MSc. Ngo Thi Thanh Hoa (Department of Adolescent Health, National Children's Hospital) said that depression is an emotional disorder, manifested by low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy leading to increased fatigue and decreased activity.
In adolescents, depression affects their learning and ability to integrate into society. In addition, depression is also one of the causes of self-harm or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Depression often progresses with anxiety in children and is divided into three levels: mild, moderate and severe depression. Some children only experience depression once, but others may experience depression multiple times.
"Teens with depression are at increased risk of self-harm; in mild cases, some feel 'unhappy' or 'sad'; in severe cases, they feel like hurting themselves or even contemplating suicide. Such thoughts and responses should always be detected early and taken seriously.
Therefore, early and timely detection and treatment of depression in adolescents is necessary and very important for their physical and mental health, as well as their comprehensive development," added MSc. Ngo Thi Thanh Hoa.
Analyzing the causes of depression in young children, MSc. Ngo Thi Thanh Hoa said: Depression in adolescents is often caused by a combination of factors/causes leading to depression in adolescents. The risk of depression in children increases if someone in the family has depression.
Some children become depressed due to stressful life events such as pressure, family expectations of their children regarding their studies, long-standing unresolved conflicts with friends, disagreements or lack of proper attention to children...
Others are sexually abused, bullied at school, abused at home, have lost loved ones, or have broken families. Some experience serious health conditions such as trauma, illness, or other conditions that can lead to stress, sadness, or prolonged grief, which can lead to depression.
"Parents need to recognize early signs of depression in adolescents and how to properly care for them at home to improve treatment effectiveness. When adolescents suffer from severe depression such as substance abuse, violence or mental illness, it will affect their psychology and development, possibly leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviors; parents need to take their children to medical facilities for timely examination, consultation and treatment," advised Master Ngo Thi Thanh Hoa.
