Twenty percent of teens in America today suffer from at least one symptom of depression. (Adolescent Depression Statistics) Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts, affecting the way a person eats and sleeps, the way they feel about themselves, and the way they think about things. Symptoms of depression include loss of emotional expression, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and social withdrawal (Teenage Depression Statistics) Holden Caulfield, in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, suffers from symptoms of depression. Due to his mental illness, he is a misunderstood and confused young character who is searching for his identity and his place in the world. He suffers from symptoms of depression, which are rooted in a lack of closure regarding his brother's death. The devastation Holden experiences after Allie's death is understandable. This unfortunately leads to a lack of personal motivation, low self-esteem and compulsive lying. Holden's inability to self-reflect and his stubbornness to overlook the obvious have led to a chronic lack of motivation. Holden does not have the necessary ability to motivate himself, which is necessary to survive in the "real" world. Holden doesn't feel the need to motivate himself, because everyone who survives in the "real" world he considers to be fakes. He is unable to understand the importance of progress, maturity and responsibility. Compulsive lying is a trait demonstrated by Holden. Holden would lie to people simply so that they couldn't get close to the real Holden. Holden tells lies on several occasions attempting to gain sympathy from others. Holden pathetically informs Mrs. Morrow: "I have to have a little operation... it's not very serious. I have this little tumor... middle of paper... strange thoughts. In conclusion, Holden Caulfield is a troubled young man who is isolated from the "real" world and the adult world. Holden is stuck on the path of transitioning from adolescence and innocence to the adult world which he considers insensitive and false. Holden has trouble discovering his personal identity while isolating himself out the world and scrutinizing those he deems “false.” Because he is so eager to criticize the world around him, Holden is so differentiated from those in society each of us must grow up sooner or later Holden is unable to grasp this idea and this leads to his nervous breakdown if Holden had a less traumatic past and had the ability and willingness to connect with others and create and maintain relationships he would have a less disturbing future ahead of him.