Depression In The Catcher In The Rye By J. D. Salinger

Each year in the United States depression affects over 17 million people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds. One in every eight teens are affected by depression (“Understanding Depression”). Depression can be defined as a mental illness where the person affected feels very sad and melancholy. Most people have passed through a stage or a short period of time where they have felt downhearted. In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield, a 16-year old boy, can be viewed as insane in the eyes of many readers because of his behavior and actions. Despite this common belief, Holden most likely suffered from depression. Some symptoms which convey Holden was depressed was his mood, lack of sleep, and his suicidal thoughts.

In the article “Depression in Teens” it says “symptoms of depression may include [...] thoughts of suicide, suicide attempt.” Although Holden never tries to kill himself, he does have some thoughts. Wishing he was dead was one of Holden’s thoughts. After Holden was hurt badly by Maurice, an elevator man in the hotel where Holden was staying, he took a bath and got into bed. Holden than states “What I really felt like, though, was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the window. I probably would’ve done it, too, if I’d been sure somebody’d cover me up as soon as I landed,” (Salinger 104). Holden felt really bummed out after he had been treated very harshly by Maurice. He was now not only alone, but hurt with no one to help him. Also, Holden uses the word “suicide” six times and the word “kill” 64 times in the novel (“Catcher in the Rye: Student Resource”). Holden’s choice of words tells the readers where his thoughts are. Holden’s use of words related to death conveys Holden’s suicidal thoughts, therefore, his dejection can be clearly

Many people may claim this act of Holden talking to his dead brother, as if he were still alive, as a sign of him having a mental disorder and was going crazy. Some may believe Holden was having hallucinations because he talks aloud to Allie and tells him to meet him in front of Bobby’s house. If Holden was indeed having hallucinations it may disclose he was insane. However, Holden never mentions seeing any dead person in the book or anything else uncommon, nor does he talk aloud to any dead people or objects. It was just Allie because he meant a lot to Holden. Holden’s discouragement has brought him to think back to his failures. He ponders over this particular incident because he greatly regrets not taking his little brother with him. He tells Allie to meet him in front of Bobby’s house to receive some forgiveness because he feels