Risk factors

Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering teen depression, including:

• Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems
• Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse
• Having other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder, anorexia or bulimia
• Having a learning disability or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Having ongoing pain or a chronic physical illness such as cancer, diabetes or asthma
• Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
• Abusing alcohol, nicotine or other drugs
• Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in an unsupportive environment

Family history and issues with family or others may also increase your teenager's risk of depression, such as:

• Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with depression, bipolar disorder or alcohol use problems
• Having a family member who died by suicide
• Having a dysfunctional family and family conflict
• Having experienced recent stressful life events, such as parental divorce, parental military service or the death of a loved one