What Causes Teen Depression?

Incidence of Depression in Teens

The New York Times notes that "more than 6 percent of American teenagers are clinically depressed." There are many different causes for teen depression. This disorder is often a precursor to a teen suicide attempt. Thus screening for teen depression is crucial and is now performed at the offices of many pediatricians. If a teen is displaying signs of depression, talk to her parent to help the child get help. About 70 percent of teens with depression fail to seek medical treatment or therapy. Thus parents must be proactive to watch for signs of depression in teens.

Peer Pressure

Daily life for teenagers is often stressful. Peer pressure causes many teenagers to feel tormented, isolated and different from others. This stress may be a factor leading to depression. Problems such as bullying, violence and gossip are all part of peer pressure. Since teens' brains are not yet fully developed, they also do not have the logic skills to work through the difficult situations peer pressure may create.

Life Changes

Teenagers who have to handle a lot of change in their lives may be more susceptible to bouts of depression. Major life changes such as the divorce of parents, loss of a friend or relationship, death in the family, unemployment of a parent, relocation away from friends and a sudden disability will cause enormous stress for a teenager. Teenagers may overreact to stress and changes in life and may succumb to negative thinking and depression.

Alcohol, Drugs and Negativity

If a teenager abuses alcohol and drugs, it may lead to depression. Alcohol is a depressant. Also, drug use may impair the brain's ability to function properly and may impact the hormonal system, which may lead to depression. When depression arises teens may then limit social interaction, let grades drop, attempt suicide, drop out of school, stop participation in school activities and fight with peers and parents. Teens under stress and using drugs and alcohol are susceptible to negative thinking, which may lead to depression.

Hormonal Changes

As hormones surge in teenagers, they may feel overwhelmed by the changes in their bodies and their moods. They may experience foul moods, may have a hostile attitude and may be involved in self-destructive acts such as cutting and promiscuous behavior. A teenager often does not understand the mood swings that surging hormones may create. They may become withdrawn and start to experience depression due to feeling out of control of their changing bodies.

Prevention

Teenagers must work to avoid causes of depression and focus on the positive aspects of life. Ongoing exercise at least three times a week works to prevent depression. It is also helpful to spend time with positive and achievement-oriented friends. Participating in hobbies that bring joy is also helpful to prevent the onset of depression. Other ways to work to prevent depression include getting at least eight hours of sleep, avoiding pessimistic thoughts, talking to a doctor or guidance counselor if stressed or in crisis, eating healthy foods and avoiding junk food, avoiding music about suicide or depression and avoiding friends who abuse drugs or alcohol.

Action Steps for a Depressed Teen

Reach out and talk to parents and ask for a medical appointment with a doctor. Also ask for an appointment with a therapist to discuss symptoms of depression. The school nurse, school psychologist and guidance counselor may also be helpful to talk to about any crisis or depression. Also, live a healthy lifestyle to help the body and mind function in a way that works to prevent depression.