Teen years are unlike any other phase in a person's life. It is when a person starts discovering oneself, learns new ways of life and also faces terrible challenges, trials and tribulations. A growing teen may either sail smoothly into adult life, or may experience hurdles that tend to affect one's physical, mental and emotional well-being. That is when parents must intervene and provide support.

Setting boundaries from your teen, giving them personal space and making them independent is crucial on a parental front. However, in doing so, do not ignore their cry for help. Every teen wants freedom, space and an environment to practice their individuality, but they're also vulnerable, scared and unaware of the bitter world, making them very much prone to depression.

Mayo Clinic defines teenage depression as a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities.

"It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems," the health body explains.

That said, while your teenager may not make it obvious, they may show signs of struggle.

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Teenage depression can manifest in the form of emotional and behavioural changes.

Feelings of sadness accompanied by sudden crying spells, extreme mood swings, irritability, loss of interest, low self-esteem and a fixation on past failures and mistakes are some examples of emotional changes, as per Mayo Clinic.

When it comes to behavioural changes, your teen may be tired all the time, can experience insomnia or other sleep issues, loss or change in appetite, use of alcohol or drugs, restlessness, social isolation and more.

How your child performs in school can also be a tell-tale sign of depression. Poor school performance or frequent absences can reflect poor mental health.

Besides watching out for the warning signs of teenage depression, parents must also be aware of the factors that can lead to such a condition. Read on to find out what they are.

When a child becomes a teen, their world is largely influenced by their friends, peers and people around them. It is the time when their social skills come in handy. However, for those who struggle to adjust, bullying may become a part of their reality.

Research suggests approximately 20% of students between the ages of 12 to 18 report bullying.

Bullying can be in the form of verbal or emotional abuse, which involves humiliation or putting people down or it may manifest in the form of physical aggression like hitting, kicking and slapping. Both can have a terrible impact on a teen's psyche.

Experts believe teens who experience verbal and physical bullying are at a greater risk of developing depression than children who do not experience such trauma.

Living in a technologically advanced world has its own perks. However, it is also one of the growing reasons for teenage depression. Given that most young adults cannot live without their phones and social media, they're more prone to depression caused by cyberbullying and other ill-effects of the internet.

There's no doubt that social media can be used as a positive platform. However, for teens unfortunately, it is also a place where they can be negatively influenced and affected. Besides the trolls and the bullying, unrealistic beauty expectations, peer pressure are some of the factors that may take a toll on a teen's mental health.

Trauma is also a leading cause of teenage depression. It can occur due to neglect or any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Being a victim or witness of violence can be traumatic for anyone, so imagine how it may affect a teen, who is still figuring out things for him or herself.

Parents must note that abuse is not just defined by physical aggression, but it also has to do with verbal and emotional abuse, which cannot be seen or touched.