Depression is defined as a common mental illness that has a negative influence on the way you feel, the ways you think, and how you act (American Psychiatric Association). It is known to cause feelings of sadness as well as loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (University of California Santa Cruz Counseling & Psychological Services). Studies show that one in five teens will experience clinical depression (Mental Health America).
The realistic coming-of-age fictional novel Cather in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger, narrates and focuses on the story of the main character Holden Caulfield, an expellee with a negative and uncertain look on life, who suffers from extreme depression symptoms. There are several parallel points between the article “Mental Health America” and the novel Catcher in the Rye. It is clear that Caulfield is experiencing depression by exhibiting known symptoms such as hinting towards suicidal thoughts and lying about life, repeating the word “depressing” in his dialogue, and experiencing feelings of guilt and loss with the death of his younger brother Allie.
As expressed in the article “Depression in Teens”, some of the warning signs of suicide include suicide threats (direct and indirect), Irrational and bizarre behavior, an overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection, and a severe drop in school performance (Mental Health America). Holden exhibits many of these qualities throughout the story. For example, Holden himself tells us that he, “really felt like, committing suicide” (Salinger 104). This is irrefutable evidence that Holden is contemplating suicide. There is no clearer sign that Holden wants to escape his emptiness and depression.
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The article mentioned above also talks about the identifying signs for identifying depression. These include feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals, and problems with authority (Mental Health America). Holden exhibits these characteristics by lying to himself, and to those around him. Holden says his frequently used technique was to shove people away by telling them “don’t worry about me…I’ll be all right, I’m just going through a phase” (Salinger 18). Holden is seen lying to himself, and to others around him.
The article says, “Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well.” (Mental Health America). Holden doesn’t seem to completely know how exactly he feels, so he tells everyone he meets that he is “just going through a phase”. Caulfield is also described as, “the most terrific liar you ever saw,” (Salinger 16). This excerpt adds to Holden’s reputation for being insecure about himself. He deals with this by lying to himself, and everyone else. It is evident Holden is experiencing signs of depression.
Next, the article “Depression in Teens” mentions “sadness and hopelessness” (Mental Health America) as being critical factors for identifying the symptoms of depression. throughout the novel, Holden continues to show these symptoms. To further elaborate, Caulfield’s dialogue continuously points towards the themes of “sadness and hopelessness” by repeatedly talking about “depressing things”. For example, when Holden was preparing to leave Pencey Prep, he mentions that, “One thing about packing depressed me a little,” (Salinger 51).
What better way to prove than Holden himself announcing that life itself “makes [him] so depressed” (Salinger 75). Holden takes almost every opportunity he gets to say he is depressed. A majority of his dialogue circles around his depressed nature, from Holden warning others to never sleep in Grand Central, because “it’ll depress you,” (Salinger 194) to remembering someone say please and Holden commenting, “that’s depressing” (Salinger 211). It is evident that Holden is suffering from the symptoms of depression. These common themes can be seen throughout the novel, and throughout Holden’s journey. Also, it is important to notice the appearance of the word “depressing” can be seen more and more often as the plot progresses.
Lastly, the article “Depression in Teens” says that “poor self-esteem or guilt” (Mental Health America) is yet another symptom of depression. Holden is having a difficult time to come to terms with the death of Allie. We often discover Holden thinking of Allie and feeling guilt for pushing him aside when Allie wanted to play with Holden despite Allie “never got mad at anybody” (Salinger 38). Holden viewed Allie as the only pure hearted person left in the world and now that Allie was gone, Holden felt the need to pretend Allie never died. “What I did, I started talking to Allie. I do that sometimes when I get very depressed,” (Salinger 104). This statement made by Holden reinforces the fact that Holden is not prepared to accept that Allie is dead and has unfinished business to settle; that is his guilt. Suddenly, Holden is faced with the realization that he must grow up, and learn to exist without Allie. To add on to the second point, it is important to notice that this is yet another dialogue from Holden which includes the word “depressed”.
To summarize, it is evident that Holden Caulfield is experiencing the symptoms of depression. He continuously discusses thoughts of his suicide and lies to himself about his quality of life, repeatedly uses the word “depressing” in his dialogue, and exhibits feelings of guilt and loss for his younger brother Allie. According to the article, these listed behaviors are all recognized symptoms of adolescent depression. All in all, it is Holden’s issues with growing up and a lack of parental involvement that prevents him from completely understanding why it is that he is unknowingly depressed.
