Review Of ' Brianne Camilleri '

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Brianne Camilleri – 14 year old female had it all: family and a home around Boston. Brianne in the ninth grade had the overwhelming sense of hopelessness. “It was like a cloud that followed me everywhere,” Brianne says. “I could not get away from it.” Brianne started drinking and using drugs. One Sunday, she was caught shoplifting at a local store; Brianne believed she would never see light again and went straight for the bathroom and consumed as many painkillers, Tylenol and Advil, she could find – a total of 74 pills, she just wanted to die. Linda Camilleri, Brianne’s mother, few hours later found Brianne vomiting all over the floor. Brianne was rushed to the hospital, where she had convinced a psychiatrist (even herself) that it had been a one-time impulse. The psychiatrist urged her parents to keep the episode a secret to avoid any stigma. Brianne’s father, Alan Camilleri, shudders when he remembers that advice. “Mental illness is a closet problem in this country, and it’s got to come out.” With a schizophrenic brother and a cousin who committed suicide, Alan believes she should have known better. After another suicide attempt a few months later, she finally ended up at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, one of the best mental-health facilities in the country. After three years of therapy and antidepressant medication, Brianne at 19 years of age believe is on track. (Wingert and Kantrowitz) Depression – a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest (Mayo Clinic Staff). Individual diagnosed with depression gets affected both physically and mentally: the way they think, feel, and behave, leading to various problems (Marilyn Elias). Depression is not only for adults; depression is becomi... ... middle of paper ... ...er generations do not have anything to worry about, “they are not old enough”, until they go into adulthood. Majority of teenagers fall into the depth of mild depression due to stress or life struggles that come across in their life. As a community we should pay attention to children and teenagers: their behavior, performance in school, appetite and weight, energy and activity, just basically their overall health. Parents should speak to children and teenagers and willingly become open but not come as forced. Also, teachers should watch out for their students being aware of the student’s actions and take action if noticing signs of depression. No human being in the world, especially young children, should feel hopeless and lonely; building awareness to help those in need. Overall, depression is underrated in the younger generations; and no child should be left behind.

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