Depression is an extremely prevalent mental health issue for teens and can be difficult to comprehend or treat effectively. Luckily, movies about teen depression provide viewers with insight and help educate viewers. Melinda begins her freshman year of high school feeling alienated and isolated after calling the police on a party she found suspicious. Gradually, however, Melinda forms an unlikely bond with eccentric art teacher Mr. Freeman and finds comfort from him in conversation. Girl, Interrupted Girl, Interrupted has been widely criticized for its simplistic portrayal of mental illness (the film is based on Susanna Kaysen’s memoir about being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder), but its impact remains profound. Winona Ryder manages a convincing performance as Susanna after trying to commit suicide with aspirin and vodka; Angelina Jolie manages to portray an emotionally complex character even while often appearing either charming or overbearing in other roles. Susanna finds herself immersed in an array of disturbed young women with psychological diagnoses ranging from self-immolation to eating only chicken from her father’s deli, as she attempts to identify what is behind her own problems. Prozac Nation Erik Skjoldbjaerg’s drama based on Elizabeth Wurtzel’s memoir detailing her struggle with clinical depression had its premiere at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival before it was shelved by Miramax, but Christina Ricci’s apparently powerful performance – including her first topless scene – persuaded studio officials to revive it for DVD sale. Lizzie (Ricci), an undergraduate attending Harvard on a journalism scholarship, finds herself spiraling downward into self-destructive behaviors as she spends her days partying and taking drugs while trying to escape her neurotic mother (Jessica Lange) and past relationships with both of her photographers fathers (Jeff Reisner). As depression sets in and rage builds inside of her, it becomes a hell ride for everyone involved. The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky’s written-director Stephen Chbosky also penned the original 1999 novel on which this film is based and has an exceptional talent for showing what life is like for young people growing up in today’s pop culture-driven environment. This film, featuring Logan Lerman and Emma Continue Reading