• Sad or depressed mood
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in things he or she used to enjoy
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Crying
• Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much
• Loss of appetite, or increased appetite
• Aches and pains that don’t go away, even with treatment
• Irritability
• Feeling tired despite getting enough sleep
• Inability to concentrate
• Thoughts of suicide, talk of suicide, or suicide attempts

There are thought to be many causes of depression. There are most likely many factors behind who develops depression and who doesn’t, and these factors are no different for teens.

Traumatic Life Event, such as the loss of a loved one or pet, divorce or remarriage. Any event that causes distress or trauma, or even just a major change in lifestyle, can trigger depression.

Social Situation/Family Circumstances. Unfortunately, there are teens who live under difficult circumstances. Domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty or other family issues can cause stress and depression in a teen.

Genetics/Biology. It has been found that depression runs in families and that there is a genetic basis for depression. Keep in mind, though, that teens who have depression in their family will not necessarily get the illness, and teens without a history of depression in their family can still get the disorder.

Medical Conditions. Occasionally, depression is a sign of another medical illness, such as hypothyroidism, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or other disorders.

Medications/Illegal Drugs. Some legal, prescription medications can have depression as a side effect. Certain illegal drugs (street drugs) can also cause depression.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:

• An imbalance of power. Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
• Repetition. Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
• Bullying behaviors. Bullying includes making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

For more information, check these resources:

• stopbullying.gov
• National Bullying Prevention Center