Examples Of Mental Illness In Catcher In The Rye

During the mid-twentieth century, mental illnesses were a very taboo topic. Having a mental illness during this time meant going to an asylum where there were limited staff and inhumane treatment. In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, the topic of mental illness is touched upon, but never explicitly stated. Holden Caulfield, the narrator, and main character, shares his story which lasts over a course of three days. He also begins the novel by stating that he was a liar. This is ironic since he often tells the reader that he hates phonies. The element of isolation is often emphasized throughout the novel. Holden tends to stay by himself yet he is on the lookout to make new friends who will understand him. The setting of the also emphasizes isolation, “the timing of …show more content…
These frequently used contradictions are the first signs that something is wrong in his mind. One could argue that Holden is a mentally stable, average, high school boy. However, Holden shows signs of depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses throughout the novel. The Catcher in the Rye is a combination of Holden’s skewed version of reality and his personal thoughts which reveal the various mental illnesses that control Holden.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the country; around three million new cases are reported every year. Some symptoms include loss of interest, insomnia, and thoughts of suicide. Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, Holden constantly mention death and suicide, along with his loss of interest in life. When Holden is on top of the hill at Pencey, he says “It was the last game of the year, and you were supposed to commit suicide or something if old Pencey didn’t win” (4). This casual mention of suicide is dangerous to