Freud on the Couch : Depression, Addiction, and the Birth of Psychoanalysis

In this episode ofThe Mad Genius Thesis Podcast, we exploreFreud: A Life in Letters and Ideas by Peter Gay, an in-depth look at the life, work, and struggles of Sigmund Freud. While Freud revolutionized psychology with his theories on the unconscious, dreams, and repression, his own mental health struggles and drug addiction are often overlooked. We examine how Freud’s personal anxieties, depression, and heavy cocaine use influenced both his theories and his relationships with colleagues and patients. Set against the backdrop of anti-Semitism, the rise of Nazism, and the emergence of psychoanalysis, this episode unpacks how Freud’s brilliance, conflicts, and personal demons shaped modern psychology.🎧 Listen now on Spotify! #SigmundFreud #MadGenius #Psychoanalysis #FreudAndAddiction #MentalHealthAndCreativity #Podcast