Warning Signs of Depression in Adolescents by Dr. Chonnipa Butwong, MD, Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Depression is common in adolescents but often goes unnoticed. The incidence is particularly high in girls, with a prevalence of around 4-5% that increases rapidly during the onset and end of adolescence. Depression in adolescents is a major risk factor for suicide and can lead to educational and social difficulties. It is also associated with increased smoking rates, substance abuse, and obesity.
Several risk factors can contribute to depression in adolescents, such as a family history of depression, psychosocial stress, and increased sex hormones. Although there are similarities between depression in adolescents and depression in adults.
Long-term follow-up studies have shown that depressive symptoms in adolescence are initially mild. However, over time, there is an increased risk of more severe depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to depression in adolescents, even if the symptoms are still mild.
Warning signs of teenage depression may include a persistently sad or irritable mood, loss of interest or enjoyment in activities for at least one week. Other accompanying symptoms may include:
In the case of depression in children, in addition to the mentioned symptoms, physical symptoms may also be present, such as frequent headaches or abdominal pain.
To help a child with depression, it is important to listen attentively, providing them with time to express themselves without prying questions. Allow them to talk about their feelings and any concerns they may have. Once they have finished explaining, acknowledge their efforts to solve past problems and offer suggestions or alternatives for them to consider and make decisions.
Treatment methods for depression include psychotherapy, counseling, family relationship adjustments, behavior modification, discussing problems with the school, and, in some cases, the use of antidepressant medication.
If parents suspect that their child may be experiencing depression, they should seek help from a pediatrician, school counselor, or mental health professional. These professionals can comprehensively assess the situation, make a diagnosis of depression, and identify appropriate treatment methods.
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พญ.ชนม์นิภา บุตรวงษ์
By accepting yourself, you can strengthen your self-esteem. This means acknowledging all aspects of yourself, both positive and negative.
Many people have low self-acceptance, which can stem from various reasons. According to psychological theories, developing self-esteem partly comes from the admiration of others for our efforts or actions. Some individuals with low self-acceptance may strive for grand achievements to validate themselves, believing it will make others or themselves see their self-worth. However, this may only provide short-term boosts to their self-esteem.
Lack of self-acceptance can make it difficult to cope with emotional distress. When we frequently have negative feelings about ourselves, it can disrupt the brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and stress management.
Positive social relationships, supportive communities, and social acceptance contribute to the development of self-respect. We should treat ourselves with respect, even when we make mistakes or fail to achieve goals. Offering self-forgiveness and self-encouragement helps us approach problems and manage them effectively. It is more beneficial to ourselves than blaming or criticizing ourselves or others, which can worsen emotional control and problem-solving abilities.
Developing self-acceptance skills allows us to empathize with ourselves. For example, writing a letter to ourselves about situations that have caused us pain, describing the circumstances without blaming anyone, including ourselves. Consider what we would say to a close friend facing similar difficulties. This way, when we encounter such situations again, we can respond with empathy towards ourselves.
There are three important components of self-empathy:
In the current situation, many unprecedented events have occurred that neither people nor we ourselves have encountered before. Numerous circumstances have caused loss, disappointment, or hopelessness. However, it is important to always remember to accept ourselves, to empathize with ourselves, and to forgive ourselves. Treat ourselves with compassion and understand that we are ordinary human beings who cannot control everything according to our desires. Develop mindfulness to better perceive various problems, so that everyone can manage their emotions and overcome obstacles, becoming individuals who have learned from the crises they have faced in life.
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พญ.ชนม์นิภา บุตรวงษ์
"Adolescence" is the period of change written by Dr. Chaninipha Butravong, a specialist child and adolescent psychiatrist at PatRangsit Mother & Child Hospital
Adolescence is a stage of life characterized by biological changes, such as hormones and brain development. There are complex changes in cognitive processes, as well as social changes, where teenagers begin to form close attachments to individuals outside their family and have an increased need for acceptance from society.
The adolescent brain undergoes significant changes compared to childhood. During this period, the brain branches out more, forming numerous connections and expanding the process of thinking and learning. However, this thinking process can be complex and overwhelming, leading to indecisiveness or poor decision-making.
As adolescents transition into late adolescence, the brain starts to reduce the number of nerve fibers, leaving only essential ones, which are then coated or insulated with myelin sheaths. This enhances the brain's connectivity, making it stronger and faster. As a result, adolescents develop a more systematic thought process and a more comprehensive perspective. The faster parents help adolescents learn how to manage their emotions, the better they will be able to transition into adulthood.
Therefore, when children grow into adolescence, parents must adapt to the changes that occur. Adolescents start expressing their opinions and emotions more clearly. Parents should gradually loosen their control and choose to engage in conversations that prohibit behaviors that may be harmful to the adolescent. It is important to start by listening to the adolescent's perspective because being a good listener can indirectly teach them to be good listeners, control their emotions, pay attention to conversations, prioritize important issues, show respect for others, and demonstrate acceptance of the child's worth. Although parents may not always agree with the adolescent in the end, adolescents will exhibit less oppositional behavior.
Adolescence is a stage in life where individuals seek their own identity and have various challenging experiences to assert their ability to take care of themselves as adults. However, this may also come with experimenting with drugs or engaging in sexual experiences. If parents can calmly listen to the adolescent and wait for them to express their thoughts, feelings, or desires, parents can offer encouragement or praise the adolescent's sincere efforts. Then, parents can gradually present different perspectives, not to make the adolescent think or do as they say, but to help them develop a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Ultimately, adolescents must learn to make decisions for themselves and take responsibility for their choices.
Although external environments have an influence on the development of adolescent thinking, emotions, and socialization, research studies mostly support the notion that families have a significant influence on adolescent development.
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พญ.ชนม์นิภา บุตรวงษ์
เว็บไซต์นี้มีการใช้งานคุกกี้ เพื่อเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพและประสบการณ์ที่ดีในการใช้งานเว็บไซต์ของท่าน
