Today's teenagers face the ever-changing world around them and biological changes in their bodies. Many teenagers also face depression. About half of adolescents with untreated depression may attempt suicide, which remains the third leading cause of death in this age group. (Bostique). This depression affects their school, their family life and robs them of their self-image. Depression affects many adolescents and often goes unnoticed and untreated. What is depression? Depression is the most common of all psychological disorders and affects 100 million people worldwide. Depression ranges from mild feelings of unease, sadness, and apathy to intense suicidal despair. (Kasschau) If left untreated, it could lead the individual to self-harm or even suicide. Some of the main symptoms of depression include: an inability to enjoy activities once enjoyed, abnormal eating and sleeping patterns, agitation, inability to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Depression affects people of all ages and backgrounds. However, post-pubescent girls are twice as likely to suffer from serious depression as boys, and certain populations, such as gay and bisexual youth and American Indians, suffer higher rates of depression. (Cash) Gay or bisexual individuals suffer higher rates of depression due to a lack of acceptance of their lifestyle. This disorder affects daily life and causes pain for both oneself and those close to them. Thus, reports indicate that depression may be linked to an increased level of irritation and aggression. (Hyde) Depression can be triggered by many different things and is not limited to just one. Without treatment, depressed adolescents are at increased risk of academic failure, social isolation,...... middle of paper ...... greatly affect their lives. All you have to do is lend a helping hand to help them overcome their depression and you might just save a life. Works Cited Bostic, Jeff Q. “Teen Depression: When Should You Be Concerned?” Newsweek May 16, 2005: 52. Proquest. Internet. December 3, 2013. Cash, Ralph E. “When Depression Brings Teens Down.” The Education Compendium. 69.3 (2003): 35-42. Proquest. Internet. November 22, 2013. “DEPRESSION CALLS HOME.” » The voice of children November 2003: 14-5. Proquest. Internet. November 26, 2013Hyde, Margaret O., Forsyth, Elizabeth H. “Depression: What You Need to Know.” » Franklin Watts, 2002 Kasschau, Richard A. “Understanding Psychology” Columbus: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Print. Martin, Michael J. “Teen Depression”. Lucent Books, 2005. Print. December 3, 2013.W. Meghan “10 Things That Can Cause Teenage Depression.” Mindyourmind.ca. Mind Your Mind, May 22, 2013. Web. March 10 2014.