Its symptoms also often differ, so many depressed teens are simply dismissed as “difficult” or “delinquent.” Yet this is a serious problem, especially considering the high rate of depression-related suicides among adolescents. Because its symptoms are varied and often subtle, depression at any age can be difficult to identify. Many people, especially teenagers, who are going through so many changes that affect mood and behavior, are unaware that they are depressed. Even when they seek treatment, they often do so only for the physical symptoms, such as insomnia or fatigue, and not for the actual underlying cause. Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering teenage depression, these factors include: having problems that negatively affect self-esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, bullying, or academic problems