In teenagers & young adults

One in five children and adolescents is affected by mental health problems and disorders. Those aged 18-24 have the highest prevalence of mental disorders of any age group.

Key points about depression in adolescence

• Depression in this age group should be taken seriously. Youth suicide is the third most common cause of death in this age group.
• It can be hard to distinguish adolescent turmoil from depressive illness, especially as the young person is also forging new roles within the family and struggling with independence, and academic and career decisions.
• Both biological and developmental factors contribute to depression in adolescence. If Bipolar Disorder or psychosis is suspected biological causes would need to be examined. Read about Bipolar Disorder.
• In tracking down difficulties it can help to consider some of the areas that the adolescent is dealing with: school, family, peer group and intimate and/or sexual relationships.

Signs of depression in an adolescent

An adolescent who is depressed may not show obvious signs of depression. Instead, he or she may start to behave uncharacteristically, by, for example:

• Becoming socially withdrawn
• Falling in their performance at school
• Engaging in risk-taking behaviour (e.g. reckless driving, inappropriate sexual involvements)
• Engaging in drug and alcohol abuse.

Sometimes a minor physical problem is used as a disguised appeal for help.

Where to get help for an adolescent

If you think your son or daughter, or someone you are close to, might be depressed, the first step is to either take them to a General Practitioner or to the local Community Health Centre. The General Practitioner will either conduct an assessment or refer the adolescent to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or mental health worker.

Sometimes the adolescent may not want to seek help. In this case it's best to explain that you are concerned and perhaps also provide them with some information to read about depression. There are also some excellent websites designed for young people, as well as online and telephone counselling services. It's important for them to know that depression is a common problem and that there are people who can help.

More information on getting help

Depression among young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

An early project of the Black Dog Institute looked at issues relating to depression and self-harm - which are particularly relevant to young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. A paper was prepared especially for culturally and linguistically diverse young people and their families that looks at the signs of depression among young people, and provides some tips for young people in self-managing and seeking help. Download a copy of this paper [PDF, 112KB]

Resources and links:

• Reach Out!
• Better Health Channel, featuring depression and teenagers
• NSW Centre for Mental Health, NSW Department of Health
• Family Help Kit, issued by Centre for Mental Health, New South Wales Department of Health
• Young People Prevention and Early Intervention: - a site containing some excellent resources provided by Central Coast Area Health Service.
• YBBLUE - a website to help young people and their families and friends deal with depression. Developed as part of a national community awareness campaign to reduce stigma and encourage young people to seek help.
• itsallright - a website established by SANE (the Australian Mental Health Charity) and designed specially for young people affected by mental illness - whether themselves or in family members.
• ON FIRE! - a peer support network for young people living in Sydney whose parents or siblings have mental health issues.
• Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association -This association aims to actively promote the mental health and well being of infants, children, adolescents and their families and/or carers in Australia.
• Children of Parents with a Mental Illness - a resource centre for information relating to the care and management of families where a parent has a mental illness. The information on this site has been designed to meet the needs of workers in specific fields.