This study shows that teen girls experience depression more often than boys

Well, this is bummer news. While depression is an upsetting condition for anyone who might suffer from it, it’s been reported that teen girls get depression more than boys. In fact, more than one-third of girls studied have had depressive spells — which is way more than people once figured.

The study was done by Translational Psychiatry, who reported that 36% of girls reported depression, in comparison to 14% of boys. The participants of the study were all between 1 2 and 17 years old.

Depression is more than just a feeling of being sad or overworked — it often makes you lose interest in activities. Those who suffer may have suicidal thoughts or actions. It also causes loss of energy and a feeling of worthlessness. According to Psychiatry.com, roughly one in six people will experience it at some point.

 Elizabeth Miller, MD and senior author of the study, thinks that the disorder has become far too common, and hopes that those who suffer have more resources available to them.

"While we still have much work to do to understand why so many more girls experience depression than boys, adults who work with young people — especially clinicians, school teachers and counselors — should recognize adolescent depression and connect young people who display signs of depression to appropriate mental health services," Miller said. "Don’t wait and expect things to get better without help."

The study also saw key links between being depressed and academic and relationship problems.

If you know someone who might be depressed, make sure they know they’re not alone.

If they’re contemplating suicide, please make sure that they call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Support is just seconds away.