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Causes of Teenager Depression

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in teenagers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 6 percent of kids between the ages of 9 and 17 suffer depression. The following can trigger depressive episodes in teens.

  1. High Expectations

    • Inflated expectations from teachers, parents and coaches can put stress on teens. Teens who are afraid they won't "measure up" may be at risk for depression.

    Trauma

    • Teens who have suffered trauma such as abuse may develop depression. Depression may occur immediately after a traumatic episode, or it may be delayed, meaning that a teen who suffered abuse as a child may enter into a depressive state as a teen.

    Significant Life Events

    • Significant life events, such as parents' divorce, the death of a loved one, or a breakup of a relationship can trigger depression.

    Family Dysfunction

    • According to psychologist Dan Williams, most teens suffering depression have some level of dysfunction in the family. This may lead them to feel they can't turn to parents for help.

    Social Rejection

    • As the peer group becomes increasingly important to teens, suffering bullying or rejection by friends or cliques may contribute to depression.

    Chemical Imbalance and Genetic Factors

    • Teens who have close family members with depression may be more susceptible to depression themselves. As in adult depression, a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters affecting mood--such as serotonin or norepinephrine--can contribute to depression.

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