Monday, April 15, 2013

M-Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression and Characters From YA Books



ental Health, Anxiety, and Depression in Teens


Mental illness is a serious health issue that affects a person's thinking, mood, feeling, and ability to function daily. Mental illness includes: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post tramatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Mental illness can affect anyone, any age, any race, any gender. Nearly one half of all cases begin at age 14. (nami.org)

Here are some characters who deal with mental illness in great YA books...




James Whitman from Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos  struggles with anxiety and depression so he turns to writing and wakes up every morning with a song to himself.








Charlie from Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a wallflower--shy and introspective, and intelligent. He struggles with depression and mental illness. 







Ceara from The Big Smoke by Cally Jackson suffers from mental illness- generalized anxiety disorder- which is one of the many obstacles she must overcome to find happiness in this new phase of her life.


Don't Forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.


Sources: www.cdc.gov, mayoclinic.com, kidshealth.org, nami.org

15 comments:

Andrea said...

I had no idea half of the cases started so young! I have been thinking about buying 'Wallflower and now may have to get all three of these. I really should dust off my library card or your a-z is going to break me!

Michael Di Gesu said...

I am not surprised these disorders start this young. During puberty our bodies chemically and physically change. And much or mental illness is lack of certain chemicals in the brain.

This is why it's crucial for parents to understand their kids and get them the help they need at once.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Half begin that young? Scary!

Julie Flanders said...

I didn't know this started so young either. So tragic!
I love Charlie in the Wallflower book.

Mark Means said...

I thought these things happened much later in life. A shame they can ruin childhoods like that.

Mark said...

These are big issues, but I didn't realize there was so much literature out there on it. Thanks for enlightening me:)

PK HREZO said...

Hey great to see Cally up there! I haven't seen her blog in ages after she had her baby. Hope her book is doing well!
Mental illnesss seems more and more in teens these days. I think it's important for teens to read about it thru other characters so t hey dont feel as alone or different.

Jeff Hargett said...

Beginning at 14 sounds about right, but the 50% was surprising. I like the approach you've taken for the challenge. Keep up the good work!

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

The stats are so scary. I guess I knew that it started early but to hear 50%??? Wow. I think it is important to be aware, though, so that we can help our youth and teens.

@Pk- I don't know Cally well, but I found her book during my search and I really wanted to feature it.

Thanks everyone for stopping by and commenting! :)

Michelle said...

Years ago a friend recommended "The Perks of being a Wallflower". When she asked me a bit later on if I had read it or not and I responded with "no, not yet" she brought it to me the next day. I wasn't quite sure what I was in for and ended up finishing it in one day. Very interesting insight! I was so taken off guard but now I recommend it to all my book reading friends!

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

@Michelle- I really enjoyed the Perks of being a Wallflower. Both the book and the movie.

Anonymous said...

Hello! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone4.

I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct
this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Cheers!



My webpage :: website optimization company

Anonymous said...

Very good post. I absolutely love this website. Continue the good work!


My website; top bodybuilding supplements

Anonymous said...

I am not sure where you're getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for
my mission.

Visit my webpage - casinoguiden

Anonymous said...

I rarely leave responses, but after browsing a few of the
responses on "M-Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression and Characters From YA Books".
I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it's
allright. Could it be simply me or do a few of the comments look like they are written by
brain dead people? :-P And, if you are writing at other sites,
I'd like to keep up with anything fresh you have to
post. Could you make a list of all of your social networking
pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?


Feel free to visit my web blog ... Agen sbobet Termurah