Teenage Depression is a disorder affecting a large population of individuals living around the world (especially in America and Europe). This vigorous psychiatric illness usually ends in a devastating action… SUICIDE. Surveys indicate that 67% of self injuries started during the ages of 10-24.  To help approach and bring about awareness for this vigorous act, Teens Against Depression, a group started by the four of us (Rosemin Panjwani, Sherryl Thomas, Ashley Panakezham, and Saloni Modi) decided to educate the community of Houston, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Missouri City, the Galleria, and Downtown Houston, by creating entertainment and spreading information on the symptoms, prevention, and diagnosis of Teenage Depression.  Our goal in the beginning of this mission was to educate a large population of about 500 individuals. Little did we know that over 500 people were brought information through our first outreach project, the Facebook group. Many individual projects were created by Teens Against Depression, such as the Facebook group, a Library Seminar, a Musical Event, Small Group Talks, presentations for various HOSA Groups in Fort Bend area, Church Lectures, as well as T-shirts made to bring additional awareness. All of the events previously listed were a huge success in our eyes. The reason why we picked this disorder is because in the U.S about 2/3 of people suffering from clinical depression never receive treatment (mostly teenagers). This is especially disturbing since most depressions can usually be treated successfully. Left untreated, people suffer tremendously and needlessly. Lives are ruined, school performances plumbers, jobs are lost, health can be compromised and many people turn to an increased alcohol or drug consumption, and some even commit suicide. When these disorders come into play, age is never a contribution. As adults see their children growing up, they begin to think of these phases as just a “stage in the teenage life”, but what they fail to recognize is the occurrence of this behavior. Sometimes it’s even hard to recognize this in an individual, because the individual may disguise themselves as ordinary. These traits are very important for our group, because for one of us, it has been about six years and no one figured out that she was a victim of teenage depression.

Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide.

Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help. You can start by learning the symptoms of depression and expressing concern when you spot warning signs. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track.


Teen depression cannot be pinpointed to one single cause. In most cases, a variety of risk factors accumulate and eventually cause depression. Some of these risk factors include:

• Abuse or conflict at home
• Being bullied at school
• Chronic illness
• Family history of depression
• Gender (females are at a greater risk for teen depression)
• Hormonal changes
• Low self-esteem
• Other issues such as anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, and/or learning disabilities
• Stressful life events (i.e. a break-up, divorce, death of a loved one, etc.).