depression in adolescence essay

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Depression in Teens

It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life.

Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television, at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs.

Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action.

Dealing With Adolescent Pressures

When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescents.

• Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’ self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.
• Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.
• Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs of adolescents help develop additional interests.
• Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid to ask for help.

But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce), side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns.

Recognizing Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms, including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help.

These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks:

• Poor performance in school
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
• Anger and rage
• Overreaction to criticism
• Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
• Poor self-esteem or guilt
• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
• Restlessness and agitation
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Substance abuse
• Problems with authority

Suicidal thoughts or actions

A quick, easy and confidential way to determine if you may be experiencing depression is to take a mental health screening. A screening is not a diagnosis, but a way of understanding if your symptoms are having enough of an impact that you should seek help from a doctor or other professional. Visit  www.mhascreening.org  to take a depression screening.

Teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. Teens also may express their depression through hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends, family, law enforcement or school officials.

Treating Adolescent Depression

It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt, professional treatment.

Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for family members or other concerned adults to seek professional advice.

Therapy can help teens understand why they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Medications that can be prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary to help teens feel better.

Some of the most common and effective ways to treat depression in adolescents are:

• Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events and feelings that are painful or troubling to them. Psychotherapy also teaches them coping skills.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teens change negative patterns of thinking and behaving.
• Interpersonal therapy focuses on how to develop healthier relationships at home and at school.

Medication relieves some symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy.

When depressed adolescents recognize the need for help, they have taken a major step toward recovery. However, remember that few adolescents seek help on their own. They may need encouragement from their friends and support from concerned adults to seek help and follow treatment recommendations.

Facing the Danger Of Teen Suicide

Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth.

Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be based on long-standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs:

• Suicide threats, direct and indirect
• Obsession with death
• Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
• Giving away belongings
• Dramatic change in personality or appearance
• Irrational, bizarre behavior
• Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection
• Changed eating or sleeping patterns

Severe drop in school performance

REMEMBER!!! These warning signs should be taken seriously. Obtain help immediately. Caring and support can save a young life.

Helping Suicidal Teens

• Offer help and listen . Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen, don’t lecture.
• Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life.
• Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don’t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly!
• Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen’s life — family, friends and teachers.

Looking To The Future

When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing that their outlook can improve. But professional treatment can have a dramatic impact on their lives. It can put them back on track and bring them hope for the future.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Other Resources

The Boys Town National Hotline. (800)-448-3000 .

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-3007 Phone Number: (202) 966-7300 Email Address: [email protected] Website URL: www.aacap.org

American Association of Suicidology 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW; Suite 310 Washington, DC 20008 Phone: 202-237-2280

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

The Jed Foundation . Suicide prevention for college students.

Covenant House . Resources for homeless and at-risk children.

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• Diseases & Conditions
• Teen depression

Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults.

Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings — they're a symptom of depression.

Teen depression isn't a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower — it can have serious consequences and requires long-term treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counseling.

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Teen depression signs and symptoms include a change from the teenager's previous attitude and behavior that can cause significant distress and problems at school or home, in social activities, or in other areas of life.

Depression symptoms can vary in severity, but changes in your teen's emotions and behavior may include the examples below.

Emotional changes

Be alert for emotional changes, such as:

• Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason
• Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
• Feeling hopeless or empty
• Irritable or annoyed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
• Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Behavioral changes

Watch for changes in behavior, such as:

• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
• Social isolation
• Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
• Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
• Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors
• Self-harm — for example, cutting or burning
• Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt

What's normal and what's not

It can be difficult to tell the difference between ups and downs that are just part of being a teenager and teen depression. Talk with your teen. Try to determine whether he or she seems capable of managing challenging feelings, or if life seems overwhelming.

When to see a doctor

If depression signs and symptoms continue, begin to interfere in your teen's life, or cause you to have concerns about suicide or your teen's safety, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional trained to work with adolescents. Your teen's family doctor or pediatrician is a good place to start. Or your teen's school may recommend someone.

Depression symptoms likely won't get better on their own — and they may get worse or lead to other problems if untreated. Depressed teenagers may be at risk of suicide, even if signs and symptoms don't appear to be severe.

If you're a teen and you think you may be depressed — or you have a friend who may be depressed — don't wait to get help. Talk to a health care provider such as your doctor or school nurse. Share your concerns with a parent, a close friend, a spiritual leader, a teacher or someone else you trust.

