Project Overview

Hypothesis:       We think there are several causes of depression in teenagers. A normal teen's lifestyle centers around their social life. The most important thing to a teenager is his or her friends. To be "cool" or in the "clique" is what every teen wants. However, popularity comes with many unpleasant aspects like peer pressure, bullying, drug abuse, etc. A friendless, abused or lonely teenager is the type with nothing to lose. These are usually the teens who fall into depression. Many do not even know they have it because they deny there is anything wrong with them and refuse to be examined by a psychologist. On average, 4/100 teens get depression.
      The family is the second most influential circle in a teen's life. Family problems result in trauma and stress that can have lasting effects on a person's psychology. If there is not enough support or love, a teen begins to feel unneeded, or unwanted. A divorce usually has devastating effects on teens, because they are caught in between the frustration and anger, and sometimes the legal battle. We personally know a family whose daughter committed suicide because she was depressed. Her parents worked non-stop, and almost never saw her at home, and the little time they did spend with her was awkward. Now, they wish they had paid more attention to their child.
      A traumatic event in the teenager's life might also lead to serious depression. Even an event that might seem fairly easy to handle to the everyday adult is magnified a hundredfold if you are a teenager. A breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend might send a teen into major depression. These teens usually do not confide in their parents and even become distant and cold towards their friends.
      We would like to finish off with this: YOU CAN HELP. If you know a friend or someone who has been acting out of character, or has confided in you, it is NOT a break of trust to tell a responsible adult about it. If you do suspect something is amiss, please do not stand by and think things will fix themselves. Depression interferes with a person's ability and will to get help. Your friend will thank you later. Most depression can be treated, but suicide is irreversible. Better be safe, than sorry!
     

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