Approximately 8.3 percent of teenagers in the U.S suffer from depression, according to the Harvard Medical Publications. That is 1 out of every 12 teens. Many teenagers suffer from depression from a young age and this depression can continue throughout one’s adult life. It is a serious issue that seems to be ignored.

Many critics say that teenagers are not depressed; it is just something every teenager goes through. According to healthline.com, the number of depressed adolescents has increased over the years, yet it still is not something people see as a problem in the world today.

The causes of depression vary. This mental illness could be anywhere from academic stress, to relationship issues, to traumatic events. Sometimes it is heredity, meaning that it is passed down from the parents. Depression can sometimes lead one into thinking suicidal thoughts and actions, such as a suicide plan.

More and more adolescents are suffering from depression and school contributes largely to that. Too much homework can cause stress in a teen’s life. If the teen is being picked on or does not have many friends then that can also have an affect on that person’s life and level of contentment.

Appearance can also be a reason for depression. Being a teenager means pimples, voice changes, etc. Social media sends out messages targeting teens, telling them to look, act and think a certain way. Being a teenager means finding out who one is and who one might become. Failure to become what the social media tells the teenagers to be can have a negative toll, causing teens to feel sad and imperfect.

There are some telltale signs of depressions to look for if one is worried about someone they know. The best thing to do for that person is to advise them to talk to an adult for help. Keep in mind that he or she may feel uncomfortable talking about their issues. Most importantly the teen needs to feel wanted and loved. Try to show the teens that people care. Do not stand back and watch someone let depression take them over.

If worried about someone with depression, here are a few toll-free numbers to call that may get them the help they need:

Depression and Bipolar Support

800-273-TALK (8255)

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.dbsalliance.org

Crisis Call Center

800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://crisiscallcenter.org/crisisservices.html

National Eating Disorders Association

800-931-2237

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

National Suicide Hotline

800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

800-442-HOPE (4673)

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.hopeline.com

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-TALK (8255)

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org