Teenage depresion

Adolescent depression is a disorder occurring during the teenage years marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth and loss of interest in usual activities. Depression can be a response to many situations and stresses and, in the case of adolescents, depressed mood is common because of the normal maturation process, the influence of sexual hormones and conflicts of independence with parents.

It may be also a reaction to a disturbing event, such as the death of a friend or relative, a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or the failure at school. True depression in teens is often difficult to diagnose because their normal behavior is marked by both up and down moods which may alternate over a period of hours or days.  Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. Seasons like spring or autumn and months like May or June (period of exams) may be considered risk factors for depression.

There are organizations, especially in the United States of America, that lead programs in which families attend in order to find the best program for teens.  It is very important to get in touch with them before the problem gets bigger.