On This Page


Feeling sad or moody sometimes is a part of life. Young people can feel sad and worried about life events such as exams, fights with family or friends, changing schools or moving house. Sometimes, the feelings of sadness go on for weeks or months and affect everyday life.

If a young person feels miserable most of the time and finds it difficult to get motivated, they may have – a serious illness that can affect people of all ages. Suicide is a common cause of death in young people, so depression should be taken seriously. Like everyone, young people can have occasional mood swings, feel irritable sometimes and be particularly sensitive to rejection and criticism.

But if these symptoms and behaviours have lasted for two weeks or more, the young person could have depression. Symptoms that may indicate depression include:

  • using cigarettes

  • alcohol or illegal drugs. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms of depression

  • but parents may notice behavioural changes in young people that suggest depression

  • should not be ignored

  • use of alcohol

  • drugs. If a young person is self-harming or talking about suicide

  • it is important that they talk with close

  • trusted people in their lives such as family or friends. Help them to be safe remove dangerous items

  • such as medication

  • things that could be used as a weapon or other dangerous items

  • support them to see a healthcare professional

If they need to talk to somebody right away, they can call Lifeline ( ).

In case of an emergency, call 911 and ask for help

Depression is a mental illness, and it is one of the most common health problems for young people in United States.

There is no single cause of depression; life events, hormones, chemical imbalances, and genetics can all play differing roles depending on the individual. While each young person will have their own responses to life events, some circumstances that can contribute to anxiety and depression in young people include:

  • experiencing a relationship break-up recent death abuse or neglect

In all cases, it is important that depression is diagnosed and treated early and that the focus is on treatment, not just causes.

Encourage young people to talk about how they feel with someone they know and trust, such as a parent, teacher, school counsellor, family member or friend. An important next step is for the young person to visit their doctor to learn whether they have depression and what can be done to treat it. Support for people with depression can include psychological therapy that focuses on building skills to deal with life stresses and to change negative thinking patterns, as well as lifestyle changes (including creating exercise and sleeping routines).

Your doctor may also add antidepressant medication to the treatment plan. It can take up to six weeks to feel better after treatment with medication begins, but most young people will notice an improvement. Encourage them to speak with their doctor about any changes in their moods.

Self-help tips for improving mental health include:

  • doing something enjoyable. Many people find it hard to ask for professional help
  • sometimes young people do not want to go to a healthcare professional. If this is the case
  • you could let them know that depression is common
  • that you are concerned

Try giving them some information about depression and also point out some of the comprehensive websites (such as ), as well as the online and telephone counselling services available for young people. Support Service Tel. Helpline Tel.

Symptoms of depression in young people feeling irritable or grumpy feeling tired feeling worthless or guilty most of the time having thoughts of death or suicide having trouble sleeping – either falling asleep or staying asleep lacking motivation and feeling everything is too hard losing interest in food or eating too much losing weight or gaining weight lack of interest in their hobbies not looking after their own hygiene social withdrawal lower marks at school changes in mood and behaviour risk-taking behaviour Suicide or self-harm Depression is one of the major risk factors for suicide and self-harm 13 11 14 ) or Kids Helpline ( 1800 55 1800 Causes of depression in young people fights with family or friends changing schools or starting secondary school being bullied Treatment for depression in young people exercising regularly eating healthy food practising relaxation techniques speaking regularly with trusted friends and family engaging in creative pursuits, for example painting or song writing setting small goals ReachOut , youthbeyondblue , Kids Helpline , and headspace Where to get help Your GP (doctor) ReachOut Local community health centre beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 SuicideLine (616) 555-0400 headspace 1800 650 890 SANE United States 1800 187 263.

Key Points

  • Suicide is a common cause of death in young people, so depression should be taken seriously
  • But if these symptoms and behaviours have lasted for two weeks or more, the young person could have depression
  • Symptoms that may indicate depression include: using cigarettes, alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Depression is a mental illness, and it is one of the most common health problems for young people in United States
  • Your doctor may also add antidepressant medication to the treatment plan