Depression in teenagers isn’t uncommon. In fact, an estimated 20% of adolescents in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in 2021, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The statistics are even higher for adolescent girls. So, what’s causing it?

There are a number of different causes of depression in adolescents. School pressure, bullying, hormonal changes and family life can all be contributing factors in depression. In this blog post, we’ll share some possible causes of depression in teenagers, plus who to ask for help if you’re feeling depressed.

Possible causes of depression

Depression can be triggered by a number of things, and it isn’t always clear what causes this mental health condition. However, there are some common things that may contribute to depression in teenagers:

• Traumatic life events — The loss of a loved one, parents divorcing, and physical or emotional abuse are all possible triggers for depression in teenagers. Even a major lifestyle change, positive or negative, can contribute to depression in some people. 

• Genetics and biology — Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing depression. Though it’s not always the case, depression can run in families. However, just because another family member has depression, it doesn’t mean you will. Some people can develop depression with no family history of it at all.

• Medical conditions — Symptoms of depression can be a sign that a person may be dealing with another health condition, such as hypothyroidism. Additionally, depression is one of the most common complications that go along with chronic illnesses. Living with chronic pain or other health problems can be discouraging and contribute to depression.

• Mental health conditions — If someone has been diagnosed with another mental health condition, such as an eating disorder, anxiety, ADHD or a learning disorder, they may be more likely to have depression. The struggles surrounding these disorders can lead to discouragement and depression for some people.

• Medications — Some medications can cause depression as a side effect of the treatment. If you think a prescribed medication could be causing your depression, talk to your healthcare provider to see if there’s an alternative you can take instead. 

• Brain chemistry — The brain has chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry signals to the rest of the brain and other parts of the body. If these chemicals become abnormal or damaged, they can change the function of the nerve receptors. In some cases, this can lead to depression.

• Hormones — Changes in hormonal balance in the body can trigger depression. For teenagers, this is especially important because the hormones in your body are continually changing throughout puberty.

• Bullying — A number of studies have shown that children and adolescents who were bullied were nearly three times more likely to experience depression. Bullying can take a serious toll on a person’s mental health in a number of ways, including by triggering depression.

• Lack of social support — If a person feels unsupported by their family, friends or other social supports, they may be at a higher risk of depression. For instance, if a teen is in a hostile or unaccepting environment, they may be more likely to feel depressed and isolated.

• Family circumstances — Poverty affects everyone, and if a teen is living in difficult circumstances, they may feel as though they have to take on adult responsibilities to make ends meet. This can cause high levels of stress and trigger depression.

No matter the cause of your depression, treatment is available. If you think you might have depression, reach out to someone you trust so you can get the help and resources you need.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are thinking about harming yourself, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

Asking for help with your depression

It isn’t always easy to ask for help, especially with mental health challenges like depression. However, seeking support is an important first step to take to improve your mental health. Here are a few ways you can begin that journey:

• Talk or text with your parents about how you feel.
• Share your concerns with your healthcare provider.
• Find your school counselor and talk with them about your symptoms.
• Confide in a relative you trust, such as an aunt, uncle or grandparent.

Seeking help can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Mental health resources are available, and with the right treatment, your symptoms of depression can improve. The people in your life who care about you can help you find therapy and other resources for your depression.

If you are currently seeing a therapist but feel that your depression symptoms are not improving, don’t give up hope. Our team at Embrace U offers a complete treatment program for adolescents aged 10-18 who are experiencing depression or other mental health conditions. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.