Dr. Reefy's Depression
Depression
is a very common condition that affects more than three million Americans per
year. Though society constructs it as a taboo, it is quite normal and prevalent.
It is described as a prolonged sadness and can include loss of interest in
things that one would normally have. Some symptoms can be changes in sleeping
behavior, energy level, and appetite. Depression can also include thoughts of
suicide. A common symptom is also an increase in purposeless physical activity
or slowed movement and speech. Death of a loved one can bring on a major wave
of depression.
Though it
could be said that almost every character in Winesburg, Ohio has at least one symptom of depression, the story
that reminded me the most of depression was “Paper Pills”. Doctor Reefy lost
his wife to the hands of death and, afterwards, exhibited signs of depression.
For example, “He smoked a cob pipe and after his wife’s death sat all day in
his empty office close by a window that was covered with cobwebs” (7). This
lack of interest and lethargy is often seen in depression. After his wife’s
death, Doctor Reefy also has difficulty communicating with anyone else, thus he
writes his ideas on little pieces of paper and keeps them to himself, his “paper
pills”. This lack of connection after his wife’s death also indicates he was
going through depression.
Bibliography -
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