What causes teen depression? And equally important, what are the signs of depression in teens that parents and caregivers need to be aware of?

Depression, a mental health condition that causes symptoms such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in school and activities, affects roughly 20% of adolescents aged 12-17. That’s a huge number, and one that highlights just how essential it is to understand both the causes of teen depression and what it looks like in the teen population. 

The Ridge RTC provides residential mental health care to teens struggling with depression and a wide range of other mental and behavioral disorders. Below, we’re sharing the three factors behind depression in teens, plus how to make sure your teen gets the right intervention and support. 

Understanding Teen Depression

It’s normal for teens to feel sad, lonely, or tired. It’s even normal for them to experience sudden mood swings and irritability. What’s not normal, though, is for these feelings and experiences to disrupt their ability to function in everyday life. 

Rates of teen depression jumped 64.4% from 2009 to 2019. This number increased again with the pandemic, with one in five U.S. teens now struggling with a depressive disorder, compared to one in twelve adults. 

The teen years are a time of change, uncertainty, and vulnerability, as well as hormones and rapid neural development. It’s not all that surprising, then, that rates of depression in teens are so much higher than in adults, or that depression affects so many of our country’s school-aged kids. 

What Causes Teenage Depression?

As far as what causes teenage depression, the answer varies from person to person, but can be broken down into three distinct groupings: (1) biological causes, (2) environmental and social causes, and (3) psychological and emotional causes. 

Biological Causes of Teen Depression

• Imbalances in brain chemistry and how neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine affect mood
• Genetics and a family history of depression
• Effects of puberty and hormonal shifts on emotional regulation

Environmental and Social Causes

• Stress around school expectations, grades, and plans for the future
• Screen time, social media use, and cyberbullying
• Struggles with friendships, social rejection, or bullying
• Conflicts at home, such as divorce or a lack of emotional support
• Trauma or adverse child experiences (ACEs), such as those caused by abuse, neglect, or loss of a loved one

Psychological and Emotional Causes

• Low self-esteem, a lack of self-worth, or struggles with perfectionism
• Unrealistic expectations in academics, sports, or social life
• Co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or eating disorders

Key Signs of Depression in Teens

Just like the causes of teen depression, the signs of depression in teens can and do vary. However, there are a number of common signs that parents should look out for, including:

• Mood changes
• Social withdrawal
• Sadness or hopelessness
• Changes in sleep and/or eating behaviors
• Substance use
• Irritability or anger
• Physical symptoms like sudden weight gain or loss
• Lack of focus and concentration

Depression tends to manifest differently in teens than in adults. So while adults may veer toward loss of interest in life and relationships, teens are more likely to exhibit physical changes like extreme fatigue or weight changes. If you notice these or other troubling signs, provide support right away. Research shows that early intervention often leads to the best outcomes, especially when it comes to long-term health and happiness. 

When to Seek Help

A depressive episode may shrink brain tissue, having a negative impact on critical thinking, emotion, and memory. It can also worsen symptoms of other mental health issues, such as anxiety or trauma, and increase the risk of substance use, disordered eating, and self-harm. As such, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional at the first signs, even if you’re not quite sure how serious the problem is. 

Treatment options for teen depression include therapy, medication, and residential programs like Ridge RTC. What level of care a teen requires depends on the severity of the disorder, past treatment history, and the existence of co-occurring disorders, with many teens benefiting from a multi-pronged treatment approach. 

Teen Depression Treatment at The Ridge RTC

There is no single answer to what causes teen depression. Instead, it’s often a mix of various causes, each of which plays a potential role in whether—and how—depression develops. 

The good news is that depression is treatable with the right support. We encourage all parents to seek resources and professional help when warranted, whether that’s reaching out to your child’s primary care physician or contacting a mental health professional or treatment center specializing in teen mental health. Explore our website for more information, or contact us for a more in-depth overview of available treatment options.