Depression
By: Seth Meyer
Seth Meyer
ENGL-1213-615
Professor Hammett
Final
May 9, 2023
The Final Destination
Seth Meyer
ENGL-1213-615
Professor Hammett
Project 1
February 28, 2023
Word Count: 1,082
Depression
Over the past three years, depression has increased among the youth dramatically. But what is depression? Depression, according to Mayo Clinic is (a), “Mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest” (Mayo Clinic). One theory of the cause in the increase of depression rates is Covid-19, it has caused a great turmoil on the newer generation with their mental health. According to the World Health Organization, in the first year of Covid-19 a massive spike of 25% increase in depression and anxiety among teens. With the increase of mental health, depression is a major cause in teenager’s lives. A proposal to decrease the percentage of teen depression in this generation is to invest more time, support, and money, as well as educating others about depression to help these teens, instead of ignoring them.
We have 365 days in a year, 24 hours a day, or 8760 hours in a year. Plenty of hours and minutes to help the vast amount of teens who are struggling with depression. First, education in time management will help teens increase productivity, reduce their stress levels, and improve their mental health overall. When being more productive and time efficient, a teen will be able to complete more tasks. The sense of accomplishment can boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. “Goal achievement creates a profound sense of pride and self-esteem at any age, especially for children” states Collaborative Learning Solution, Stewards of Student Success. They are the creators of the I did it! Self-esteem Building Through Goal Achievement lesson teachers may use in the classroom. Goal setting is a crucial part of fighting depression in teens. At the same time, better time management can help reduce stress levels by letting them be able to complete important tasks such as schoolwork. Overflowing school work can cause stress levels to increase, but with proper time management, teens can avoid procrastination. Time management can allow students to feel they have control over their lives. Not only does it allow control, but also gives a healthier lifestyle by being able to balance sleep, tasks, and self-improvement.
Having support is another important aspect in everyone's life. Everyone craves some type of support from a loved one, a support group, or a family member. Support for teens is an important milestone in their life. This milestone can be completed from a coach, family member, friend, or person to grow and strive for a healthier life. Just like in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, stage three “Belongingness and love needs” we all strive for some kind of relationship connection. As well in Erik Erikson’s eight stages of Psychosocial Development, stage eight “Intimacy vs Isolation”, Erikson explains without a connection, a person can feel sadness, loneliness, and depression.
Many students spent months in isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic contributing to the increased rates in depression among teens. Schools can provide needed support by offering access to mental health resources. One of these can be therapy, allowing teens to openly express and deal with their problems with a professional. Counseling will give support in schools, by giving guidance when a teen is in trouble at school or in their personal life. Schools can support teen depression by suggesting parents take students to qualified medical personnel for further evaluation and treatment. Lastly, we ensure a safe and supportive environment at home and in the community. Parental support through listening to their child’s concerns making little to no judgments. Friends likewise should offer emotional support through listening and encourage their peers to seek help when needed.
Another way we can help support teens as they battle depression, and to therefore decrease the number of cases of depression, is to change the stigma surrounding mental health. What is the stigma around mental health? From an article The Dangers of Mental Health Stigma to Adolescents, it was described “cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illness.” ( qtd in Adept) Again, Adept states, “The CBS News poll reveals that ‘51% of Americans think that people with mental illnesses experience “a lot” of stigmas and discrimination’.” (qtd in Adept) By talking openly about depression and other mental health issues, we can create a more accepting society where people feel comfortable seeking help when necessary.
Now in order to be able to provide therapy, counselors, and support we need an important aspect to life: Money. Money plays a significant role in the root of success and a truly good life. With therapy, medicine, and support being expensive, it is necessary to find ways to provide financial aid to those in need. By providing financial assistance can make these activities more accessible to those who lack insurance coverage to help or simply cannot afford them. With the help of organizations that provide free or low cost mental health services, we can make a significant impact towards helping these teens. Donations as well towards support groups or organizations can help those who can't afford it. Money can also help fund research towards mental health and depression in teens. Research will be able to lead to new and better treatments, and better therapy tactics that are more effective than current options.
Educating about teen depression can, as stated previously, lower the stigma mental health has, especially for males. By reducing the stigma we can let teens go forth asking for help without feeling judged or thinking they are “crazy”. As well, educating about signs and warnings will help prevent depression cases from growing worse. With just a small move to educating three main influencers in a teens life; Parents, teachers, and coaches to see signs and symptoms of depression or other mental issues will play a significant role in helping teen depression. Educating people about teen depression can help to prevent future cases of depression. By teaching young people coping skills and strategies for managing stress and anxiety, we can equip them with the tools they need to maintain good mental health throughout their lives.
Depression has been a leading factor in mentally struggling teens. With school, Covid-19, social media, and other conflicts increasing teen mental health challenges; the proposal of teachers helping teens to manage their time, have support, gain an infusion of money for schools, and an education can reduce the stigma and cases of depression in America and around the world. Following these suggestions will lead to a better emotional world for this generation and the next.