Suicide is often associated with depression. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

• Call your mental health professional.
• In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . The Spanish language phone line is 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free). Services are free and confidential.
• Or contact a crisis service for teenagers in the U.S. called TXT 4 HELP : Text the word "safe" and your current location to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help, with the option for interactive texting.
• Seek help from your primary care doctor or other health care provider.
• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

If a loved one or friend is in danger of attempting suicide or has made an attempt:

• Make sure someone stays with that person.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Never ignore comments or concerns about suicide. Always take action to get help.

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It's not known exactly what causes depression, but a variety of issues may be involved. These include:

• Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When these chemicals are abnormal or impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems changes, leading to depression.
• Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.
• Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives — such as a parent or grandparent — also have the condition.
• Early childhood trauma. Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that increase the risk of depression.
• Learned patterns of negative thinking. Teen depression may be linked to learning to feel helpless — rather than learning to feel capable of finding solutions for life's challenges.

Risk factors

Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering teen depression, including:

• Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems
• Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse
• Having other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder, anorexia or bulimia
• Having a learning disability or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Having ongoing pain or a chronic physical illness such as cancer, diabetes or asthma
• Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
• Abusing alcohol, nicotine or other drugs
• Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in an unsupportive environment

Family history and issues with family or others may also increase your teenager's risk of depression, such as:

• Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with depression, bipolar disorder or alcohol use problems
• Having a family member who died by suicide
• Having a family with major communication and relationship problems
• Having experienced recent stressful life events, such as parental divorce, parental military service or the death of a loved one

Complications

Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your teenager's life. Complications related to teen depression may include, for example:

• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Academic problems
• Family conflicts and relationship difficulties
• Suicide attempts or suicide

There's no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help. Encourage your teenager to:

• Take steps to control stress, increase resilience and boost self-esteem to help handle issues when they arise
• Practice self-care, for example by creating a healthy sleep routine and using electronics responsibly and in moderation
• Reach out for friendship and social support, especially in times of crisis
• Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening
• Maintain ongoing treatment, if recommended, even after symptoms let up, to help prevent a relapse of depression symptoms

Teen depression care at Mayo Clinic

• Depressive disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013. https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Bipolar and related disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013. https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. April 9, 2021.
• Teen depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression/. Accessed March 30, 2022.
• Depression in children and teens. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/The-Depressed-Child-004.aspx. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Psychotherapy for children and adolescents: Different types. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Psychotherapies-For-Children-And-Adolescents-086.aspx. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medications. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Depression medicines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/depression-medicines. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Building your resilience. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Psychiatric medications for children and adolescents: Part I ― How medications are used. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Psychiatric-Medication-For-Children-And-Adolescents-Part-I-How-Medications-Are-Used-021.aspx. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Psychiatric medications for children and adolescents: Part II ― Types of medications. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Psychiatric-Medication-For-Children-And-Adolescents-Part-II-Types-Of-Medications-029.aspx. Accessed May 5, 2021.
• Weersing VR, et al. Evidence-base update of psychosocial treatments for child and adolescent depression. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. 2017; doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1220310.
• Zuckerbrot RA, et al. Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): Part I. Practice preparation, identification, assessment, and initial management. Pediatrics. 2018; doi:10.1542/peds.2017-4081.
• Cheung AH, et al. Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): Part II. Treatment and ongoing management. Pediatrics. 2018; doi:10.1542/peds.2017-4082.
• Resilience guide for parents and teachers. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/guide-parents-teachers. Accessed May 4, 2021.
• Rice F, et al. Adolescent and adult differences in major depression symptoms profiles. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.09.015.
• Haller H, et al. Complementary therapies for clinical depression: An overview of systemic reviews. BMJ Open. 2019; doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028527.
• Ng JY, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine recommendations for depression: A systematic review and assessment of clinical practice guidelines. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapeutics. 2020; doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03085-1.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 92: Use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy and lactation. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008; doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e31816fd910. Reaffirmed 2019.
• Neavin DR, et al. Treatment of major depressive disorder in pediatric populations. Diseases. 2018; doi:10.3390/diseases6020048.
• Vande Voort JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. June 29, 2021.
• Safe Place: TXT 4 HELP. https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/ txt-4-help. Accessed March 30, 2022.
• Antidepressants for children and teens

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Understanding Teen Depression Essay

Introduction, teen depression.

A considerable number of teenagers around the globe extensively suffer from depression. Depression can lead to several unpleasant behaviors, especially when left unattended. However, in as much as the teen are extremely vulnerable to depressions, most of them adopt several mechanisms that significantly assist them in containing their situation. Although, the methods employed vary from one individual to another; some may employ constructive measures, while others use unhelpful approaches.

