Depression is classified as a mood disorder. Girls between the ages of 12-16 have a high rate of depression, as their hormones are constantly changing.

Symptoms Of Depression In Teenagers

• Social Withdrawal

• Mood swings

• Eating pattern

• Sleeping pattern

• Academic performance

• Running away

• Smartphone addiction

Causes Of Depression

• Family history: Depression can be passed on genetically. This means that families with a history of depression are more likely to have kids with depression.

• Environment: The environment that a child lives in can influence his or her mood and behaviour. Toxic environments are not good for a person’s mental health.

• Sensitivity: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which causes symptoms such as bloating, irritability, fatigue, and emotional reactivity. Girls mature earlier than boys, which can explain why depression is common in younger girls than boys.

• Mood-swings: A mood swing is when a person’s mood shifts drastically in a short period of time. Puberty can cause mood swings. Puberty is the time in a child’s life in which he or she experience emotional, physical and psychological changes. These changes put the body in stress and can explain the mood swings. Feelings such as sadness, moodiness, impatience, anger, or even just not caring are also a type of depression.

• Appearance: Adolescents who have a negative body image, are also more likely to be depressed, anxious, and suicidal than those without dissatisfaction regarding their appearance.