What triggers depression in adolescence?
Depression can arise for a number of reasons, including: conflict between parents, loss of friends, loss of childhood pass-times, prolonged confusion about what to do and who to be, and rejection. Separation from the family (emotionally and physically) creates emotional pain for teens. If they blame themselves they may get depressed. If they blame others they may get angry. Boys and girls may both be grieving for the lost of self – their childhood, the authentic person who disappears in adolescence. Their own development and the North American culture put enormous stress on our kids. A physiological depression can occur for no discernible reason and may follow a predictable schedule, such as an episode every two or three weeks.