Understanding teen depression

It is noted that teen depression is primarily caused by two common factors i.e. unanswered sorrow and emotional disconnection. Unanswered sorrows are caused by certain life experiences such as the loss of loved ones, desertion, and disturbing events. On the other hand, emotional disconnection is caused by the fear of being unable to correlate with other.

Many people misunderstand teen depression, which is due to their several interesting behaviors at this stage. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to understand teenagers, incase one intends to detect and assist the teenagers fight against depressions. Depression is an awful illness to the teens, since it causes extraordinary grief, fury or despair among these youngsters. Furthermore, it is also a lethal disease; many people have perished after suffering severe depression i.e. either by committing suicide or by natural death.

Sources indicate that, approximately 20% of the depressed teens never seek help, despite the knowledge that it’s curable (Smith, & Barston, 2010). However, it is noted that the majority who seek for treatment, approach persons such as teachers or parents who often assist them get the best treatment.

Symptoms of depression on teenagers

It is extremely difficult to detect a depressed teenager. This is because; most depression symptoms are similar to certain normal behaviors of teens. Some of depression symptoms can be summarized as rejection of parents and friends; restlessness; fatigue; lack of concentration and enthusiasms; significant change in sleeping and eating pattern (Smith, & Barston, 2010).

However, the most regular symptoms considered as follows: extraordinary sensitivity to criticism, rejection of friends and families, fuming moods and unexplained pains.

Impacts of depression on teenagers

Depression is characterized by several effects; however, most of them impact negatively to the teens. Untreated teens end up: using illegal drugs; having class work problems, eating disorders; portraying immature behaviors and having low self-worth (Gelman, 2000). Furthermore, some of them become violent, practice lots of reckless activities and, in some instances, they even threaten to commit suicide.

How to help depressed teenagers

Teenager seek help to persons they trust; therefore, for one to assist them he or she must display certain tolerable and friendly qualities. One needs to be understanding and offer extensive support to the depressed teens. Furthermore, one must listen with kindness, and later emphasize to them, on the importance of seeking treatment. It is also helpful, to notify the teenagers, how they can seek for treatment i.e. by advising them to consult doctors or any other specialist, and maybe explore other treatment options.

How teens cope up with depression

Teenagers employ different approaches in their attempt to cope up with depression. Some teens employ positive approaches, whereas others use unconstructive measures, which end up messing their promising lives. Constructive approaches significantly assist the teens in learning to manage their depressions; whereas, most unconstructive measures destroy a teenagers’ lives.

Constructive ways used by teens

Teens employ several constructive ways of handling depression during their adolescent stage. For instance, a considerable percentage of teens use extra-curriculum activities such as sports and games, to cope with depression. They spend many of their free hours in playing different sports, games and other co-curriculum activities. This extensively assist them cope with depression since most of their free time is spent on sports, instead of idling with a depressed mind.

Unconstructive ways used by teens

A number of teens employ several unconstructive approaches of coping with depressions during their adolescent stage. For instance, a significant number of teenagers use drugs as a way of escaping their mental problems. They smoke, sniff and drink unhealthy drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and alcohol respectively (Gelman, 2000).

Interestingly, most of these teens are often convinced that drug abuse do solve their problems. This is extremely unfortunate to them, since abuse of drugs does not, in any way, solve their problems; instead, it further complicates it, to the extent of being uncontrollable.

A considerable number of teenagers engage in reckless behaviors, as a way of expressing their humiliation and depression. They often feel relived after doing or participating in certain irresponsible behaviors such as shop lifting. However, the relief is momentarily thus they keep on repeating the immature behaviors.

Some teenagers also keep off their friends and families, when they are depressed (Ayer, 2001). Their primary intension is always not to abandon their friends, but to avoid discussions and conversations that might complicate their situation. However, this is not necessarily a dire approach, since it may work well to some teens.

Depression is a common illness among teens, and it is associated with several complications including disagreeable behaviors. It is, therefore, imperative to, unmistakably, understand teenagers, incase one intends to assist them. This is because of the misconceptions surrounding their teenage lives thus one may misinterpret some of them as unusual behaviors. Teens employ several approaches in coping up with depression; some of them being beneficial, while others unconstructive.

Ayer, E. (2001). Everything you need to know about depression . New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.

Gelman, A. (2000). Coping with depression with other mood disorders . New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.

Smith, M. & Barston, S. (2010). Teen depression . Helpguide. Web.

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Teenage Depression: Signs, Causes, and How to Help

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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• How to Know

Causes of Teenage Depression

When to seek help for teen depression, how to help a teenager with depression, teen depression and suicide risk.

