intense listening, advice and encouragement. For the more severe cases of depression, especially those with constant symptoms, medication may be necessary and without pharmaceutical treatment, depressive conditions could escalate and become fatal. Regardless of the type of treatment chosen, it is important for children and teens suffering from depression to receive prompt treatment because early onset places children and teens at a greater risk for multiple episodes of depression throughout their life span. (Brown, 1996).Until recently, adolescent depression has been largely ignored. But now several means of diagnosis and treatment exist. Although most teenagers can successfully climb the mountain of emotional and psychological obstacles that lie in their paths, there are some that find themselves overwhelmed and full of stress. With the help of parents, teachers, mental health professionals and other caring adults, the severity of a teens depression can not only be accurately evaluated, but plans made to improve his or her well-being and ability to fully live life....
