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Teen Depression Causes & Symptoms

Depression in teens can result from various factors, including:

Depression Causes:

  • Biological Chemistry: Teen depression can be significantly influenced by imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, thoughts, and behavior. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are the main neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. An imbalance in these chemicals can lead to symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, lethargy, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Hormonal changes during adolescence can also affect these neurotransmitter levels, making teens particularly susceptible to mood disorders.
  • Genetics: Depression often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder. Teens who have one or more close relatives with a history of depression are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. This genetic predisposition does not guarantee that depression will occur, but it does increase the likelihood, especially when combined with other risk factors. Researchers are still working to identify specific genes associated with depression, but it is clear that multiple genes interacting with environmental factors are typically involved.
  • Environmental Factors: The environment a teen grows up in can play a critical role in the onset of depression. Continuous exposure to adverse conditions such as violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty can trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms. These experiences can lead to chronic stress, which negatively affects the brain’s ability to regulate mood. Additionally, a lack of support at home, school, or in the community can leave teens feeling isolated and helpless, further contributing to depressive feelings. Social media use and cyberbullying have also emerged as significant environmental stressors that can affect teens’ mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy and depression.

Understanding these factors can help in identifying and supporting teens at risk of depression, by providing appropriate interventions that address these complex, interrelated causes.

Teen Depression Symptoms:

Depression is particularly concerning in teenagers, whose emotional and psychological developments are still maturing. Adolescents might show different signs compared to adults, and their experiences with depression can be influenced by a variety of social, familial, and internal pressures. Recognizing these symptoms is a crucial step toward seeking help and finding appropriate treatment to manage and overcome depression.

Here’s a detailed look at these symptoms to better understand their implications:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Energy loss or fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.