Depression In Najiab Mahfouz's The Happy Man

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Finding light at the end of a tunnel is sometimes difficult without some help from others. The short story “The Happy Man” by Najiab Mahfouz an individual is battling depression like symptoms. This is an all too common occurrence for many Americans today, especially for those who serve for the United States. Depression can cause an individual to withdraw themselves from daily life. In the event of the symptoms escalating too much one can even become a danger to oneself or even family members. Depression is a very serious issue, and is frequently ignored which causes the individual even more pain. Within the book “The Happy Man” the main character is consumed by happiness, but is unsure of the cause. The story states “The feeling was so clear …show more content…

Over 15 million individuals in the United States are depressed. Although the number is high many never receive treatment. The most treated age group for depression is women ages 40-50, 23% receive an antidepressant medication. Irony appears in the story with the gender of the main character. The main character is a man and in the United States women are 2 ½ times more likely to receive treatment for depression then men. Not only adults are battling depression 8 out of 100 teens have serious depression. Although many Americans are diagnosed with depression only about a quarter of patients ever receive treatment. Individuals who do receive treatment are usually found in the higher income groups. Those who are taking antidepressants only a third have seen a medical professional. The individual in the story knew something was not right and repeatedly tried to get it fixed, but all doctors were sure he was perfect. He was willing to receive treatment, but was simply ignored. Ignoring the symptoms of depression for money sake or to save face is never good. In the end it will only hurt you more. Depression is a very large issue in the United State, and it affects everyone in a different way. Some individuals are more susceptible than others, but in the end anyone can be affected by depression. The longer the symptoms are ignored the more detrimental it can be for the