Teenager Depression
Bravery is often used to describe someone who keeps going despite overwhelming pain. Depression, especially in teens, can be incredibly difficult to navigate. It isn’t always visible, and it doesn’t always make sense to the people around them. Yet, for those struggling, every day they choose to stay is a testament to unimaginable strength.
“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’”
— C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
Real Stories of Support and Bravery
Case Study 1 – Misty, Age 12
Misty desperately longed for her father’s love. Feeling invisible and overwhelmed, she attempted to overdose on pills—seeking not death, but attention and connection. Thankfully, Misty survived and is now sharing her story. Her journey reminds us that behind every attempt is often a cry for help.
Case Study 2 – Maria, Age 14
Maria came from Mexico seeking safety but faced a language barrier and relentless bullying at school. Feeling hopeless, she attempted to hang herself in a school bathroom. Now in protective custody, she’s had multiple hospital stays. Her story is still unfolding—but support has helped her begin the long road toward healing.
Case Study 3 – Lisa, Age 15
Lisa has battled depression since she was 8. After years of hospital visits, she turned to cutting to manage her pain. Her father, misunderstanding her condition, refused her treatment and dismissed her needs—deepening her sense of worthlessness. Lisa’s struggle shows how a lack of understanding can compound emotional wounds.
Case Study 4 – Mike, Age 16
Mike channels his pain into anger—lashing out at walls, parents, and himself. His parents’ divorce devastated him, and he believes they’ve stopped caring. Recently, he began cutting himself and feels isolated from his peers. Mike’s pain is real, and what he needs most is connection and understanding.
Support and Bravery Matter
Teen depression is not something to dismiss. It takes strength to face it, and even more to support someone who’s in the middle of it.
“A brave man acknowledges the strength of others.”
— Veronica Roth
Your teen may act out, shut down, or withdraw—but that’s when your support matters most. Bravery isn’t just about facing the storm. It’s about holding the umbrella for someone who can’t stand up in the rain.
To Parents and Guardians: Don’t Give Up
Depression can feel like walking through a tornado—confusing, exhausting, unpredictable. But if you stick with your child through the darkness, you’re helping them find the eye of the storm—the place where calm, healing, and clarity can begin.
They need your strength even if they don’t say it. They need your presence even when they push you away. You can’t fix it for them—but you can walk beside them, and that can make all the difference.