways you are an empathetic person.

I use empathy to understand what my coaching clients are experiencing, and I am trained to assist people in developing their own personal coping systems. I am available to assist you. Just pick up the phone. Invest in yourself. You are worth it!