A B S T R A C T BACKGROUNDAdolescence refers to the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that marks the transformation from childhood to adulthood. They are unique with regards to their physical, mental and social problems. Depression in adolescents can be due to a myriad of reasons unique to the individual. Studies conducted in the past found males and older adolescents to express behaviour reflective of depression and adjustment difficulties when compared to their counterparts namely the females and the younger adolescents. Some studies have shown that depression in young individuals is heritable. Depression has several detrimental effects on an individual's physical and psychosocial development resulting in an incapacitated corollary constituting the society. Introversion and the existing illness behaviour with regards to mental illnesses is not favourable for early diagnosis and counselling. Thus, to counter the epidemic of sub-optimally functioning youth, crippled by mental distress, early diagnosis and interventions have to be made. METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted with participants selected from a secondary school in Chennai, belonging to the age group of 11 to 14 years. 'Adolescent Well-Being Scale', a pretested questionnaire that screens adolescents for depression was used. RESULTSThe results from the study show that 22.1% of female students were depressed and this is higher when compared to the percentage of depressed male students. 33% of 13-year-old adolescents were found to be depressed. It found that 27.7% students without a sibling while 27% of students with sibling (s) had depression. CONCLUSIONSThe study also shows a trend of rise in the occurrence of depression with age. Maintaining mental health demands a support system that serves as a mental cushion, aiding in coping and resilience with any stress or strains of life. Thus, timely identification and interventions allows an otherwise unattainable mirage, healthy adulthood.
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