Depression In The Glass Castle

In The Glass Castle, there is a dysfunctional and chaotic family of six. They grew up in poverty with two uncaring parents who didn't pay much close attention to them. We can see that this affected them very deeply through the book with hints towards depression. “In 2019, the Pew Research Center reported that 13 percent of American teenagers have experienced a major depressive episode, especially girls. In 2020, Mental Health America reported that 59 percent of young people with depression did not receive treatment for it. Worldwide, depression impacts about 280 million people, and is the largest cause of disability.”(Depression and Mood disorders) This relates to the Walls children perfectly because of the depression throughout the family.

He broke windows and smashed dishes and furniture until he’d spent all his anger”(Wallas112)” Lets really light up this Christmas, Dad said and thrust the lighter into the douglas fir. The dried-out needles caught fire immediately… We were able to put the fire out, but only by knocking down the tree, smashing most of the ornament, and ruining all our presents.”(Walls 115) ” I’d return to the stall and polish off my tasty finds. There was, at times, more food in the wastebasket than I could eat. The first time I found extra food—a bologna-and-cheese sandwich—I stuffed it into my purse to take home for Brian”(Walls 173) These examples show major signs of sadness, embarrassment, and sacredness which can be leading factors in depression. The constant fear of their dad and what their going to eat creates a sense of instability and depression within the

“I was a bother and a burden they could do without.”(Walls 30) “Before Mom left, she gave me two hundred dollars. That was plenty, she said, to buy food for Brian and Maureen and me for two months and pay the water and electricity bills”(Walls 209) These examples are proof of an uncaring family who didn't value their kids. These examples of neglect can lead to a precarious childhood which can be a significant factor in depression.

Domestic violence was very prevalent in the glass castle which can be a major factor in depression. “Robbie getting sloppy drunk, losing to Dad, and groping me when we danced or sat at the bar between games. All Dad said to me was "Keep your legs crossed, honey, and keep 'em crossed tight." (Walls 212) ” he yelled and hit me in the face. Blood started gushing out of my nose.”(Walls 86):” Shut up, you big dummy!" I said and hit him hard on the shoulder. "You're the dummy!" he said and hit me hardback. We tossed a few more punches” (Walls 239) These are all very good examples of physical violence throughout the book. All of this violence throughout a person's life can really negatively affect a person mentally and