Cases of teenage depression have almost doubled in the U.S., increasing from 8.1% in 2009 to 15.8% in 2020. This makes it important for those of us with adolescents in our lives—whether our own kids, teenaged family members, children of friends, or kids in the neighborhood—to know how to help a teenager with depression.

Getting help begins with recognizing depression symptoms and understanding some of the potential causes of this mental health condition. The next step is knowing when to seek help and who to reach out to. We'll cover all of this here.

At a Glance

Teenage depression has several causes and often appears in the form of social withdrawal, trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite. Seeking help if depression is suspected is important because, if left untreated, it can lead to other issues. Reaching out to a physician or mental health professional is a good place to start. Talking with the teen about depression and its treatment can be beneficial as well.

Is It Teenage Depression?

Teens with depression can experience significant emotional pain , sometimes even feeling pain physically. Yet, they may not know how to make it better or find the help they need.

Only a physician or mental health professional can diagnose teen depression , assessing the symptoms and their severity to develop an effective treatment plan. That said, parents are usually in the best position to start the process, which begins with recognizing that depression may exist.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

Symptoms of Depression in Teens

Depression can show up differently in teens than it does in adults. It can also be hard to differentiate this mental health condition from the normal mood swings experienced during puberty or typical teen angst.

In addition to sadness, symptoms of teenage depression can include:

• Anger and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Loss of interest in activities
• Restlessness
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Talk of death or suicide

If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, contact the  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  at  988  for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see our  National Helpline Database .

Even though it's one of the most common mental health disorders for kids in this age group, teenage depression often goes undetected. Its symptoms are sometimes ignored until something serious happens, such as a suicide attempt or engaging in high-risk behaviors .

The teen years are often a period of physical, emotional, and social upheaval. This alone can cause mood swings and depressed moods. But what causes clinical depression in teens?

Several factors can play a role in the development of depression in adolescents, including:

• Biochemical imbalances
• Childhood abuse
• Childhood trauma
• Genetic predisposition to depression
• High levels of stress

Sometimes the teen can help shine a light on what could be contributing to their depression. Even if they don't know, talking to them will help keep the lines of communication open while they are working through their depression.

It's important to seek help if teenage depression is suspected because it typically doesn't go away on its own . This mental health condition can last for several months if untreated, potentially causing the teen to miss certain developmental milestones.

Untreated teenage depression can also lead to other serious issues, such as those related to substance use, behavior problems, and even medical problems. Getting the teen evaluated by a qualified professional can help them receive an appropriate diagnosis and put them on a path to treatment.

The child's pediatrician can also check for other medical conditions that might be contributing to the teen's symptoms. Children who are diagnosed with depression often have co-occurring chronic physical and mental health conditions, as well as having unmet mental and medical services needs.

It may not be depression, but any long-term changes in the teen's functioning suggest a serious problem that must be identified and addressed. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when the possibility of teen depression exists because this condition can worsen, possibly leading to a suicide attempt.

If the teen has had a noticeable shift in their mood, behavior, or personality, seek professional help to explore the reasons behind these changes. 

The Process for Evaluating Teenage Depression

A thorough evaluation by a professional is required to determine if the teen has depression. This evaluation involves an assessment of the severity of the condition, along with weighing the best treatment options.

To begin the evaluation process, the teen's parent or guardian can schedule an assessment with a medical doctor or mental health professional . Ideally, this professional should specialize in working with teenagers. The teen's pediatrician can be a good first step.

What Evaluation Might Look Like

A professional can evaluate the teen's health, make a diagnosis, recommend treatments, and refer them to another professional, if necessary. How they do this can vary.

• A medical doctor can order blood tests, review family history, and evaluate current medications, sleep patterns, and diet to determine if there is a physical cause for depression.  
• A  psychological evaluation  (testing by a psychologist) can provide extensive information about the severity and nature of the symptoms, contributing factors, and the possible presence of  suicidal ideation . This option is best suited for cases in which the diagnosis is unclear. 

A therapist who specializes in treating teens evaluates the symptoms based on talks with the teen and family members. They then come up with specific recommendations that are the most likely to help the teen.

The evaluation process can take time. Help the teen understand that determining effective therapies and medications can be a trial-and-error process, and it might take several tries to find the best treatment plan for them.

People who are experiencing depression often don't want to seek help; they might beg, get upset, or become violent when getting help is suggested. Even if they provide resistance, working with a mental health professional or physician is crucial. There are also a few things we can do to help.

Learn About Depression

If a teen that we care about is diagnosed with depression, it's important to educate ourselves about this condition. This enables us to better understand what they may be going through. It also puts us in a better position to help them navigate teenage mental illness .

