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We've known for a while that more teenage girls experience depression than teenage boys, but it turns out the problem may be worse than we once thought. According to a new study, more than one-third of teenage girls experience depression.
Research published in Translational Psychiatry shows the amount of teenagers overall who experience depression is higher than previously thought. The research also found a pretty staggering gender gap in rates of depression among teens. While 14% of boys in the study reported being depressed, 36% of girls reported the same. That represents just over one in three girls experiencing depression.
Researchers looked at data from 2009 to 2014 that dealt with nationally representative samples of people between ages 12 and 17. They found that the gender difference in who experiences depression starts early — around age 11 — but it's unclear why. What is clear, researchers say, is that we should be offering resources to young people so they know where to turn if they start experiencing depression.
“Our study reveals that depression is far too common and is associated with serious problems in school and at home for adolescents,” Elizabeth Miller, MD, senior author of the study and director of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, said. “While we still have much work to do to understand why so many more girls experience depression than boys, adults who work with young people — especially clinicians, school teachers and counselors — should recognize adolescent depression and connect young people who display signs of depression to appropriate mental health services. Don’t wait and expect things to get better without help.”
This is especially important because we know that depression can have negative impacts on young people. As the study notes, experiencing depression is associated with problems at school, relationship issues, and even suicide attempts. We also know that depression is the leading cause of poor health across the world, and it even cause physical pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies or things that previously made you happy, a change in sleeping patterns, a lack of energy, a change in appetite, feelings of worthlessness, and more. And while it's so common and can be so harmful, there is treatment available and it works.
One study found treatment for mental illness is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in teens. Since it's so common, particularly for girls, it's so important that treatment is accessible, and that we all know there's no shame in asking for help.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
Related: Mental Health Treatment Associated With Fewer Depressive Symptoms for Teens
