separation, or loss of a family member, important friend or romantic interest. Loss can also be more subtle .

             such as the loss of childhood, of a familiar way of being, of goals through achievement, or of boundaries .

             and guidelines. (McCoy 46-48) 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 girls are usually .

             more self-conscious about their bodies than boys. (Sol!.

             in 157) .

             The reasons for depression are not always clear-cut. Although 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 without resources, support, or love. They simply find, for a .

             variety of reasons, that they're feeling overwhelmed by a sensation of hopelessness and helplessness. It is .

             imperative to realize that depression can happen to teenagers, even those who have everything going for .

             them. It can happen to the best and brightest of young people. (McCoy 27).

             It's hard to detect depression in teens because it's a developmental stage characterized by .

             considerable anger and withdrawal. Adolescents don't necessarily look sad and depressed and its normal for .

             teens to have mood swings but within limits. A depressed teen may cry for help indirectly through .

             troublesome, even destructive behavior and through physical symptoms. For a teenager to admit that he or .

             she needs help feels like regressing back to childhood. To be a teen means to externalize feelings and deal .

             with the world through action. (Arbetter 6) .

             Depression ranks second only to advanced heart disease in exacting a physical toll, measured by .

             days in bed and body pain. It's common for people with depressive disorders to complain about recurring .