Facts About Depression:
- Depression is an illness that persists and interferes with a person's ability to function.
- About 11 percent of adolescents experience a depressive disorder by age 18.
- Teenagers may show different signs of depression than adults do.
- Depression in teenagers can cause problems such as difficulties in school, decreased enjoyment of activities, problems with relationships, and thoughts of suicide.
- Depression is a real illness that requires professional help.
- The cause of depression is complex - genetics (a family history of depression), a traumatic event, having trouble at home or school, having problems with relationships, legal problems, or other stressful events (such as a break-up or parent's divorce) can play a role in the development of depression. Also, changes in the brain that lead to depression can happen without any obvious cause.
- Depression is treatable! With proper treatment - medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two, most teenagers with depression can be successfully treated.