There is a popular belief surrounding teenagers that cuts across cultural boundaries: the idea that teenagers are “angsty.” While this stereotype has credence because of the hormonal turmoil that adolescents experience, an unspoken truth makes the issue much more pressing.

1. Depression in Teenagers:
A Public Mental
Health Concern?
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2. There is a popular belief surrounding teenagers that cuts across cultural boundaries: the idea that
teenagers are “angsty.” While this stereotype has credence because of the hormonal turmoil that
adolescents experience, an unspoken truth makes the issue much more pressing.
A study conducted in 2016 by the journal Pediatrics has discovered a 37% spike in major depressive
episodes (MDEs) among adolescents and young adults aged 12-20.
Symptoms of Depression in Teens
Identifying depression in teenagers comes down to two primary factors: a lack of enthusiasm and
episodes of extreme sadness that persist for weeks, even months.
There are more telltale signs of depression, which are:
 Changes in eating or sleeping habits
 Irritability
 Hostility
 Social withdrawal
 Poor Academic Performance
 Suicidal Tendencies

3. The Need for Treatment
Depression in the U.S. has always been a serious issue. Despite recent developments in depression
research and awareness, depression persists among many Americans.
More than 16 million American adults suffer from major depression each year, which is 6.9% of the
entire adult population.
Adding adolescents into the mix, more than three million young Americans aged 12-17 experienced a
major depressive episode in 2015.
Despite the findings, however, corresponding treatment for mental health problems in adolescents and
young adults have not recorded the same increase as MDEs. Because of this, a largely unaddressed issue
surfaces: lack of sufficient attention from parents.
Battling Depression through Communication
The problem with depression among teens lies in their inability to communicate their problems with
their parents or guardians. Parents and guardians are the primary source of emotional support for
teenagers experiencing depression, and yet only one out of five teens will seek help from them.
Communication plays a vital role in combating depression. Not only will it enlighten one’s peers
regarding their situation, but it will also show others the seriousness of depression through a first-hand
account.

4. The authorities on mental health in the U.S. must take additional measures to spread awareness to
parents regarding depression. Talking with one’s parents or a trusted adult can help alleviate the
sadness from depression, in addition to increasing the chances for treatment.
Sources:
http://time.com/4572593/increase-depression-teens-teenage-mental-health/
http://ccbhtherapy.com/
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/11/10/peds.2016-1878
http://depression.yale.edu/aboutdepression/index.aspx
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/parents-guide-to-teen-depression.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1352328/