Depression

The most common type of depression in teens is reactive depression. This is the kind caused by some outside event in a person's life. Often the teenager has no control over the event, which may involve:

• Death or divorce of parent(s)
• Conflicts or violence at home
• Physical illness or disability
• The end of a close friendship
• Problems in school
• Pressure to succeed
• Peer pressure

Many teenagers work through their problems with the help of friends and family. Eventually, they feel better. But those teens who don't have continued love and support may not be able to overcome the stress. Teens without support are the ones who may continue to suffer from depression.