<p>Previous studies have found associations between low levels of social skills and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Despite there are many studies addressing these associations quantitatively, few studies seek to understand this relationship qualitatively. In this sense, this study aims to explore the association of depression symptoms and social skills repertoire in adolescence using photo-elicitation. Eight adolescents were divided into two groups considering the presence or absence of depression symptoms, gender and socio-economic conditions. Participants were asked to take 12 pictures regarding a specific question. Individual interviews about their images were conducted. Data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis and integrating photos and interview data using four main questions. Socially skilled behaviours were associated with adolescents' perceived support and considered a protective factor for depression, mainly during stressful life events. Relationships with parents and new school colleagues were the primary sources of social skills challenges. Parents’ lack of social skills seemed to be associated with adolescents’ low social skills repertories. Hobbies were found to facilitate adolescents’ engagement in social interactions. Testing its findings through quantitative or mixed-method designs can further investigate its generalization and inform adolescents' and parents' social skills training focused on decreasing adolescents’ depression symptoms.</p>