Adolescent rebellion and adolescent depression both occur during adolescence, but are more distinct, the difference being mainly that the former is a common phenomenon while the latter is a common mental disorder.
Adolescent rebellion mainly occurs at this age, as a result of having an independent mind of one’s own and wanting to make up one’s own mind about things, thus appearing to be possibly contrary to parental expectations, which can generally improve with age and mutual understanding between parents and children. Depression, on the other hand, is mainly characterised by low mood, reduced interest, loss of pleasure, pessimism and despair, self-blame, little speech, slow thinking, lack of motivation, insomnia, early awakening, loss of appetite, etc. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts and behaviour may also occur and require active medical attention and improvement through psychotherapy and medication.