Character development: Psychological theories of depression

Once we discussed the main character, we wanted to include the concept of depression within the character. To create a realistic character we need to ensure we have a large amount of research on this topic.

Depression in a mood disorder involves feelings of dejection, which can lead to various emotional and physical problems; sometimes even suicidal tendencies.

Symptoms of depression: 

-Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

-Fatigue

-Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness and hopelessness

-Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much

-Irritability

-Restlessness

-Loss of interest in things once pleasurable

-Overeating, or appetite loss

-Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away

-Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment

-Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

-Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Facts about women and depression

Our protagonist is female therefore we focused our research on depression amongst women, to gain clear understanding and recognition of the mental illness. Our film trailer lasts only for a few minutes, so the character and narrative must be easy to understand in order to not confuse the audience. We will use our finding on depression to shape a realistic character.

Symptoms of clinical depression are different between men and women tend to be more emotional, cry more. To describes theses symptoms doctors use the term “Atypical depression”, which leads to anxiety. Men tend to show aggression shown through anger and therefore likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.  

Depression is twice as common in women than men, and according to National insisted of health, one-quarter of women will experience clinical depression through their lifespan, one reason is due to hormones.

Teen depression statistics

Guardian newspaper article displays research about depression in teenagers. Since 2005 teens reporting symptoms has risen from 33% to 37%, with more than a third of girls reporting symptoms of distress and unhappiness.

37% reported feelings of unable to concentrate and hopelessness whereas boys expressing similar feeling declined by 15% since 2005. In teenagers, mental illness may stem from numerous reasons such as family, low self-esteem etc. affecting their education, behaviour, thoughts and physical wellbeing.

Theoretical approaches to looking at the mental illness depression.

Psychoanalytical approach

Freud suggests depression stems from childhood experience and by uncovering theses problems and understanding them through “talk therapy”, will help overcome the mental illness. 

 Trait approach

Depression is perceived as a trait of an individual, which is natural and apart of their character, e.g. some people are naturally positive and happy whereas others are naturally negative or depressed. 

Biological approach

This approach suggests depression is due to the low levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin. Additionally, if an individual is depressed they may be genetically predisposed to depression. Therefore to overcome the mental illness, it includes taking medication to increase Serotonin levels in the brain. 

 Humanistic Approach

Depression occurs when an individual is unable to cope with their life circumstances, as a result, prevents the individual from fulfilling their highest potential and self actualisation. 

Behaviour and social learning approach

Depression is something individuals learn through interactions in their social world and environment. Individuals may learn to be depressed by observing others e.g. school and media, so if depression is learned then it can also be unlearned.   

Cognitive Approach

Individuals that suffer from depression have self-deprecating thoughts e.g. “I am not good enough”. This approach suggests individuals need to perceive themselves and the world positively to defeat feelings of depression.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/20/one-in-four-girls-have-depression-by-the-time-they-hit-14-study-revealshttps://www.ineedalighthouse.org/depression-suicide/teen-depression/