

Discussion Questions: Teen Depression

Teen Depression—The Greatest Unlearned Lesson of Columbine


  2. Identify five common consequences of depression. Discuss how each one can devastate the life a teen ager.

  3. Did you know 6% of U.S. teens suffer clinical depression? Discuss the impact to schools and individuals. Alternative: discuss the economic impact with adults. (See the Psychology Module for citations on the 6% figure, etc.)





  8. What causes depression? Are there genetic predispositions? How significant are external factors in bringing it on (e.g., breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend). Who is most at-risk?



  11. What is in place in your school to diagnose and treat kids in trouble? How effective is it? How could that change?

  12. (For more questions, topics, outside readings and selected Columbine passages, see the “Case Study in Teen Depression: Dylan Klebold” unit in the Psychology Module.)

Depression and Dylan Klebold






  6. Read the essay published by his mother, Susan Klebold in 2009. (In O Magazine. Full citation in the depression section of the Psychology Module).  List five warning signs she could identify in retrospect. How common are each? How does a parent, teacher or friend know when to take each one seriously?

    See the Teen Depression Unit for resources, warning signs, hotlines,further reading, detailed questions and much more.