Q: I'm a 15 year old girl. My dad passed away when I was 8 and my mom recently remarried. Ever since she got married I've turned into a very angry person. I don't like doing anything anymore, and the only time I am happy is when I am with my boyfriend. I hate everything, I'm always tired and I've lost a lot of weight. I cry at least twice a week over stupid things. My friend thinks I am depressed, am I?

A: One of the hardest things people have to face is the death of a parent. A new step-father who probably takes some of your mom's attention can also be a challenge. So you are dealing with a lot and might be expected to feel sorrow and anger from time to time.

Fatigue, frequent crying and weight loss, however, are all symptoms of depression and depression makes it harder to cope with the changes in your life. Depression leads to repeated thoughts, despair and feelings of worthlessness - and these just make you feel even worse.

We'd really like to see you talk to your pediatrician or school guidance counselor about seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. What these professionals can do is help restore your energy and happiness by talking with you and sometimes also with medication for depression.

Please remember you are not alone in feeling depressed. About one out of five people do. Many don't get treatment and go through life feeling sad and bleak. It is not necessary. Depression can be treated effectively and although taking the first step is hard, you will be so glad you asked for help. To have TeenGrowth's board of physicians answer your health question, visit the Web site (http://www.teengrowth.com) or e-mail feedback@teengrowth.com. TeenGrowth is a non-commercial Internet site that focuses exclusively on the educational health issues of adolescents.