It's Kind of a Funny Story

Depression is the reason kids commit suicide. Craig, in the book "It's Kind Of a Funny Story" by Ned Vinzinni suffers from depression. He works too hard at school and is having trouble with his friends. All this leads to depression, he was not eating right and not sleeping. Eventually, he thought of  commiting suicide, so he checked himself into a hospital where he stayed for five days.

I believe he was having trouble because he had no "anchors" (things to keep him safe and happy). He considered his friends anchors but he was smoking pot with them, they aren't the best influences. He should have anchors that actually make him happy instead of thinking he's happy. Also I think his anchor(s) should help him block out the world for a bit so he doesn't have to worry about anything.

The hospital acted as a good anchor for him because he wasn't going to school or dealing with anything in the "outside world". But the hospital is not an actual anchor because he can't just go there when he is feeling bad, he needs something he can do on his own as an anchor.

In the hospital, there were activity centers where people could play music and draw. Craig remembered drawing maps when he was a kid. Based on people's thoughts, he made outlines of people and filled up their brains with maps. This was very calming for him, he made his "brain maps" for everyone who wants them I the hospital. This art seems to be a better anchor for him.

Everyone has many struggles, but there is always that one thing that keeps someone calm when they are having a bad day. People have different methods for finding them and using them. Through the help of a hospital Craig has found his anchor. Someone's anchor can change throughout time, such as Craig's throughout the book