Being an adolescent can be tough. And for some kids, it might be more than just all the changes. Depression can be a major concern.

"They're not able to get through school in a way that they're supposed to be able to do. They're not playing with their friends or engaging in family life. And even at a young age, these are things that can impact children quite a bit. So the earlier we intervene, the early we get them back on track. You can't have a healthy child if they're depressed or anxious," said Dr. Sourav Sengupta, UBMD child adolescent psychiatrist.

In fact, half of adolescents with depression don't get diagnosed before adulthood, and even those who do, as many as two thirds aren't getting proper care. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending pediatricians screen every child between the ages of 10 to 21. 

"We want pediatricians to be prepared to know what the next steps are which is why these guidelines are really helpful because they're talking about that education piece. They're talking about getting them connected to a counselor or therapist for that moderate level type of depression. But this universal aspect of it I think is a really powerful public health aspect that we've been looking for a very long time," said Sengupta.

Mental health experts also say making the conversation a standard part of every doctor's visit can also reduce the stigma.

"If it's handled properly, it can save a lot of lives. The earlier we can identify a young person who has an issue, the quicker they get help, the quicker they can have a healthy life," said Carol Doggett, Mental Health Association of Erie County marketing, communications and outreach senior director.

And while doctors say this is an excellent first step, they say there's still a long way to go.

"I would want to caution against labeling people too quickly. It's great to talk about mental health, particularly when something tragic happens. And we do it every time something tragic happens, but now the dollars need to follow the verbal commitment to make a difference with how we treat mental health," said Ken Houseknecht, the Mental Health Association of Erie County executive director.

Local psychiatrists say they're already working with pediatricians and schools to better educate them on the signs and symptoms of depression and resources available for families.