Depression is the most common mental illness in today's society. Studies have shown that one in eight adolescents has this disease. It also affects young women more than men. (www.kidshealth.org). Adolescents are at a stage in their lives where they face significant transitions and peer pressure. They are trying to identify with themselves and determine where the piece of the puzzle fits in society, which can point the way to behavioral and emotional changes. This is also a stage where families suffer from poor communication: adolescents often tend to keep their feelings and concerns to themselves, away from their parents and other authority figures. Therefore, identifying depression in adolescents may be difficult for adults to notice. However, it is essential that adolescents suffering from depression receive help to manage their problems. For this reason, this article will focus on how parents can identify if their child is depressed. If adults were able to identify and understand depression, many lives could be saved. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disorder of an individual experiencing repetitive patterns such as sadness, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts or expressions of suicide. and self-destruction. (www.teendepression.org). Depression can run in families if there is a history of depression. Detecting depression is not always easy to detect because in adolescents, depression and normal adolescent mood swings are difficult to differentiate. Teens who experience depression can lead to academic failure, substance abuse, and even suicide. Between 15 and 20% of American adolescents suffer from depression. (www.ezinearticles.com...... middle of paper ......ticles.com/?Facts-¬About-¬Teen-¬Depression-¬You-¬Need-¬to--Know&id=789323Feldman , R. (2008). Understanding Psychology (9th ed., p. 353). , MA, LF and Ph.D, JS (nd). Depression in adolescents: signs, symptoms and how to help. Helpguide.org: Understanding, preventing and solving life's challenges. //helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htmTeen Suicide Statistics - Teen Suicide (nd). Retrieved May 17, 2010 from http://www.teensuicide.us/articles1.).