Younan 1

Outline for Teen Depression

I.

Introduction
a. Teens more likely to be depressed than any other age group. Studies show that the
brain of a teenager doesnt finish developing until their mid-twenties.
b. Depression is having feelings of severe despondency and dejection. They often
face a rush of emotion in situations that dont even deserve an emotional reaction.
c. This depression will often result in spending abnormal amounts of time alone,
sitting in isolated rooms for long periods of time, and an apathetic attitude for
most of their day. Teens become very anti-social and bipolar, which is unhealthy

II.

for todays society.

Counterargument
a. Many people may say that depression comes from a result in social status.
b. Others may say that depression and anxiety do not correlate with each other, and
that one does not cause the other to happen.
c. Studies have shown that depression does cause anxiety to happen. A person who
suffers from depression suffers from many other things, such as anxiety, fear,
isolation, and deprivation.
d. Anxiety, change in behavior, and anti-socialness are effects of depression.

III.

Depression causes a person to be less social, bipolar, and have low spirits.
Main Point #1
a. 2014 statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NMH) show that
17.3% of depressed teenagers were females, and 5.7% of depressed teenagers
were males.
b. Whether there are more depressed females than males, its still hurting our society
today. Yet, we try to figure out that females are more likely to be depressed than
males.
c. Females have many hormones that males do not have that cause them to
experience more emotions, including anger, fear, intimidation, and jealousy

Younan 2

d. This is a great reason why females seem to fall into depression more than a male
would. Meaning, theres no way to scientifically fix this disorder in women, but
IV.

we can use logic.

Main Point #2
a. Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the United States
among teens and adults.
b. 30% of teens experiencing depression are in some sort of drug abuse. This is a
very significant number that has a very complicated cure. Not only is the victim
depressed, but theyre also addicted to a drug. This troubles teens in high school
with their hopes of college and careers after graduation.
c. Depression can also lead to suicide. Victims between the ages of 12-18 are twelve

V.

more times likely to commit suicide.

d. These statistics are only rising, and society is trying to decrease these numbers.
Main Point #3
a. Depression is a low state of mood and aversion to activity that can affect a
persons thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being.
b. This is a disorder meaning it can be difficult to treat.
c. Societys goal is show people that there are brighter sides to things and show them
how to look at the positive things in life, rather than the negatives.
d. Many teens suffer from depression, and most cases are very hard to treat because

VI.

of how severe the condition is.

Conclusion
a. Teen depression is the leading cause of suicide, anxiety, and many other things.
b. Depression is a serious matter and should be taken more seriously.
c. Teens should not have to suffer from such a terrible disorder. Depression should
be cured more than it is.