Chapter Discussions - Chapter One, Dudley Demented

[Doriane]

No: HPFGUIDX 69392


> > I'm afraid I have to disagree with that. Harry's symptoms are not 
> > those of a depression. Stress, yes, anger and anxiousness, for 
> > sure, but not depression.
> 
> But remember, symptoms of depression are different in adolescents 
> than in adults.

And in girls than in boys, which would be more of a problem for me. 
Teen depression isn't.

> Most lists of teen depression symptoms that I've 
> seen include anger, aggressiveness, problems with authority, 
> irritability, etc.  I'm not sure if Harry really is depressed, but 
> he does have a number of symptoms that fit.  And he certainly has 
> good *cause* to be depressed.

I agree. He's got the cause, he's got the symptoms, but I still don't 
think he's got the problem. Mainly because his mental state doesn't 
fit in. He's not in doubt about himself, whether he's able to do what 
he has to, whether he's worthy to have/do/be whatever, whether he's 
loved, etc... In short, he doesn't have a bad self-image (which is 
quite a feat, considering all the abuse he went through !). He's got 
fears and doubts, but not about himself. He doesn't doubt his 
abilities. He's angry at his friends and Sirius for not taking him in 
with them, but he never doubts their love for him. So I really don't 
think he's depressed. He could be on the verge of it, though.

Del