Battle With Depression and Alcoholism
Roosevelt's paternal grandmother Martha Bulloch Roosevelt had exhibited signs of bipolar disorder. His paternal uncle, Elliott Roosevelt, was afflicted with chronic bouts of depression and died of alcoholism and drug abuse. His maternal grandfather, meanwhile, had been an alcoholic. Alcoholism plagued Roosevelt much of his adult life.
While there were some similarities between Kermit and his Uncle Elliot throughout both their lives, Kermit's dreamy nature was often covered up by an unyielding drive when presented with a task or goal, such as his efforts during the descent of the River of Doubt. Kermit's situation worsened when he learned of his father's death while overseas.
Read more about this topic: Kermit Roosevelt
Famous quotes containing the words battle and/or depression:
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
—Bible: Hebrew Ecclesiastes, 9:11.
“Mental health data from the 1950’s on middle-aged women showed them to be a particularly distressed group, vulnerable to depression and feelings of uselessness. This isn’t surprising. If society tells you that your main role is to be attractive to men and you are getting crow’s feet, and to be a mother to children and yours are leaving home, no wonder you are distressed.”
—Grace Baruch (20th century)