Seth Meyer
ENGL-1213-615
Professor Hammett
Project 2
April 20, 2023
Word Count: 1,125
Depression
Depression is a pervasive mental health condition that impacts millions of individuals globally each year. (Duszynski-Goodman, Henderson) Its hallmark symptoms include ongoing sensations of sadness, despair, and disinterest in formerly pleasurable activities. Writers of absurd fiction, including Franz Kafka and Albert Camus, are renowned for their unorthodox writing approaches that delve into the more somber aspects of human behavior and emotions. Their characters, whether implied or otherwise, exhibit hallmarks of depression. Kafka himself was known to have suffered depression throughout his life and the author's family members attribute his writing as one way in which he battled the disease. (Levine) This essay will examine the link between absurd fiction authors' readings and writings and depression. Additionally, it will explore these writers' theoretical perspectives on the current depression epidemic in society.
Franz Kafka's novella, "The Metamorphosis," is a powerful exploration of the themes of isolation and alienation that often accompany depression. Gregor Samsa's transformation into a giant insect is a metaphor for the profound disconnection and estrangement that often characterizes depression. Gregor's transformation represents a radical change in his identity, leading to isolation from the world around him. This transformation reflects the profound change and disconnection that can accompany depression. Kafka's work is particularly insightful in its exploration of the experience of depression. His writing captures the sense of futility and hopelessness that can be pervasive for those who struggle with depression. In the novella, Gregor cannot communicate with his family after his transformation, leading to a profound sense of isolation and disconnection.(Kafka 35) This inability to communicate reflects the difficulty that those who struggle with depression often experience when trying to articulate their emotions and experiences to others. It reveals the depth of Kafka's struggle with mental illness and his attempt to convey his experience through his writing. (Nervi)
The sense of disconnection and alienation that Kafka portrays in The Metamorphosis is a powerful metaphor for the experience of depression. Depression often creates a sense of separation from the world, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection. In the novella, Gregor's transformation represents a profound change in his identity, leading to a sense of alienation from his family and the world around him. This sense of radical disconnection is a powerful metaphor for the sense of hopelessness and isolation that can accompany depression.
Furthermore, one coping mechanism for those suffering from depression is to use dark humor and satire characterized by absurd fiction. Camus, in The Plague, people notice the dying rats but no one took any real action to solve the problem for some time. Camus is commenting on the lack of action taken by people even in a situation which reaches plague proportions.(Camus 28) Similarly, our current “plague” of depression has not caused society to take it seriously enough for too many years. Camus’ character Tarrou carries a notebook to write down what he observes. Through Tarrou, Camus points out the absurdity of the situation with the fact that there is talk all over town about the dead rats and the sickening/dying people, while no one there is looking for solutions. (Camus 26) Our society spends more time debating the causes of the increase in depression rates (technology, social media, teen isolation) rather than providing real help to those who suffer.
In this way, these authors would see depression as a natural response to the absurdity of life and an attempt to cope with the lack of meaning and purpose. However, it is essential to note that these authors do not glorify depression or mental illness. Instead, they present a realistic portrayal of the human condition and the struggles that come with it. Some authors, such as Beckett, have been known to struggle with depression themselves, highlighting the personal connection these authors may have to the social epidemic. (Agarwal)
Moreover, absurd fiction authors have criticized society's tendency to label and categorize individuals based on their mental health status. For example, in Kafka's Metamorphosis the protagonist is isolated and becoming less human-like as the time of isolation increases. The author highlights how mental illness isolates individuals in our society due to the stigma attached to it. Similarly, Camus' The Plague explores how society reacts to a plague outbreak, emphasizing the collective struggle to find meaning and purpose in adversity. These works highlight the damaging effects of societal labels and expectations on individuals, including those suffering from depression. Absurd fiction authors may see depression as a response to societal pressures and expectations, which can often be overwhelming and unattainable. The sense of hopelessness and despair experienced by those with depression can be attributed to a sense of isolation and detachment from society. Kafka’s Gregor Samsa possesses these traits as well as a sense that his life is meaningless or purposeless, which is often portrayed in absurdist fiction. (Sutherland) These traits can be seen as a reflection of the coping mechanisms that those suffering from depression may develop to deal with the complex emotions that they experience.
Similarly, absurd fiction authors often use humor and satire to cope with the bleakness of their works. Humor and satire are other ways for those dealing with the overwhelming emotions that often accompany depression. In The Plague we see the character, Tarrou, who observes an old man that comes out on the balcony of his home each day to spit on a cat. (Camus 24) This is a weird scene in a story about a plague that hits a city and the city which is choosing to ignore the growing epidemic. By using humor and satire to explore the absurdity of life, these authors may be trying to find meaning and purpose in the chaos and confusion of existence. Just as in our society, humor is used by comedians and TikTokkers to provide an escape from the growing epidemic of depression. This approach may be interpreted as an attempt to cope with the lack of meaning and purpose that often characterizes depression.
