Is it abnormal to get depressed easily as a teen?
931736
Nope. I was at my most depressed state when I was 16. It's a chemical imbalance in your brain. Go to your doctor and ask for a drug called "sertraline" because you may have a condition called "dysthemia." It's a very mild anti-depressant and some of the ingredients are found in zyloft, a drug that helps people quit smoking so it's very safe.
107175
I have adult ADD.  I wasn't diagnosed until I was about 22.  I never had problems in elementary or high school with schoolwork.  I was always busy with after-school activities, which made me happy.  I had problems with depression at about 16, which lasted until about 21...  I have a lot of self-esteem issues, problems with outbursts of anger, problems dealing with frustration and anger.  I forget details, so I have to try very, very hard to keep track of important things.  I miss appointments, I lose important things, I sometimes say stupid things without thinking.  I think the thing I have the biggest problem with is self-esteem, though.  I can't blame it on anyone else, because I give myself the most grief for making mistakes.  I find that real life in much, much harder than school was.
1101724
I have and its is healthy, unless you do it frequently, then it may be a sign of depression.\n Get help if that is the case.
1119613
In response to a previous answer, you do not have to be stuck in bed to have depression.  Many people, actually, have the ability to "turn it off" in social situations and act completely normal around other people, but when they are alone, they feel very depressed or hopeless (this is a condition called dysthymia, a type of depression).  Just because you can get on the computer does not mean that you are not depressed.\nIn regards to speaking to your parents, if you do not feel that they will listen to you, there are plenty of resources that you can access on your own.  Ask you school counselor or a teacher if they can refer you to someone.  Just say, "I'm having a hard time and I think that I need to talk to someone professional."  If you do get into counseling, the counselor will likely give you tools and techniques for communicating with your parents.\nHope this helps.
980284
He is a teenager i assume and if he is thats how most teenagers behave andlike to upset their parents. Hormones are going crazy hopfully it will just be a phase like mine was. Also could be for attention and teenagers tend to be really gloomy and depressed BUTTT at the same time we are a nation where most of the population is becoming depressed and suicide rate is increasing. It sucks because we dont know if they are being serious or looking for attention. My advice is...really keep an eye on him if he brings something up again or tries to hurt himself.. call the police and they will decide if he needs to be put  into a hospital. If he was only looking for attention i can pretty much promise you that he will not pull any of those stunts again. lol If he was serious well then hopefully he gets the help he needs. I was put on effexor for a year and it has reallllllly helped me big  time!!!  short term side effects ( sleepy) and after that I felt great! After being on it a year my doctor weened me off it and I am  doing good on my own. No one has to stay on medication forever just until it fixes the chemical imbalence if it can. Good luck!
392636
Yes you are emotionally unstable, but that also means that you are a normal human being. Everyone has experienced good and bad times and it's completely normal for someone to feel depressed or happy during the transition. You can increase your happiness by changing your way of thinking and lifestyle. Be optimist instead of pesimist. Think positively instead.
242840
I think there's always been a high incidence of depression among teens.  Being a teenager is a really hard time.  Your body and your mind are still immature, and you're extremely restricted in your choices and ability to support yourself, but you have this sense of wanting to break away and develop as your own person.  This feeling along with the hormones that rage out of control during hormones manifest themselves as a lot of frustration and depression.\n\nBut we're starting to hear a lot more about clinical depression now.  Before, parents used to just assume their children were in a nasty mood or they had a bad attitude.  But now that it's been proven that clinical depression is a chemical imbalance and not just a bad attitude, parents much more inclined to seek medical attention for their children than to tell them to just suck it up for fear that something tragic may happen.\n\nIt does get easier though, so stick it out.  I'd give better advice if I knew what you were depressed about (hint hint)
1035737
its normal to feel sad a lot and feel extreme ups and downs when youre 13 because youre going through a lot of changes in your life and with your hormones. but if you feel like its getting out of control then you need to do something about it. if people are really your friends they wont look at you differently, they will want to be there to help you? if you really feel like you have no one to help you out they have a bunch of teen hotlines and websites where you can meet people to talk to you about your problems. you could even talk to me more if you need someone. you might also want to think about talking to your doctor or getting yourself into some therapy to see if they can help you out. its rought but try and keep your head up and see this through.
