Teen Depression
Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine
What is depression in teens? Depression in teens (ages 13-17) is a serious medical illness. It's more than just a feeling of being sad or "blue" for a few days. It is an intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and anger or frustration that lasts much longer. These feelings make it hard for you to function normally and do your usual activities. You may also have trouble focusing and have no motivation or energy. Depression can make you feel like it is hard to enjoy life or even get through the day. What causes depression in teens? Many factors may play a role in depression, including: Genetics. Depression can run in families. Brain biology and chemistry. Hormones. Hormone changes can contribute to depression. Stressful childhood events such as trauma, the death of a loved one, bullying , and abuse . Which teens are at risk of depression? Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Certain teens are at higher risk of depression, such as those who: Have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety , eating disorders , and substance use Have other diseases, such as diabetes , cancer , and heart disease Have family members with mental illness Have a dysfunctional family/family conflict Have problems with friends or other kids at school Have learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Have had trauma in childhood Have low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, or poor coping skills What are the symptoms of depression in teens? If you have depression, you have one or more of these symptoms most of the time: Sadness Feeling of emptiness Hopelessness Being angry, irritable, or frustrated, even at minor things You also may also have other symptoms, such as: No longer caring about things you used to enjoy Changes in weight, such as losing weight when you are not dieting or gaining weight from eating too much Changes in sleep, such as having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping much more tha