Depression is the most widespread mental illness in today's society. Studies have found that 1 in 8 teenagers are affected by this disease. It also predominantly affects young females than males. (www.kidshealth.org). Teens are in a position in their lives where they face significant transitions and peer pressure. They are trying to identify with themselves and understand where the piece of the puzzle fits in society, which can show the way to behavioral and emotional changes. This is also a stage where families suffer from poor communication: teenagers often tend to keep their feelings and concerns to themselves, away from parents and other authority figures. Therefore, identifying depression in adolescents can be difficult for adults to notice. However, it is essential that adolescents with depression receive assistance in managing their problems. For this reason, the focus of this article will be on how parents can identify whether their children are 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 who experiences repetitive patterns such as sadness, feelings of self-worth, and suicidal thoughts or expressions. and self-destruction. (www.teendepression.org). Depression can run through families if there is a history of depression. Identifying depression is not always easy to identify because in adolescents it is difficult to distinguish depression from normal adolescent moodiness. Teens suffering from depression can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide. 15 to 20% of American teenagers suffer from depression. (www.ezinearticles.com...... half of the document ......ticles.com/?Facts-¬Information-¬Teens-¬Depression-¬You-Need-¬To-Know&id=789323Feldman , R (2008). Understanding Psychology (9 ed., p. 353 New York City: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Languages. MA, MS, Barston, S., JJ , Dumke, M.A., L.F., & Ph.D, JS (n.d.). Teen Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Help Helpguide.org: Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Life's Challenges Retrieved May 17, 2010, from http://helpguide. org/mental/depression_teen.htmTeen Suicide Statistics - Teen Suicide (n.d.).Warning Signs of Depression - Teen Depression (n.d.).).