Dr. Blessy Prabha Valsaraj, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Psychiatric Nursing, MCON Manipal addressed on how the depression has become a major problem among youth and the ways to deal with it. A study done in the year 2013 among 2000 adolescents in Udupi district reported a prevalence rate of 44% of the adolescents depression which was higher than found among elderly! Imbalance in the needs may lead to depression and other causes being loss of someone close, stressful life event or crisis, presence of any illness and family history. The males are mostly affected than females. In the youngsters these days depression is a major issue due to study related problems, wrong choices made, lack of motivation, overload, faulty study practices, habits, family issues like broken family, financial issue, recent loss of loved ones etc. The depression among youth is usually presented with low grades in academics, poor attendance, failure, low self esteem, mood swings, hyperactivity, misconduct, physical complaints and substance abuse. “It is not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it”- Hans Selye. Talking on handling depression she highlighted some of protective factors are dealing with the stress effectively, developing confidence and assertive communication and enhancing self esteem by engaging in creative hobbies. Dr. Blessy also mentioned the importance of identifying good role models in life and developing a strong foundation of value system that can enhance effective coping with stressors in life. The parents, teachers and peers have major role in identifying depression at early stage thereby preventing and seeking support from the professionals at the earliest.