91805
it soulds like you honestly are depressed.you should see a doctor.being depressed is a chemical inbalence in your brain .dont feel bad about being depressed but seek help insted
172416
Sounds to me like you suffer from depression...you should talk with someone you trust..like a parent...older sibling..teacher if your in school...or a pastor..you need someone to show you the path to living a happy and fulfilled life...it goes by fast..enjoy every day!!!
735717
The answer is no, but don't be misled here.  There is ALWAYS a cause for depression.  It's just that the cause may not be apparent.  Yes, people who experience the loss of a child, close family member, or beloved pet can become depressed, but it's also very possible for someone who has not experienced any of the things you mentioned to develop severe depression.  \n\nYou're right -- the major cause of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Research suggest some people are born that way, so they'll always need medication to feel "normal."  Scientists also believe that head trauma injuries to babies, infants, toddlers, and young children can cause problems with depression later in life.  Depression has also been tied to drug use -- and not just illegal drugs; we're also talking about certain prescription drugs here (but those cases are fairly rare).\n\nSo to answer your last question, it is possible for someone who has not had any devastating events happen to them to suffer from severe depression anyway.
628405
I don't know how old you are, but if you are in your early teens and female, it's a normal thing to feel that way. You are changing and you think others are noticing it to. 15 and 16 are weird years for everybody. Don't sweat it. You'll be OK.
59886
Aww sweetie so sorry to hear you are feeling down.Being a teen is not easy...but you do not have to  deal with this on your own.Please seek out a trusted adult and share how you are feeling ok.No one wants you to feel bad.\nPlease do take care.
143551
That's more Eeyore-ish than Emo-ish. :)\n\nThe answer depends on the person.  With some, the "I hate.. [everything]" is a normal teen complaint.  If that's the case, s/he will eventually grow out of it.\n\nOn the other hand, don't ignore a true cry for help.  We're not all psychologists, and we aren't able to diagnose clinical depression, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
231078
I have clinical depression and I think that you may show signs of being depressed. I am 13 and a girl by the way. You should be feeling happy most of the time and if you are sad for more than 3 days a week and/or cry more than 3 days a week you need help. I know I did. I know that when you go to the doctors they will tell you that you may be depressed and it is not a fun thing. You don't want to be depressed. Please, get help. If it helped me, it can help you!
1084876
I think you should see a doc.  You've stated all the classic signs- the crying, losing interest, feeling worthless, and the cycle.  BUT- there are a lot of side-effects from teens using anti-depressants.  They only prescribe them for extreme cases and are closely monitored, as they can actually may make the depression worse.  \n\nMaybe you could try counseling.  It has been proven to work for some people.  Also, if you can, try getting out of the house.  Volunteer, exercise, take a class.... it will help to build your self-esteem up- not to mention the endorphins and energy from the exercise.  Another thing that causes depression symptoms to worsen is too much sugar in your diet.  They give you a high-like happy feeling, and then leave you feeling like crap until you eat more.  \n\nDon't let anyone tell you how to feel.  You're old enough to recognize when your body is out of whack, and you seem like an intelligent woman.  You're mom might be trying to support you by telling you you'll be fine, but there's no harm in merely talking to a doctor.  If you've got the guts- which a lot of people with depression don't- then go for it.
649382
"Depression often runs in families. This may be from heredity, learned behavior, or both. Even with a genetic predisposition, it is usually a stressful or unhappy life event that triggers the onset of a depressive episode."\n\nDepression may be brought on by Disappointment at home, work, or school (in teens, this may be breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, failing a class, or parents divorcing); Death of a friend or relative; Prolonged pain or having a major illness; Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cancer, or hepatitis; Drugs such as sedatives and high blood pressure medications; Alcohol or drug abuse; Chronic stress; Childhood events like abuse or neglect; Social isolation (common in the elderly); Nutritional deficiencies (such as folate and omega-3 fatty acids) OR Sleeping problems."