Teens are majorly affected by depression, according to “The National Institute of Mental Health” 16% of all teens are depressed (and the number is rising). Teens and those entering into adulthood tend to be the age groups where depression is at its peak, this is mostly caused by academic stress between senior year, and choosing your college or deciding what is next for your future.

The main causes of teen depression is stem from academics, social media, and social pressure. The workload in school and the challenge of the courses combine to increase the intensity put upon teens, and for many it becomes very stressful to manage all their classes, especially during Junior year. Spending more time online has led to a rise in bullying along with the perceived need to look or be perfect on social media.  The social pressure to fit in with peers can be quite acute during middle school and high school, and the constant desire to fit in with people creates self-doubt which can sometimes spiral into depression.

Final exams can put added stress on students, but wintertime is an especially difficult time for many due to the reduced exposure to sunlight, reduction in activity, and irregularities with sleep.

If you are feeling stressed, experts suggest several things: connecting with others, avoiding isolation, talking to someone about it, seeing a doctor, along with improving diet, sleep and exercise.