Biological Factors
Teens suffering from depression usually have a long family history of the disease. Teens may inherit the same chemical or hormonal imbalances as their family members, putting them at higher risk of suffering from depression. A family history of depression does not guarantee that a teen will suffer from the condition, just as a lack of family history is not a guarantee that an individual is safe from depression. Not knowing how to properly cope with stress and adverse circumstances in an effective and healthy way could be learned, although there have been proven genetic factors that make an individual prone to depression.
Environmental Factors
The environment that a child is exposed to can have a direct correlation to whether that teen will suffer from depression. Stressful home environments, unfavorable family structure and tense educational situations contribute to teen depression. Parent divorce, bullying and lack of family support are examples of situations that can cause emotional and physical stress and lead to depressive episodes in teens. Adverse life situations and circumstances are unpleasant for everyone, but teens are at a higher risk of suffering negative effects because of their lack of mental preparation or maturity to deal with such situations. Depression can also be a reaction to a traumatic event, such as assault, death, abuse or even the breakup of a relationship.
Internal Factors
In some individuals, internal factors that contribute to depression. Teens with low self-esteem or self-worth can be at a higher risk for suffering depression. On the opposite spectrum, teens who place too much pressure on themselves or who are predisposed to perfectionism may suffer from depression as well. When they are unable to meet the unreasonable expectations they have set for themselves, they may feel a sense of failure and low self-worth, thus becoming depressed.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions alter the hormone balance within in the body, causing depression. Hypothyroidism is an example of such a condition. Learning disabilities, conditions and diseases that cause chronic pain have been associated with depression in teens. Feelings of hopelessness and lack of control over their health is a major source of depression in teens with medical conditions as well.
