Why So Sad?

The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q

Looking around on Tumblr recently, I noticed a great deal of gloom in many of the posts left by teenagers. I know teens are supposed to be moody and occasionally melancholy, but some of these kids seemed depressed, and it concerned me. Teen depression is a serious problem that affects every facet of a teen’s life. Teen depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, self-mutilation, violence and even suicide.

According to suicide.org, a teen takes his or her life every hour and a half. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. Approximately 20 percent of teens experience depression before they reach adulthood, and between 10 to 15 percent suffer from symptoms at any given time. Why is there more despair and hopelessness among teens today? I wish I knew the answer.