In the early 1970s, getting psychological help had a stigma: Missouri Senator Thomas Eagleton had suffered from mental health issues for years and sought help, which involved shock treatments by a physician.
A week earlier, Eagleton had been picked by George McGovern to be his running mate on the Democratic ticket against incumbent President Richard Nixon.
Word leaked out about Eagleton’s “controversial treatments,” forcing McGovern to ask him to withdraw from the ticket.
Fortunately, Eagleton’s admission of seeking help did not impact his senatorial career—he served in that capacity for Missouri until 1987.
Thankfully, the stigma surrounding mental health is lessening.
Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
Photo Credit: RazorMax, Pixabay
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