Teen Depression:
How to recognize teen depression and what to do about it
Teen depression is a mood disorder that can affect people of any age, but it is more common in teenagers. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that can last for weeks or months. While teen depression is a common problem, it is not normal. Left untreated, teen depression can increase the risk of risky behavior such as alcohol or drug use, teen violence, and/or thoughts of suicide.
If you are concerned that your teenager is depressed, the best thing to do is to try and talk to them. Ask them about how they are feeling and whether they have been having any problems. If you are still concerned, or if your teen does not want to talk to you, here are some signs to look out for.