Depressive Disorder in Adolescents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

A depressive disorder is a medical condition that causes feelings of sadness or hopelessness that do not go away. These feelings last longer than usual and interfere with your daily life. A depressive disorder may be caused by changes in brain chemicals that affect your mood. Stress, a family history of depression, and conditions such as ADHD can increase the risk for a depressive disorder. Do not wait for the feelings to go away. A depressive disorder can be treated.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

You feel like harming yourself or someone else.

Call your therapist or doctor, or have someone call if:

Your symptoms do not improve.
You cannot make it to your next appointment.
You have new symptoms.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

Antidepressant medicine may be given to improve or balance your mood. You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you begin to feel better. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or problems you have with the medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed.
Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

If you need to talk to someone:

Talk to an adult you trust. If you feel like you cannot talk to your parents, talk to a school nurse or counselor. Tell someone about your feelings and thoughts. Tell the person if you feel like you might harm yourself. Tell him or her if you are being bullied by someone.
Talk with your friends. Your friends can listen and understand how you feel. Your friends can support you and help you focus on positive things in your life.
Contact a crisis hotline: Many crisis hotlines are available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Contact a suicide prevention organization:
  - For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
    - Call or text 988
    - Send a chat on https://988lifeline.org/chat
    - Call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
  - For the Suicide Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
- For a list of international numbers: https://save.org/find-help/international-resources/

What you can do to help yourself feel better:

Get regular physical activity. Try to get at least 1 hour of physical activity every day, such as going for a walk. Physical activity can improve depression and help you sleep better.
Get enough sleep. Create a routine to help you relax before bed. Listen to music, read, or do yoga. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Sleep is important for emotional health.
Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. A healthy meal plan is low in fat, salt, and added sugar. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about a meal plan that is right for you.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs. Alcohol and drugs can make your symptoms worse.

Follow up with your therapist or doctor as directed:

Take your journal. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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