Adolescent Depression and Suicide: Understanding Risks, Prevention, and the Role of Technology

Course overview

The United States is facing a growing mental health crisis: adolescent depression and suicide. While rates were already on the rise prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, experts widely agree that the pandemic significantly accelerated this troubling trend. Importantly, adolescent depression is not simply adult depression in younger individuals - it presents with distinct risk factors and requires age-specific approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention is critical, as depression during adolescence often continues into young adulthood. Emerging research highlights the complex role of social media, which may contribute to the rise in depressive symptoms among teens but also holds potential as a tool for timely outreach and support. When harnessed appropriately, digital platforms can offer familiar, accessible ways for adolescents to connect with mental health resources.