Author: Jeff Nalin

Search the Internet for “teen issues” and you’re likely to find articles on teen mental health. It seems there is a relationship between adolescence and the possibility of developing a mental illness. At first glance, the relationship between adolescence and mental illness might seem odd, especially if your own teen years were enjoyable. However, this article will take a deeper look and explore why teens can be at risk for developing a mental illness, specifically depression. The Many Changes Teens Go Through One primary reason why teens become vulnerable to depression is because of the physical, emotional, social, and psychological changes they are experiencing. Teens are making their way to adulthood via their physical growth, new interests, desire to explore, and yearning to discover who they are. However, these changes also come with growing pains, rejection by peers, feeling inadequate, and moody. For instance, here are some additional reasons teens may be at risk for emotional instability and depression during adolescence: Teens may have increased tendency for risk-taking. Teens may have a strong desire to “leave the nest” and to explore the world around them. They might want to spend less time with the family and more time with friends. At the same time, distancing from family might also lead to the family distancing away from them too. In turn, this can create feelings of rejection and shame. However,...