What To Do Next:
Act & Seek Care

Tell an Adult

If a teenager is concerned about depression in themselves or someone they know, it’s best to tell an adult they trust
Depression is a treatable medical illness
Friends, peers, and family members can often recognize depression in another person before that person realizes something is wrong
Seeking help yourself or helping a friend is brave and the right thing to do
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of responsibility and resilience

Primary care physicians should be comfortable discussing symptoms of depression
If you know your primary care provider already, it may be more comfortable to discuss symptoms with them
Primary care physicians can provide a diagnosis and start treatment
Your primary care physician can assess if and when you need a referral to a behavioral health specialist

The majority of mental health problems seen in adults start in childhood and adolescence
The time delay from symptoms to when treatment is finally received can unfortunately be years
Early intervention can improve functioning later in life
There are many professionals including school-based counselors, pediatricians, or family doctors that can give advice with diagnosis and treatment

Depression is a treatable medical illness
If there is a concern about a teenager, it’s wise to get an evaluation and get more information
A diagnosis and treatment received from a professional evaluation can reduce unnecessary suffering