4 Troubled Teens Blog

Recognizing the Risk Factors of Teen Depression

Some studies have found that teenagers, more than any other age group, are prone to chronic depression and suicide. Parents should know the risks and signs of depression in teens.

“Chronic depression has been shown to be at least partially genetic. Depression is a chemical condition. When an individual is depressed, their brain fails to produce certain chemicals that would normally allow for a happier state of mind. These chemicals are controlled by structures in the brain that are passed down the family line.” [Source: Jacksonville Parenting Examiner]

In addition, women are more prone to depression than men; especially severe depression. Other factors include a child’s personality (how does she handle stress?) and stressful life events like the death of a loved one or even a poor test grade.

Labels: suicide, depression, symptoms

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton

Comments:

Kensington on 8/11/2010
I agree with former_teacher's comment. Being a teenager is, by definition, an emotional upheaval. Dismissing someone as "just being a teenager" when they are actually bordering on being in serious trouble or already there is hard on the teenager. They need to know that their feelings and thoughts DO matter. Depression is a horrible thing to go through.
former_teacher on 7/30/2010
The challenge of course (for parents, teachers, pediatricians and other adults) is differentiating between true depression and "normal teen moodiness." From high performing students to those who are struggling to get through the school day, emotional upheaval seems to be the rule rather than the exception throughout adolescence and the teen years -- and telling the difference between this and depression can be so difficult.