Depression is an illness with many causes and many forms. It is a disorder of someone’s moods or emotions; it is not an attitude that someone can “control” or “snap out of,” but it is treatable with counseling and/or medication.

Depression is a condition that affects approximately 5% of children and teens at any given time, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Depression can cause problems such as difficulties in school, difficulties with relationships, and general decreased enjoyment of life. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States.

• 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

Quiz: Could Your Teen Be Depressed?

How to Help Your Depressed Teen

Causes & Risk Factors of Depression

What to Know About Childhood & Adolescent Depression

How Teenage Depression Differs from Adult Depression

Kristen Brooks Hope Center

Evolve Treatment Centers

Evolve Treatment Centers, accredited by CARF and The Joint Commission, offers the highest caliber of evidence-based treatment for teens, 12 to 17 years old, who struggle with mental health, substance abuse, and/or behavioral issues. Evolve offers a full continuum of care in California, including Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC). For more information and to speak with an admissions counselor, call (866) 205-0862.

Discovery Counseling Center

Discovery Counseling Center is a community based non-profit organization serving the San Ramon Valley for over 50 years. Discovery Counseling Center’s mission is to be the community’s leader in mental wellness by providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs; offering excellent and highly-regarded training for future mental health professionals; creating greater awareness of the prevalence of mental wellness issues in our community and the importance of early treatment; and serving as the community’s advocate in securing adequate funding and resources for the treatment of mental wellness issues.

RehabSpot - Find a Treatment Center

Evolve Treatment Centers, accredited by CARF and The Joint Commission, offers the highest caliber of evidence-based treatment for teens, 12 to 17 years old, who struggle with mental health, substance abuse, and/or behavioral issues. Evolve offers a full continuum of care in California, including Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC). For more information and to speak with an admissions counselor, call (866) 205-0862.

AddictionCenter - Substance Abuse Resources

For more information, please contact Hannah Freeman at (800) 586-9670.

Granite Recovery Centers - Addiction & Mental Health Resources

(855) 712-7784

6 Manor Parkway
Salem, NH 03079