Depression and Teenagers : A parent's guide to understanding teen depression

Depression is the most common mental health disorder among adults and adolescents in the United States. The Mayo Clinic defines depression as a mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and in some cases it can cause physical symptoms. Depression is a chronic mental illness and requires long-term treatment such as psychological counseling, medication, or a combination of both. It can be difficult for parents to distinguish between normal teenage moodiness and genuine depression. Pressure to succeed in school, social difficulties, coming to terms with self-identity, and new thoughts of independence causes undue stress for many teenagers. However, persistent symptoms can help parents identify depression. Most experts agree that feelings of sadness or any of the symptoms listed below lasting longer than 2 weeks at a time is a red flag for depression.

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