When a teen has been mopey for weeks on end, refuses to socialize with family and friends, oversleeps or stays up all night, and eats too much or too little, parents—or older folks—tend to chalk it up to hormonal changes that happen during puberty. It’s all “teenage drama,” some folks say.
Unfortunately, shifting hormones may not always be the cause of teenagers’ immense and unexplainable sadness, and for some parents, this realization comes too late.
To raise awareness of mental health Dr. Anna Josefina Vazquez-Genuino of Makati Medical Center’s Section of Psychiatry identifies the mental health red flags exhibited by teens, and what parents can do to support their kids through this dark and trying time.
Warning signs
When is it clinical depression—and when is it just a case of “the blues”?
“Admittedly it can be hard to distinguish, but the following behavior indicates it’s more serious than simply waking up on the wrong side of the bed,” says Dr. Vazquez-Genuino.
According to the psychiatrist, these are the clinical signs and symptoms of clinical depression that are present almost every day for at least two weeks that may require psychiatric consultation based on the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) published by American Psychiatric Association):
-Depressed mood most of the day
-Diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities
-Extreme eating habits (increase or loss of appetite that may cause weight gain or loss)
-Increased or decreased sleep
-Psychomotor agitation or retardation
-Fatigue or loss of energy
-Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt
-Difficulty in concentration that may lead to decline in school performance
-Withdrawal from family and friends
-Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide with or without plan for committing suicide
Other red flags may include the following: low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol, multiple body aches and pains that are excuses for not going to school, and delinquent or belligerent or quarrelsome behavior.
Dr, Vazquez-Genuino warns: Sometimes when a teenager has been depressed for several weeks then suddenly becomes cheerful, this should be further evaluated as this may actually be a sign thatthey have found a solution to their problem (i.e. by committing suicide) which should never be taken lightly but should be immediately referred to a psychiatrist for therapy.
What should parents do? Those unsure about the state of their teen’s mental health are advised to consult with their child’s pediatrician, or child and adolescent psychologist or psychiatrist. They are recommended to describe the behavior that troubles them and ask what they should do. Talk to family and friends who may have had similar problems with their children. Ask the observations of their teachers and guidance counselor.
“Seeking professional help for your teen’s mental health is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, it is a brave and positive step towards getting better!” explains Dr. Vazquez-Genuino.
She adds, “Ask for recommendations and don’t just settle for any doctor. What works for one teen may not work for yours, and for something as sensitive as your child’s mental health, it’s important to build a relationship with a professional whom you and your teen are comfortable with and trust.”
The medical expert suggests that parents should avoid discussing marital conflicts in front of their children or within their hearing distance. Also avoid:
-family arguments
-pressuring them regarding their academic performance
-comparing your child with yourself when you were his/her age, other siblings, or others
-discouraging words, derogatory comments, or judgmental labels
If there’s ever a time a teen needs their parents, it’s now. Dr. Vaszquez-Genuino says it is important to “take the time to talk to them, show your care and concern, and reassure your teen of your love and acceptance. Try your best to be more patient and understanding of your teenager. Each child is different. Don’t think of him/her as a problem but as someone who needs your help and attention.”
“More importantly, assure your teen that you are there for him or her and that things will improve once you get through this challenging time together,” Dr. Vazquez-Genuino concludes.
Contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 8888-999, email [email protected], or visit www.makatimed.net.ph for more information.
