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Depression in adolescence comes at a time of great personal change–when boys and girls are forming an identity distinct from their parents, grappling with gender issues and emerging sexuality, and making decisions for the first time in their lives. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008) Teenage depression is more than the occasional bad mood and sadness. It is a serious problem, which affects every aspect of a teen’s life. If left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide.
Depression affects as many as 1 in 10 children, but Hispanic youth experience more depression than non-Hispanic white youth. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html] In Bexar County, in 2008, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds.
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