The link between absurd fiction authors' readings and writings and depression is evident through their exploration of themes of isolation, disconnection, and alienation, shared experiences for those struggling with depression. These authors may see depression as a natural response to the absurdity of life and the lack of meaning and purpose, leading them to use humor and satire as coping mechanisms. However, it is essential to note that they do not glorify depression or mental illness but instead present a realistic portrayal of the human condition. Furthermore, they are critical of societal labels and expectations of individuals, highlighting the damaging effects on those suffering from depression. Through their works, absurd fiction authors provide a unique insight into the human experience and offer a perspective that can help understand the complexity of mental health issues.
Seth Meyer
ENGL-1213-615
Professor Hammett
Reflective Essay
May 2, 2023
Word Count: 507
This vs That
Throughout my 13 years of school, I have disliked writing because it has constantly challenged me. It is more challenging for me than most others because I have dyslexia. I struggle to put words together, use correct spelling, and choose the proper tenses; I often make sentence fragments, all because what I am thinking in my mind usually comes out differently in writing. Over this year, I challenged myself with concurrent enrollment classes as a senior in high school to get ahead of the game on my college requirements. The writing expectation was more of a challenge, and I did not feel I learned all the skills I needed because of interrupted learning due to the pandemic. However, in Comp I and II, I have learned much about how to write at a college level. In this 16-week-long semester course, we had a theme that was “absurd.” Reading about different absurd content. Then we had to compose a rhetorical analysis and argumentative essay around absurd topics with another topic connected to it.
I originally picked narcissism as my topic but accidentally changed it to depression when I forgot the issue on which I wanted to write my Argumentative essay. I found better ways to brainstorm for my papers with the videos and notes provided to me by this course. The videos were beneficial, as reading is a challenge. I worked on my transitions between paragraphs and not recognizing where I was using a lot of run-on sentences. In my Argumentative essay, I learned a lot about how to use in-text citations. I have always struggled with a source in the text and work cited pages. Either I was writing improper citations in the text, not enough, or just messing up. In my rhetorical essay, I could add more sources and adequately format them in my writing.
I learned to pay more attention to the instructions than just skimming them. I had to rewrite my argument essay three times. I probably should ask for clarification of instructions early in the process. For my rhetorical essay, I paid more attention to the instructions. Though it took me longer, I could compose a better essay with more citations.
Throughout middle and high school, I never learned to write formally and at a level necessary to meet college expectations. Good writing would be a continual learning process for me. Thank goodness for Grammarly! I have learned a lot from the notes, videos, and handouts provided by the professors in both of my Comp classes this year.
Overall, I am happy to end this course having learned more. Looking at the difference between my Argumentative Essay and my Rhetorical Essay has highlighted areas of growth such as improved research skills and use of citations. I also improved in the actual skill of writing such as eliminating run-on sentences, and keeping a formal tone. I realize writing will be a continued part of my college journey, but let’s face it, writing will never be my favorite activity. However, I am grateful to learn.
Seth Meyer
ENGL-1213-615
Professor Hammett
Citations
May 2, 2023
Works Cited
Adept. “The Dangers of Mental Health Stigma to Adolescents.” Meridian Psychiatric Partners, LLC, 13 Oct. 2020, meridianpsychiatricpartners.com/the-dangers-of-mental-health-stigma-to-adolescents/.
Agarwal, Aryan https://www.madinamerica.com/2019/10/building-culture-mental-wellbeing/
Camus, Albert. The Plague. Translated by Stuart Gilbert, Penguin Books, 2002.
Duszynski-Goodman, Lizzie and Henderson, Lisa, M.S., N.C.C., L.P.C.-M.H.S.P. https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-statistics/#:~:text=Depressive%20symptoms%20grew%20from%20a,is%20about%20a%2025%25%20increase.
“I Did It! Self-Esteem Building through Goal Achievement.” Collaborative Learning Solutions, clsteam.net/info/i-did-it-self-esteem-building-through-goal-achievement#:~:text=Goal%20achievement%20creates%20a%20profound,courage%2C%20and%20confidence%20in%20themselves. Accessed 8 May 2023.
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Translated by Stanley Corngold, Bantam Classics, 2006
Mcleod, Saul. “Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development.” Simply Psychology, 1 May 2023, https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html.
Mcleod, Saul. “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory.” Simply Psychology, 21 Mar. 2023, https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html.
National Library of Medicine (Pub Med) Felisati D, and Sperati G https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2639911/#:~:text=A%20few%20years%20later%2C%20his,evident%2C%20becoming%20manifest%20with%20haemoptysis.
Nervi, Mauro, Kafka, http://kafka.org/index.php?biography