Depression is a severe mental disorder that replaces the jubilant liveliness of youth with lethargic emotions. Affecting 20% of teenagers, depression is a serious disorder that dramatically decrease the pleasure of life, as victims of depression lose hope for the future and interest in the activities they once enjoyed. While those of higher socioeconomic status have more financial security and opportunities, they are not “immune” to depression. In fact, money may instead evoke various mental disorders, stemming from a separate set of problems from those of lower socioeconomic status. The modern stressors and values of affluent teenagers interfere with proper emotional development, contributing to the rising rates of depression and suicide in
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Many situations or events lead to stress, from the accumulation of trivial problems to the death of a relative or friend (Rudolph). The diathesis-stress model identifies levels of stress, suggesting each person varies in vulnerability to the amount of stress that causes depression. There is a certain level of stress that differentiates eustress (a healthy amount of stress) and hyperstress (too much stress). In 2008 the prevalence of depression in those with and without diathesis differed by 16% (Diathesis). This indicates that the amount of stress an individual can handle is unique, and that certain individuals are more vulnerable to depression. While not everyone experiences life-altering events, everyone faces daily stressors that can just as easily contribute to hyperstress and lead to depression. Teenagers undergo major chemical changes that amplify their levels of stress, so it is critical they are both aware of their stress levels and balance their lives in order to stay healthy. In It’s Kind of a Funny Story, the accumulation of stressors overwhelms Craig until he can no longer handle all of his responsibilities. Craig thinks, “Also, doc, right now the phone messages and e-mails are bunching up and the rumors are flying. […] If I’m in here too long, I’ll have that much more to do when I get out” (Vizzini 238). Each phone message and e-mail represents one more weight on Craig’s shoulders, and burdened by his perceived responsibilities, Craig’s depression worsens. The hyperstress that teenagers like Craig experience is overwhelming and can easily develop into
Many situations or events lead to stress, from the accumulation of trivial problems to the death of a relative or friend (Rudolph). The diathesis-stress model identifies levels of stress, suggesting each person varies in vulnerability to the amount of stress that causes depression. There is a certain level of stress that differentiates eustress (a healthy amount of stress) and hyperstress (too much stress). In 2008 the prevalence of depression in those with and without diathesis differed by 16% (Diathesis). This indicates that the amount of stress an individual can handle is unique, and that certain individuals are more vulnerable to depression. While not everyone experiences life-altering events, everyone faces daily stressors that can just as easily contribute to hyperstress and lead to depression. Teenagers undergo major chemical changes that amplify their levels of stress, so it is critical they are both aware of their stress levels and balance their lives in order to stay healthy. In It’s Kind of a Funny Story, the accumulation of stressors overwhelms Craig until he can no longer handle all of his responsibilities. Craig thinks, “Also, doc, right now the phone messages and e-mails are bunching up and the rumors are flying. […] If I’m in here too long, I’ll have that much more to do when I get out” (Vizzini 238). Each phone message and e-mail represents one more weight on Craig’s shoulders, and burdened by his perceived responsibilities, Craig’s depression worsens. The hyperstress that teenagers like Craig experience is overwhelming and can easily develop into