How did Hippocrates perceive mental illness?

Hippocrates viewed mental illness as a natural phenomenon rather than a result of supernatural forces or divine punishment. He believed that it was linked to bodily imbalances, particularly involving the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Hippocrates emphasized the importance of observation and diagnosis, advocating for a more humane and rational approach to treatment, which laid the groundwork for future developments in psychiatry. His perspective marked a significant shift towards understanding mental health in a medical and physiological context.