“Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses.” (Causes of Teen Depression) Teen depression can be caused by peer pressure, a break up, conflict at home, and many more things. Teens with depression may sleep excessively, have a change in eating habits, and may even show criminal behaviors. They could have feelings of hopelessness. Depression is often difficult to diagnose because normal teenage depression is marked by both up and down moods. These moods may alternate over the day. Many things can cause this miserable and empty emotion.

Parents can be the cause of teenage depression. This article says,”Sometimes parents are so busy with their own lives that they don’t see the symptoms of this illness manifested by their children, at least not at first.” (Causes of Teen Depression) A teenager may just want attention from their parents. Parents have a huge effect on their children. Teenagers are too proud to tell their parents that they want them to notice them so they act out and do anything to get their attention. When they still don’t give them the attention then they become depressed. There are other ways parents can affect their children. This article sheds some light on the matter. “An unhappy family life full of negative feedback attacks the teen’s outlook on life and the way they feel about themselves.”(Reasons for Teen Depression) A teenager may be treated badly at home. Maybe even abused, physically or emotionally. A teenager may feel worthless if their parents treat them like it. Teenagers take their parents opinion to heart. If they are abused they may feel like they have no reason to live. This is one of many causes of teen depression.

Teenage girls are more likely to get depression. “Adolescence girls are more likely to experience depression due to any problem in their face, skin or beauty than boys do.” (Causes of Teenage Depression) Girls are more sensitive to ridicule. If they have a blemish they freak out and try covering it up. Also, if a boy brings up that blemish she will be so embarrassed and won’t ever forget that. She will feel that that blemish makes her ugly and she will feel like she isn’t good enough. This article states “Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression.” (Causes of Teen Depression) Boys don’t care as much as girls do. If one person calls a girl fat or anything she will try to change herself. She will eventually starve herself and she will still feel like she isn’t good enough. If a boy breaks up with her she is going to feel like she did something wrong and that she is never going to be good enough. All of this can be too much for her to handle and she will become depressed.

Not being academically inclined can cause a teenager to be depressed. “Students who are not academically good think that they cannot be successful in their studies and cannot make their parents happy.” (Causes of Teenage Depression) Teenagers try so hard and school and when they still get bad grades they could feel like they aren’t smart. Teachers may try to help but, it still may not work. If parents pressure their children in getting good grades that could push them over the edge. “Teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades.” (Teen Depression) Doing poorly in school can really affect student. They feel like they aren’t worth anything. That they should just give up on the world and not try to succeed. This is a big cause of teen depression.

Depression can be caused by so many things. This article states that “School performance, social statues with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen feels.” (Teen Depression) All these things can cause depression. As a result, it can make a teenager feel worthless or that no matter what they will never be good enough. This article gives more causes of depression. “Genetics, environment, medical conditions, trauma and stress can play a role in the reasons for teen depression.” (Reasons for Teen Depression) Depression is a very serious illness. If teenagers get depressed it can cause them a lot of harm. Parents, teachers, and friends should be aware of how the person with this illness is acting.

Many things can cause this empty and sad emotion. This illness can cause a lot of pain to the patient and their close friends and family. To prevent teen depression, teens should be aware that they need to let some things go. Don’t take everything so seriously. People can seek help if they are depressed. Talk to close friends and family. Vent if you start to feel sad. Depression is not supposed to be taken lightly. Parents and teachers should always be aware of how a teenager is feeling because of the stages they are going through.

Works Cited
“Causes of Teen Depression” Cause of Teen Depression Article. 15 September 2011 <http://www.christianet.com>.(Internet)
"Causes of Teen Depression" Causes of Teen Depression - Teen Depression. 15 September 2011 <http://www.teendepression.org>.(Internet)
"Causes of Teenage Depression" Causes of Teenage Depression. 15 September 2011 <http://www.depressionsymptomstreatments.com>.(Internet)
"Reasons for Teen Depression" Reasons for Teen Depression - Teen Depression. 15 September 2011 <http://www.teendepression.org>.(Internet)
"Teen Depression" Teen Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Heredity, and Treatments. 15 September 2011 <http://www.webmd.com>.(Internet)