Teen depression was not a big deal back in the 70s and 80s. But now, it is known to happen to Americans ages 15-44. “About 11 percent of adolescents have a depressive disorder by age 18 according to the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A).”- National Institute of Mental Health.

I think that teen depression is cause by lack of attention; whether it’s from parents, peers, schools, etc. Teens are not getting enough attention and they don’t know how to cope with their feelings when they feel alone. Adults see it as “a phase” or “seeking attention”, but that’s hardly the case.

According to The Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempters (TASA), depressed teens with coexisting disorders such as substance abuse problems are less likely to respond to treatment for depression. I believe that teens who think doing drugs and drinking are their only way out, and parents give up because they feel that they have already lost control, so what’s the point?

Parents should try and notice the signs before it gets too late. They should pay attention to the little things and problems that kids complain about instead of shrugging it off, because sometimes that little problem could lead to something way more serious and have a long term effect on the child and the parents/people involved.