Teen depression is common—and treatable. In 2021, about 1 in 5 U.S. adolescents (12–17) had a major depressive episode in the past year, and nearly 1 in 7 had severe impairment. Girls were affected more than boys. Separate CDC data show about 4 in 10 high-schoolers reported persistent sadness or hopelessness. If this is your teen (or you), you’re not alone—and help works.

What it can look like: withdrawal from friends, sleep/appetite changes, irritability, trouble concentrating, hopelessness, or self-harm thoughts. Depression isn’t a character flaw—it’s a medical condition that responds to the right plan.