It is a continuing, overwhelming feeling of sadness and helplessness that interferes with a teenager's ability to carry on normally.  Instead of talking on the phone or getting together with friends, teens with depression may withdraw from activities, refusing to go out of the house.  Teen depression is the major contributing cause of a number of teen problems, including eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, school-related problems, sexual risk-taking, including pregnancy and running away from home. More than one-million teenagers, most under the age of 16, run away from home each year. Teenage depression is extremely painful and debilitating.  Because it often is accompanied by thoughts of suicide, it can be fatal.

Glamorized Depression
Among average teens you have your very special teens," The Celebrity Teens."  These teens live the glitz and the glam life some adults will never experience.  However, do you think these teens ever get depressed?   A mega star was quoted as saying; ”sexy stilettos stop her from feeling depressed."  The actress has suffered constant criticism from the media over her slim figure and her wild partying - but she reveals high heels help her keep upbeat.    She has been reported saying, "If I am having a bad day, I put on a pair of stilettos, some red lipstick, and a great dress and I go shopping.”  Teenage Depression is a hidden disorder for average teens by itself and is more hidden for celebrity teens covered by the red carpet life style.  This Teen star is not the only celebrity that experiences glamorized depression.   Another teen celebrity suffered from an eating disorder due to teenage depression as well.   Also, a well known teen Pop Queen among others has been widely and publicly noted to have GONE WILD. Is this a result of depression hidden through out the teen years?  Teenage problems are problems that should not be taken lightly, even for the stars.

What Causes Teenage Depression?
Stress: Because the teen years are naturally a time of emotional and social turmoil, events that would be difficult for an adult, can be devastating for a teen. Life events such as the loss of a family member through death or divorce, a move to a new area, problems in the home, a break-up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, problems at school, or ongoing rejection by other students can trigger teen depression.
Biology: Many people who have depression have an imbalance of the biochemical's in the brain that affect behavior and mood. This imbalance can cause depression - even when no stressful situation exists. A person's biochemistry is partially determined by genetics and teens who have a close relative with depression are more likely to have the problem themselves.