A Psychological Analysis Of Prozac Nation

Prozac Nation tells the story of an intelligent 19-year-old girl’s struggle against depression. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wurtzel, a Harvard University freshman and aspiring writer, has a history of depression episodes. Lizzie’s childhood was marked by abandonment and divorce. She has also struggled with depression and low self-esteem. The 1980s are the setting for this book, when mental health was still a taboo issue and psychiatric medication was not prescribed. Lizzie’s behavior is definitely abnormal and she has major depression disorder. She attempts to cope through the entire book. Although her actions are ill-intentioned, she is a typical person with this disorder.

Lizzie’s major depression disorder manifests many of the common symptoms associated with depression. This book is mostly about the present but also contains flashbacks, in which she exhibits many of these symptoms. She describes her current feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and emptyness. Despite her refusal to admit it, she is clearly feeling guilty. She repeatedly screams at her mother, while crying in her arms. Lizzie’s energy levels are also low, as she struggles to get up in the morning. This impacts her academics and passion, writing. She has trouble sleeping as well, and goes for several days at a time without any rest. She can’t concentrate on writing or work, which makes it frustrating for her. It also makes her irritable. Irritability, or a lack of control over emotions, is a common sign of depression. This is especially true for adolescents. Her pain is also numbed by alcohol and drugs, as it is for many people who suffer from mental illnesses. Lizzie is suffering from depression, and her suicidal tendencies and self harm are alarming. Flashback shows Lizzie as a child cutting her legs, and a present-day shot shows her slashing her wrists. At the end of her story, she admits that she had suicidal thoughts. All of these symptoms match the National Institute of Mental Health’s Guide to Depression (NIMH n.d.). The author portrays a depressed person well. Lizzie shows almost all of the symptoms and talks about her past experiences that led her to this state. Most people who have depression can pinpoint the cause of their condition, but some may not.

Lizzie’s life has been filled with traumatic events and heartbreaking experiences that have led to her present state. She was two when her parents split up. It was a painful breakup that led to many turbulent years. Lizzie was abandoned by her father when she turned fourteen. Depression is often caused by major life changes, trauma and stress (NIMH, n.d.). Lizzie also says that her mother is overbearing and too involved. This leads Lizzie to have unrealistic expectations. All of the events in her childhood and even recent events, such as her breakup with her boyfriend or her fight with her bestfriend, have triggered her depression. This type of conflict can cause feelings of guilt, isolation and depression.

During the flashback, we learn that Lizzie received therapy when she was a child. She has since stopped going to therapy and is now against it. Lizzie fights back when her mother insists on it after realizing that Lizzie isolates herself. She agrees eventually and begins to see a psychiatrist each week. She starts individual talk-therapy and is eventually prescribed Prozac. National Institute of Mental Health reports that this approach is common. Talk therapy usually comes first. If the talk therapy doesn’t work, it is usually followed by a medication regimen. If electroconvulsive treatment is not effective, it may be considered. Lizzie also followed this course. She first tried talking therapy. When she still had severe symptoms, her psychiatrist prescribed Prozac. Lizzie confesses to feeling better at the end. She describes her recovery as “gradually and then suddenly” which is common among people with depression.

Depression can have an enormous impact on a person’s family and close friends. It can lead to strained relationships, where family and friends may feel that they’re at fault for someone else’s illness. (Croft 2016, p. Lizzie’s family and friends can attest to this. Her mother is the one who seems to be most affected. She has blamed herself and Lizzie at times. It is not uncommon for someone trying to help a person with depression to feel both angry and helpless (Croft 2016). Lizzie’s mother’s portrayal in the film is heartbreaking and realistic. She just wants Lizzie to return to the old her, so that she can write again and fulfill her dreams. Lizzie has not reached that stage of recovery yet, and it frustrates the entire family. Lizzie’s depressive episodes are particularly difficult for her to manage. She is irrational, irresponsible, and closes off others. These are the signs of someone who’s hurting. Both her boyfriend and best friend are portrayed accurately. Lizzie is initially supported and loved, but they eventually stop contacting her. This happens a lot with family and friends who don’t understand depression.

Prozac Nation gives a deep insight into someone’s life who is suffering from depression. Lizzie is a victim of many common symptoms that are well-depicted in the book. I have major depressive disorder and it’s refreshing to read books that don’t shy away from the dark side of mental illness. Lizzie often acts out, by lashing her out at her friends and family. She will also experiment with drugs, sex with alcohol, and fight with the therapist. I have a tendency to “act out” and suffer symptoms inwardly, so that others are unaware of my struggles. Although Lizzie’s and my illness are very different, they both have the same underlying cause. Fighting your own thoughts and living with depression can be exhausting. Few illnesses are as self-reinforcing as depression. The stigma of seeking help is a problem that is present in the 1980s and today.

We may be saddened, surprised, and fascinated by the novel’s chapters. It was difficult to read about Lizzie’s anger and her subsequent apology, as it shows depression in its true form. This is a battle that people underestimate and don’t understand. Prozac Nation did a great job of portraying this. However, the show could have done better by focusing more on suicidal thoughts and self-harm. The issues of self-harm and suicidal ideation are mentioned, but not explored. The book also portrayed depression sufferers as combative and problematic. It is true sometimes, but not always. The message will still be effective as long people recognize that each person is unique and the book is merely a portrayal of one individual’s depression. We need more literature to expose taboo social topics like mental illness.

References Cited

Croft, H. (2016, June 20). Effects of depression on family members and friends. Retrieved April 11, 2017, from http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/articles/effects-of-depression-on-family-and-friends/

Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml