Teenage Depression Statistics Essay -- Psychology, Pessimism, Social

Twenty percent of teens in America today suffer from at least one symptom of depression.( Teenage Depression Statistics ) Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. Depression symptoms include loss of emotional expression, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and social withdrawal (Teenage Depression Statistics )Holden Caulfield, in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, suffers from symptoms of depression. Because of his mental illness, he is a misunderstood, confused young character who is in search of his identity and place in the world. He suffers from symptoms of depression, which are rooted in a lack of closure concerning his brother's death. The devastation Holden experiences after Allie's death is understandable. This unfortunately leads to a lack of personal motivation, low self esteem and compulsive lying. Holden's inability t o self-reflect and his stubbornness in overlooking the obvious has resulted in a chronic lack of motivation. Holden lacks the necessary ability to motivate himself, which is required to survive in the 'real' world. Holden feels no need to self motivate, because all those who survive in the 'real' world, he considers phonies. He is unable to realize the importance of progress, maturity and responsibility. Compulsive lying is a trait that Holden demonstrates. Holden would lie to people simply so they could not become closer to the real Holden. Holden tells lies on several occasions attempting to gain sympathy from others. Holden pathetically informs Mrs. Morrow, " I have to have a tiny operation... it isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor ... ...ing thoughts In conclusion, Holden Caulfield is a troubled young man who is isolated from the 'real' world and the adult wold. Holden is stuck the path of moving from adolescence and innocence to to and adult world he considers insensitive and phony. Holden has issues discovering his personal identity as he isolates himself. Shutting the world out and scrutinizing those whom he considers to be "phonies." Because he is so eager to criticize the world around him. Holden thus is differentiated from those in society. It is an undeniable fact, that each one of use at some point or another must grow up. Holden is unable to grasp this idea and this leads to his nervous breakdown . If Holden had a less traumatic past and had the ability and willingness to connect to others and create and maintain relationships he would have a less unsettling furture ahead of him.