Atlas

This exhibit displays Atlas, a figure from Greek mythology who was given a punishment by Zeus, the god of lightning, to eternally bear the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. Atlas, a name meaning suffering or enduring, is shown with his knees bent, the globe perched on his back as he holds its weight. This relates to the sentiment of melancholy because Atlas is stuck holding this weight for eternity, with no relief from this burden. This story will occasionally be referred to by people today when they feel overwhelmed. People will mention that they feel like they are bearing the weight of the world on their shoulders, meaning they are bogged down with stressors or tasks. No one wants to feel like this, as it often leads to melancholy, or sorrowful feelings. Existing in a state where one feels like they are constantly being punished is no way to live.

One discussion that has been often overlooked is the burden that mental illnesses and mental disorders have on those around the sufferer as well. In China, a study was done on the people caring for people suffering from AD (Alzheimer Disease), investigating a possible correlation between this role as a caregiver and suffering from depression. A variation of tests were used to interview the carers, and the result was that the NPI (Neuropsychiatric Inventory) results showed caregiver burden and role overload, predicting caregiver depression (Cheng, et al.). Another example of this can be found in Mrs. Dalloway, a novel by Virginia Wolf. In the story, it describes a relationship between a wife and her husband, who is suffering from PTSD. The book describes how the wife is withering away, having lost a lot of weight and undergoing mental struggles herself after having to care for her husband since he's no longer able to care for himself. Additionally, another journal by Wittmund, et al. goes into detail about a study of depressive disorders in spouses of mentally ill patients. Within interactions between a person and mentally ill patient, it is seen that this type of relationship has a direct influence on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the initially unaffected significant other as well. For relationships like this, it often feels like the caregiver is taking on more than they can handle, similar to how Atlas is displayed carrying the world on his shoulders, causing them to develop disorders as well.

By looking further into other artifacts found in this exhibition on melancholy and society, you will be able to see other demonstrations of melancholy throughout the years and ways that people have tried to cure it in both the past and present.