Illness In Hamlet

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Statistically, in this room at this very moment, one third of you will suffer from mental health issues at least once before the age of 25. Unfortunately, these grim statistics will not improve with age; 45% of the adult population, will experience a mental disorder at some stage in their life. These harrowing statistics are not something to look forward too and are indicative of the unfortunate prevalence of issues regarding the mental wellbeing of the populace of today. But despite the large magnitude of such problems, we are still yet to see any major changes supporting those suffering.
We, as the innovators of today must do something about it.
These problems are not exclusive to the 21st century. But despite the perpetuation of mental
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These problems have transcended time and are reflected in both the canonical texts of hundreds of years ago just as much as they are found in contemporary news of today.
Shakespeare’s, Hamlet is somewhat famous for its mad characters and respective violent ending. It is seen that either the characters suffered themselves from madness, or they chose to either ignore or to simply overlook the significant problem. As a result, this unawareness had a cataclysmic effect on the lives of those suffering and those around them.
Hamlet exhibits many unfortunate symptoms, particular those linked to bipolar disorder and depression. One of these refers to his lack of caring about his appearance; whilst talking to his Mother, Hamlet suggests this: ‘Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, Nor customary suits of solemn black, Nor windy suspiration of forc’d breath… These but the trappings and the suits of woe.’ (1.2.77-86). In this passage Hamlet justifies that he does not care much for his clothing as it cannot begin to signify his feelings, but his constant wearing of black is merely a hint in symbolising his grief for his late father. He also mentions his ‘ford’d breath’, which suggests that he no longer wishes to live, but is too afraid of the alternative and the effect it would have on God and his ability to enter the ranks of heaven. All of this was spoken directly to his mother, Gertrude, whom promptly dismisses her sons impending ‘insanity’ and instead cares for others

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