Ok, depression is an issue that so many young people deal with everyday. I hate to think about what they may be going through, and even I have had my moments where depression takes over-- takes over my plans, my emotions, basically my entire life. I've been doing some research about what causes depression, specifically in young people ages 10-18. I want to help everyone who may be hurting right now and I seriously do hope you can figure out just why you're feeling the way you're feeling. (NOTE: I am not a professional. If you have major depression, seek help from someone who understands better than I do. Please.)

Depression and its causes are a tricky thing to explain, but I've managed to narrow it down to five main reasons why you might be struggling.
~Lack of Sleep or Nutrition
~Personal Loss
~Trauma
~Hormonal Imbalance
~Drugs or Abused Substances

Lack of Sleep or Nutrition- Basically what it sounds like. If you're a night-owl who struggles with depression, it may be because you aren't getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause lots of problems, especially in train of thought. People who don't get enough sleep lose the ability for brain cells to communicate properly, which basically means you're not thinking straight. Similarly, a lack of nutrition can cause symptoms of depression, mostly because of your body's need for certain vitamins and minerals.

Personal Loss- Usually starts with the death of a loved one, a personal loss is difficult to deal with. Most of the time, a loss will cause grief. Feelings of grief will usually wear away as time goes on, but a deep connection that has been lost may result in depression.

Trauma- Depression can also be caused by times of extreme physical or mental hardship, also known as trauma. Trauma is defined as a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury. (As by the Merriam-Webster dictionary) Which basically says everything you need to know about it. It's so hard to deal with, and I salute those who stay strong through it all.

Hormonal Imbalance- Because I'm specifically listing causes of depression in young people, it's important to consider their hormones. During the time of puberty, (*shudders*) one's brain goes through so many emotional changes, specifically in females. (Females are actually much more likely to suffer from depression than males.) Sudden changes in hormones may cause severe mood swings, often characterized as depression. This is a normal feeling and will usually go away with time.

Drugs or Abused Substances- Drugs, similar to trauma, can cause an emotional damage to the brain. The user may not be able to function correctly and may even develop a dependence to the drug. Being left without a drug one has become addicted to will cause symptoms of severe depression. The easiest way to avoid this type of depression: don't take illegal drugs or misuse prescription ones.
If you must take an over-the-counter type medicine, please read the instructions carefully and follow them.

That sums up everything I know. (Link for my information and further information will be in the "additional credit" section, Which I hope is enough to make sure I don't get suspended for plagiarism.)
Please stay safe and if you're dealing with depression, I urge you to seek help. I may not know everything about what you're going through, but I want you to live your best life, and for you to be safe. I hope this will help at least one person. <3
I hope this counts as family-friendly because I know so many people who are suffering and I feel as though I need to help them.
(NOTE: Let's keep this post clear of hate. You may correct or add something if I made an error, but please try to keep it as positive as possible.)