The Silent Struggle: Parents and Teens Alike Battle Anxiety and Depression

A new study from Norway suggests that the gender gap in adolescent depression may be influenced by how girls and boys react to stress. While both genders face similar levels of stress, it appears that stress has a stronger impact on girls, leading to higher rates of depression. The study found that girls who experienced more stressful life events and bullying at age 12 were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms at age 14, whereas boys did not show the same pattern. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention and preventive measures for girls during the transition to adolescence. However, the study has limitations, such as focusing on depressive symptoms rather than clinically diagnosed depressive disorders.