Image of a teen boy's side profile. He has a neutral expression and looks lost in thought.

Depression and teenagers

Teenage depression is common, and it's natural for you to worry about your child if their depression is impacting their daily life. There are a number of things that you can try to support your teenager to manage depression. If you'd like to understand more about what causes depression in teenagers, the impact it can have on a young person, and support options for teenagers with depression, read our resources below.

school boy gazing forward

Depression in teenagers

Learn the facts about depression in teenagers, the signs to look out for, and what parents can do to help.

cartoon boy looking down in the mirror thumbnail

7 signs your teenager might have depression

Learn how to spot the signs of depression in teenagers.

gavin man sitting on couch talking to camera

Gavin's experience helping his daughter with depression

It can be tricky knowing how to handle teen depression in your family. Hear how Gavin navigated this tough time and helped his daughter through depression.

a boy in school uniform looking concerned

How to help your teenager with depression

Here's a guide on different ways to support teenager living with depression.

screenshot of interview with clare rowe child and family psychologist

Supporting your teen through depression and anxiety

Hear from psychologist Clare Rowe on how you help teenagers with depression and anxiety to feel less isolated and alone.

girl on train station

What to do if my teenager refuses help with depression

Learn how to help your teenager manage depression, if they’re not open to professional help.

A photo of a mother and son looking at each other, smiling warmly.

Understanding bipolar disorder in teens

Learn how to better understand and support your teen if they have bipolar disorder.

Related topics

Anxiety in teenagersStress in teenagersSupporting effective communication with your teenTalking with your teen about mental health

Frequently asked questions about teenage depression

If you think your teen may be experiencing depression, the most important step is to approach them with empathy and without judgment. You can:

  • listen and give them space to talk without rushing to fix things

  • encourage professional help, like seeing a GP, school counsellor, or psychologist, who can provide assessment and treatment options

  • support daily routines, and encourage healthy sleep, balanced meals and physical activity

  • stay connected, check in regularly and show them you care, even if they seem withdrawn.

Hear from a psychologist about the best way to support your teen with depression.

Depression doesn’t have one single cause. It’s usually caused by a mix of factors, such as:

  • biological changes in brain chemistry 

  • family history of mental illness

  • psychological things, like low self-esteem, perfectionism, and unhelpful thinking patterns

  • social impacts like bullying, relationship breakups, loneliness, and family conflict

  • life events like grief, trauma, or big changes at home or school.

Read more about depression in teenagers.

If a teen is feeling low, hopeless, or in crisis, they can contact one of these services for a free, confidential chat with a counsellor:

Find more support services for depression.

It’s natural to worry about this, but depression is not caused by one single person. Many factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, life events, and stress, can contribute. What matters most is focusing on support, not blame. Showing your teen empathy, patience, and a willingness to help can make a real difference in their recovery.

Hear one parents’ story about supporting his teen with depression.

Online quizzes can sometimes help a teen recognise that what they’re feeling is more than ‘just a bad mood’, but they are not diagnostic tools. They can be a starting point for a conversation, but only a mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Read more about the signs of teen depression.