Major Depression

Major depression can be triggered by a loss of a loved one, social isolation, major life changes, trauma as a result of abuse, or conflicts in personal relationships. Major depression symptoms include loss of interest in activities or relationships that used to be enjoyable, fatigue and loss of energy, insomnia or excessive sleeping, recurring thoughts of suicide or death, and significant weight loss or gain. With major depression, these symptoms are typically present for more than two weeks.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, three million adolescents aged 12 to 17 have at least one major depressive episode annually. This equals 12.5 percent of the US population in this age range. In addition, teens with severe cases of depression are at increased risk of suicide. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of major depression is vital in order to save teens’ lives.