Signs to recognize and how to talk to children with depression

Pay attention to the warning signs

Adolescent depression is easy to see but difficult to identify because it is often mistaken as a manifestation of puberty. Most teenagers experience mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. However, these are also early signs of depression.

To identify more clearly, adults can monitor if the above signs are accompanied by manifestations such as: limited social interaction, sensitivity when criticized or rejected, physical illnesses are not clear cause such as abdominal pain, headache; Unusual changes in appetite, withdrawal, or an increase in extracurricular activities.

Monitor your child’s social media usage

Many studies conducted by scientists have shown that social media has a significant impact on mental health. Teens who interact a lot with social media platforms like Instagram, tiktok… are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Sometimes this has to do with the types of content they see and read through social media. For example, looking at Instagram with beautiful photos can make a teenager feel ugly and unappreciated. Or the problem can also stem from the frequency of using social networks. Phone screens are the first thing children see when they wake up and the last thing they see when they go to sleep. Many children have to check messages and reply to messages with friends at 2am. This type of interaction often leads to loss of concentration and sleep, and has a dramatic effect on the mental health of adolescents.

Social media has now become a part of teenagers’ lives, a tool to help them feel more connected to their peers. However, parents should monitor their children’s accounts or set time limits.

Talking to minors

Communication and conversation are key to recognizing changes in a child’s psyche. If children can comfortably talk to their parents during middle and high school, parents can monitor their child’s psychological state. If a child expresses feelings of hopelessness, talks about having trouble sleeping, has trouble concentrating, or admits to acts of self-harm, it can be easier for parents to recognize the important signs of depression.

In addition, talking alone is a way to reduce the effects of depression. Sharing will help children feel less lonely and isolated. However, even when children bond with their parents, genuinely wanting to share and receive comfort, it is not easy to talk about deeply personal issues and hurts. Therefore, parents need to be patient to talk, ask many questions, sometimes reveal their own thoughts and sadness. Show your children that you trust them and then guide them to tell their story.

If in doubt, consult an expert

If you notice unusual problems in your child, take your child to see a psychologist. A mental health professional can provide parents with useful tools and methods to help their children through the tumultuous teenage years.

In order to provide knowledge to parents about teen depression, VnExpress has conducted an eBox topic consisting of 6 videos shared by speakers, in-depth analysis on this issue.

At the same time, the consultation and direct interaction on Livestream with the speakers will help parents have an objective, multi-dimensional perspective, properly understand the nature of adolescent depression and its effects on each child. individuals and families. Thereby promptly supporting children and relatives when there are signs of emotional disorders, depression.

The eBox Adolescent Depression will be premiered on May 16 and May 17, including experience sharing videos from speakers, and a live-streaming livestream with viewers scheduled to take place on May 18.

Thao Mien (According to Focusonfamily)