In recent years, depression in adolescents and young people has become a serious health problem, causing many families to feel confused and helpless.
On average, one in 20 people suffer from depression (5% of the world's population, according to WHO), there are currently 300 million people diagnosed with depression and that number has been increasing continuously after COVID-19, since 2020.
In Vietnam, according to a report by the Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital, in 2017, the number of people who committed suicide due to depression reached nearly 40,000 people.
Based on those concerns, the book " state that you need your mother" by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa - Director of the Institute of Psychology and Communication of the Vietnam Association of Psychology - was written as an understanding psychological handbook for relatives accompanying people with depression, especially parents accompanying their children.
At the Book Exchange and Launching event on May 24, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa - shared: "Family is a safe haven for all of us, especially when the storm of life hits. For people with depression, family is a strong source of motivation, but sometimes it can invisibly become pressure. The key here is to build a close family relationship based on trust and mutual understanding".
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, for people with depression, especially minors, proactively sharing with others is an important step to start the recovery process. People with depression should open their hearts to share, speak and listening and accompanying from the family can make a big difference in this journey.
Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Mai Huong - Institute of Psychology, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences - assessed: "Depression in adolescents and young people is increasingly becoming a serious health problem, not only in developed countries but also in Vietnamese families today.
The difficulty lies not only in the disease itself but also in the lack of understanding, prejudices and feelings of helplessness of loved ones - especially parents - when having to face this situation in their children".
Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Mai Huong commented that the book " state that you need your mother" has filled the gap in information, understanding depression and believing that: Parents can still do a lot to help their children, if properly equipped.
"In the context of depression still being a sensitive topic, sometimes misunderstood or overly simplified, this book is an invitation for parents to start by listening - listening to their children, listening to themselves, and listening to new understanding from psychology. This book is not a map, but it could be a flashlight bright enough for parents to take the step with their children" - Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Mai Huong said.
