Giving a character depression

Thank you very much. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, but your post has given me a lot to think about. I'm still trying to apply your advice to Solja and I'm considering ways that his personality traits can be both positive and negative. So far, all I have is that one hand, he is a quiet, reasonably friendly person. On the other hand, some people might see him as a sloppy, silent delinquent who is a disappointment to his family.

Any thoughts to add?

 

Can you offer more detail about what he's like?

If you're not quite sure, I'd suggest writing some throwaway scenes. If he eats dinner with his family, try writing the conversation. What if he wants to borrow money from a family member, or a family member wants to borrow money from him--what does that scene look like? An argument with a friend? Dealing with a sick pet? Searching for a missing shoe?

 

Yeah, I've been thinking about doing that, but I've always been unsure about whether or not that would actually help.

 

Well, it's not likely to hurt.

I can't tell if you have a detailed understanding of this character that you haven't told us, or if you've already told us everything you know?

 

In all honesty, I don't and I'm struggling to find ways to deepen my understanding of all of my characters.

 

Why not do the throwaway scenes? Are you afraid they'll hurt something?

 

I think it's because I'm just unsure of myself and don't have the greatest confidence in my writing skills.

 

But you're just going to write them for yourself, so where's the harm?

I do realize that a lot of people seem to be afraid of writing bad prose, as if its existence, in its badness, will somehow cause some sort of harm. But if you want to learn to write better prose, you're going to have to write a whole lot of bad prose.

 

You're right. I think I'll come up with a list of possible throwaway scenes. That usually helps me come up with some ideas.

 

I am going back into therapy for anxiety, but when I do I have to assess the two weeks before the session for that and for depression. If you think it will help OP, I don't mind posting the depression side questions if you think they'll be of help.

 

I've decided that I won't give my character depression. But, thank you for the offer. Also, I hope you can handle your anxiety better soon.

 

May I suggest the show "My Mad Fat Diary"? Arguably the best portrayal of mental illness in mainstream media (and it's a very short watch). The main character has flaws: she's crude, ballsy, and guarded, which is caused, and helps to cause, her chronic mental illnesses. It's rather cyclical in nature.

Even for myself, I know my perfectionism, laziness and immaturity causes my anxiety, and are also results of my anxiety.

TL;DR: depression could be a good starting point if you want to flesh out your character's flaws, if handled well.