This is an excerpt from from the Mayo Clinic webpage about Teen Depression: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985

“Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults.

Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings — they’re a symptom of depression.

Teen depression isn’t a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower — it can have serious consequences and requires long-term treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counseling.”

Clinicians at Missouri Girls Town Foundation strive to improve health outcomes for children suffering from Depression everyday. If you feel your child may be suffering from Depression, please reach out for professional help such as that offered by the team at Missouri Girls Town Foundation.

There are services that can help – offered in outpatient services, via personal visits with clinicians. Our highly trained medical staff can offer therapies and education for families dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, and/or neglect.

We highly encourage you to reach out to professionals – you are not alone!

Help can be found at MO Girls Town – 573-642-5345 or you can contact our Case Manager, Laura Maddox at lmaddox@mogirlstown.org for more information.