The teens themselves can also be a good source of information. Be available to listen to how they feel and what they are experiencing. Encourage the teen to talk about anything that's bothering them.

Help the Teen Understand Depression

Explaining what is known about depression can help a teen better understand their symptoms and grasp the importance of treatment. Sharing how common it is can also help them not feel alone or abnormal if they have this condition.

If the teen has trouble understanding depression, comparing it to a physical malady such as diabetes is one way to help them see it as a disorder. This puts it into context as a condition that affects their health, thereby requiring treatment.

An example of what to say : "Depression is a mental illness. It's like the flu and other illnesses in that it can make you feel tired or have a headache. It can also affect your moods and feelings, potentially making you feel sad, lonely, frustrated, angry, or scared."

Let Them Know What to Expect

Teenagers are more likely to comply with treatment if they know what to expect, and if their expectations are positive. The unknown can be scary . So, it's helpful to give them some idea of what their treatment plan may look like, as well as why it's important for them to do their part.

An example of what to say : "Taking your medicine every day and going to therapy once a week is important to helping you feel better. You can talk privately to your therapist about how you are feeling. Your medicine may make you feel tired or dizzy, but it should go away soon. That's why you'll see the doctor once a month. They will ask how the medicine is making you feel and will make sure that it's helping you."

Give Them Some Control

Teenagers may also be more likely to comply with treatment if they have a say in their treatment. Giving them a sense of control aids in their development while also teaching them how to make healthy decisions .

Of course, allowing a teen to plan their own treatment isn't practical. But letting them make small decisions can help them feel like they have more control over their lives.

An example of what to say : "Your therapist wants to see you every week. What day of the week would be best for you? Would you rather go right after school or after dinner?"

Encourage Supportive Relationships

Supportive relationships are essential for people of all ages. But they are especially important for teenagers with depression. Depression can cause teens to withdraw from friends and family, increasing their feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation.

Having just one friend or supportive adult to talk with can be of significant benefit to the teen. We can be this person by declaring our support and availability, along with encouraging the teen to connect or re-connect with friends and share their feelings.

An example of what to say:  "I am always here to talk to you about anything. Talking to your friends can help, too. Having supportive and encouraging people to lean on is important. Talking about your feelings can make a difficult time a little bit easier. Which of your friends do you think you might be able to talk to?"

Also support the teen's positive daily routines, such as taking their medications and eating well. Encourage healthy self-help strategies and ensure that their home is a safe, comforting place.

Address Myths

Teens may be familiar with the  social stigma of mental illness  or have heard others say derogatory things about people will a mental health condition. Consider addressing this with them so that they don't feel like they must hide or be ashamed of their depression diagnosis.

Remind the teen that people might not understand or be misinformed, but that is no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Teenagers with depression should also know that telling people about their diagnosis is up to them, but it's not something they need to hide.

Treatments for Teenage Depression

Teen depression is often treatable with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Their care provider will help decide the best  individual treatment plan for them. If suicide is a concern, the teen may need to be hospitalized to get the level of care needed to resolve this type of urge. 

Antidepressant medications can be effective in the treatment of teenage depression. They also provide a certain level of convenience, enabling adolescents to obtain relief by taking a tablet or pill.

Only two medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in teens with depression: Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram).  

It's important to know that all antidepressants carry a black box warning of an increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and adults under the age of 25. Because of this, their use in teens should be carefully monitored by care providers, parents, and other concerned adults, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. 

Psychotherapy

There are two therapeutic approaches often used to treat teenage depression:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During these therapy sessions, teens learn to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive, helpful ones.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is focused on social relationships and communication issues that can contribute to feelings of depression. It can help teens learn to interact with others in new ways and improve the quality of their social relationships.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to professional treatment, certain lifestyle modifications can also help teenagers with depression feel better. Ones to consider helping them implement include:

• Developing a healthy sleep schedule
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Getting regular physical exercise

Adults sometimes mistakenly believe that talking about suicide can plant the idea in the teen's mind. However, talking about suicide won't give the teen ideas. Instead, addressing the topic can help them recognize when an issue exists, also helping them know what to do if they have suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Seek immediate medical care if the teen is having suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If it's unclear whether these thoughts or behaviors exist, it's better to err on the side of caution. Watch for signs of suicidal thinking and don't hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or local emergency services if the teen may be suicidal.

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By Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW Kathyrn Rudlin, LCSW, a writer and therapist in California specializes in counseling and education for teenagers with mothers who are emotionally disconnected.