- One of the main causes is an imbalance of neurotransmitters, or chemicals that carry signals in the brain. Scientists are not sure what causes this imbalance, but this may be genetic.
- If a parent suffers with depression it increases the risk that a teen will have depression. This could be due to genetic factors in depression or may be learned by the teen of a depressed parent.
- Traumatic life changes such as a move, divorce, death of a loved one, or even the loss of a friend or boy/girlfriend can bring on symptoms of depression. Sadness is a part of the grieving process, but if a teen cannot overcome this sadness it leads to depression.
- Stresses at home, at school, or in relationships, or the normal challenges of being a teenager, sometimes contribute to depression.
- A negative outlook, either due to personality traits or negative past experiences, makes a person more likely to suffer from depression. An attitude that "nothing ever goes right," a low self-esteem, and hopelessness.
- Teens who do not handle normal stresses of life well, or who face a trauma they cannot deal with, often suffer from depression. Abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual) is one form of trauma associated with depression.
- Being bullied or being a bully can contribute to depression.
- Chronic illness or a debilitating injury can trigger teen depression, and some medications, infections, and illnesses can also bring on depression or symptoms that look like depression.
- Suffering from another untreated mental disorder, such as an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD or ADD, or conduct disorder can increase the risk of teen depression.
- Drug or alcohol abuse can lead to the onset of teen depression.
- Poor health choices, such as not eating right, exercising, or getting enough sleep have been linked to episodes of teen depression.
- Teenaged or adolescent girls going through puberty are at higher risk for depression.
Many of the causes of depression are outside anyone's control. Teens should not feel that they deserve to feel depressed, nor should parents blame themselves for their teen's depression. Remember that negative patterns can be changed and most teens with depression feel better with treatment. With medical treatment and/or teen counseling depression can be treated.
