Depression in Teens

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Throughout the world, people are struggling daily with one, if not multiple, mental illness. Some of these individuals have been diagnosed as a result of symptoms they exhibit, while others struggle in silence. For those that have received help, life slowly looks brighter for them, while loved ones work to help in any way possible. One of the serious mental illnesses that teens struggle with is depression. There are various aspects as to why an adolescent may develop depression including social, academic, or family problems, as well as stress or past issues; however, if others recognize the warning signs, complications can be avoided and treatment obtained to overcome depression. Depression “extends beyond sadness to the point of illness which affects one’s ability to properly function.”. It can be caused by a “reduced level of neurotransmitter serotonin” within a person’s brain (“Teen Depression”; Mayo Clinic Staff). However, depression can have various aspects to its cause besides a chemical imbalance. Changes in relationships and friendships, a recent death of a family member, peer pressure, various types of abuse, trauma, being bullied, puberty, sexual orientation, and difficulty in school are all factors that alone or combined can cause an individual to develop depression (“Teen Depression”; Goldenberg; Mayo Clinic Staff).All of these social, physical, and academic aspects may be some of the reasons that a teenager develops depression. Along with the various causes that may trigger depression, there are certain people more prone to developing it. Females run a greater risk of suffering from depression than males, due to the way they respond to their environment (“Teen Depression”). For example, females are more apt to liste... ... middle of paper ... ...., 1998. Print. Crist, James J. What to Do When You're Sad & Lonely. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing Inc., 2006. Print. Depaulo, J. Raymond, Jr. Understanding Depression. New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2002. Print. Goldenberg, J.. "Teen Depression." Web MD. Web MD, n.d. Web. 12 Feb 2014. . Mayo Clinic Staff, . "Teen Depression." MayoClinic.org. Mayo Clinic, 07 Nov 2012. Web. 16 Feb 2014. . Smith, Melinda, Suzanne Barston, and Jeanne Segal. "Teen Depression: A Guide For Parents." HelpGuide.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb 2014. . "Teen Depression." MedicineNet.com. Medicine Net, INC, 31 May 2013. Web. 13 Feb 2014. .

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