Chronic Depression of an 80-Year-Old Man Revealed Through His Handwriting

An 80-year-old man, Mr. Mehar Singh, visited my clinic, burdened by years of sorrow and setbacks. Seven years ago, he faced a catastrophic loss in his electronics manufacturing business. The series of events that followed only deepened his anguish. After the financial debacle, his son took control of the remaining assets and eventually ousted him from his own business.

Although he owned a house property that he had rented out, his tenant stopped paying rent, further exacerbating his financial and emotional struggles. Overwhelmed by these adversities, Mr. Singh lost all enthusiasm for life, finding himself enveloped in despair and unable to see any light at the end of the tunnel. His emotional state pointed toward chronic depression.

After listening empathetically to his story, I suggested a psychological treatment plan tailored to his needs. Additionally, I recommended incorporating behavioral activation techniques into his daily life—a structured approach to gradually reintroduce positive and meaningful activities to help uplift his emotional state.

As part of my graphology-based analysis, I asked him to write something and bring the sample to his next appointment.

When Mr. Singh returned, he handed me the writing sample:

The handwriting spoke volumes about his emotional state. The baselines in his writing were heavily drooping, indicating a profound sense of hopelessness and lack of energy. In graphology, such features reflect the writer's internal emotional struggles, even when they might not be able to articulate them.

This case serves as a poignant reminder that handwriting transcends barriers—whether written in English or any other language, the principles of graphology largely apply universally. Through his handwriting, we were able to uncover deep-seated emotions and create a personalized roadmap for healing.

Takeaway:
Graphology is not just about analyzing handwriting; it is a window into the mind. Paired with psychological interventions, it can provide profound insights into an individual’s mental health and aid in their journey toward recovery.