I'd recommend 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. It portrays depression in a very authentic way and captures the complexity of teenage emotions. The narrative is engaging and makes you empathize with the characters' experiences.
One such book is 'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven. It offers a poignant look at depression in young adults.
One such novel could be 'Thirteen Reasons Why' by Jay Asher. It explores the aftermath of a teenager's suicide and the reasons behind it.
You need to show the inner turmoil and struggles of the character. Let the readers feel their pain and confusion through detailed descriptions of their thoughts and emotions.
One famous novel that touches on postpartum depression is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. In the story, the female protagonist's mental state deteriorates after childbirth, which can be seen as a representation of postpartum depression symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, and a sense of being trapped.
One popular choice is 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' by Ned Vizzini. It offers a raw and relatable look at teenage anxiety.
There are several like 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It offers a deep look into the immigrant experience of a Nigerian woman in the US.
By showing her having mood swings. One moment she could be trying to be positive and the next she's withdrawn. Also, by having her struggle with simple daily tasks. For example, she might have trouble getting out of bed or eating properly.
To portray it realistically, her thought process is key. She could have a lot of negative self - talk, constantly criticizing herself. For example, she might think 'I'm such a failure, I can't even do this simple spell right' when in reality it's just a small mistake. Her relationship with her friends would also be affected. She might push them away, thinking they're better off without her. And she may lose interest in her studies, which was always a big part of her life before. This shows how depression can seep into all aspects of a character's life.
Internal monologues are key. The fanfiction could explore his dark thoughts, like his feelings of worthlessness. He might constantly compare himself to others in the Land of Ooo and feel like he doesn't measure up. The author could also show his physical manifestations of depression, such as lack of appetite or always looking tired.
There are several good ones. 'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven is a popular choice. It offers a raw and touching portrayal of depression in young adults.