For the individuals expressing this crisis, the statistics become relatively meaningless. The difficult passage into adolescence and early adulthood can leave lasting scars on the lives and psyches of an entire generation of young men and women. There is growing realization that teenage depression can be life-changing, even life-threatening. (McCoy 21)

Teenagers have always been vulnerable to depression for a variety of reasons. It's a confusing time of life because a teen's body is changing along with their relationships. "Teenagers constantly vacillate between striving for independence from family and regressions to childish dependence on it." (Elkind 89) But today's teens face an a

Depression strikes 5% of teens and about 2% of children under 12. A One in three adolescent at the age of nineteen's is at risk for serious depression. (Stern 28) Depression is the result of a complex mix of social, psychological, physical, and environmental factors. Teens with depressed parents are two to three times more likely to develop major depression. Genetic factors play a substantial but not overwhelming role in causing depression. (Dowling 37) Some from of significant loss can be a factor in triggering teenage depression. Gender differences are becoming apparent, with girls having more difficulty with depression. Studies show girls are three times more likely than boys to suffer depression. A university study showed a close link between depression and negative body image and that girls are usually more self-conscious about their bodies then boys. (Solin 157)

The reasons for depression are not always clear. Al though some depressed, even suicidal teenagers come from extremely troubled backgrounds with a lifetime of difficulties at home and at school, the vast majority of depressed teens are not with out resources, support, or love. They simply find, for a va

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Approximate Word count = 793
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)