This document analyzes how the Spongebob Squarepants character Squidward exhibits symptoms of major depression disorder. It describes how Squidward shows a lack of motivation and interest in activities, and isolates himself for two weeks in a messy house. The document concludes that the writers accurately portrayed depression through Squidward dismissing Spongebob and making dark comments, indicating he has major depression from being constantly annoyed by his neighbor.

1. Squidward’s Depression In
By John Potenza

2. Psychology Basis

3. Major (Unipolar) Depression Disorder
● Unipolar Depression is defined as a severe depression lasting over two weeks.
● A depression is “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and
loss of interest” (Mayo Clinic).

4. Symptoms Of Major Depression
Disorder
Symptoms of this disorder include:
● Lack of self confidence
● Sadness
● Loss of interest
● Lack of motivation
● Slowness in activity
● Apathy (lack of emotion)
● General discontent
● Suicidal thoughts

5. Media

6. Characters
● Spongebob and Squidward are
neighbors, as well as co-workers at a
restaurant called the Krusty Krab.
● Spongebob is always happy and
positive, which often annoys
Squidward.
● Spongebob also often accidentally
inconveniences Squidward almost
every episode. Squidward Spongebob

7. Connection

8. Connection
● One day at work, Spongebob shows up with an album featuring his happiest
memories.
● Spongebob asks Squidward what his
happiest memory is, and Squidward
expresses that he doesn't have one.
● Spongebob then becomes determined to
give Squidward a happiest memory.

9. Connection
● Spongebob takes Squidward to a number of places that Squidward’s interested
in: A musical, an art museum, and even a hot air balloon ride.
● However, something negative happens at all of these events. Squidward
focuses on those and becomes more sad, rather than being optimistic.

10. Connection
● After all of these events fail to make Squidward happy, he loses all motivation
and stays isolated in his house.
● Two weeks later, Spongebob gets concerned and checks on him. Squidward’s
house is incredibly messy, and Squidward himself looks stressed and has
stubble, indicating that he hasn't taken much care of himself.
● He then dismisses Spongebob, because he wants to be alone.

11. Connection/ Validity
● Squidwards’ extended period of lacking motivation, general sadness, and
negativity towards everything makes it apparent that he has Major Depression
Disorder.
● Squidward also says multiple dark quotes throughout the episode, such as “I
can’t seem to get happy”, “Hello misery, I’m home” and even “Wake me when
I’m dead”. These quotes make it very apparent that Squidward is not mentally
healthy.

12. My Take
● The writers definitely understand what Major Depression Disorder is, since it’s
accurately shown through the expression of its symptoms with Squidward.
● They overall did a good job with portraying depression in Squidward.

13. Thank You!

14. References
Mayo Clinic Depression Definition:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-
causes/syc-20356007
“Are You Happy Now?” Spongebob Episode:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=spongebob+are+you+happy+now+episode
&view=detail&mid=BD39D182B3BEEED3DFF5BD39D182B3BEEED3DFF5&FOR
M=VIRE