T.D.

Esther struggles with depression and low self-esteem due to the lack of parental involvement in her life while growing up. The constant desire for acceptance from her parents, especially her father, caused her to make many impulsive decisions. As she reminisces on her teen years with appreciation, she realizes every obstacle she came in contact with helped her grow into the strong young woman she is today.

No matter how old you are, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses there is. Think of depression like the common cold, and you'll have some idea of just how often those around you suffer from bouts of what is far more than just "the blues." Depression affects children, teens, and adults alike. However, during the teen years, when major life changes are already creating tension, recognizing and dealing with depression can be even more challenging.