How to spot teen depression: Psychiatrist lists 12 signs

ABS-CBN News

<figure class="op-interactive"><div style="padding-top:66.375%"><div id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1_Container"> <ivs-player id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-vid="1455658" data-ivs-floating="1"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/iframe-parent.js"></script> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script> </div></div></figure><p>MANILA - A psychiatrist is urging parents to devote more time to their children as cases of teenage depression in the country have <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/life/03/10/17/kabataang-nakararanas-ng-depresyon-dumadami">increased by up to 75%</a> in the last 25 years.</p><p>Dr. Norieta Calma-Balderrama, chairperson of the Philippine Board of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, said the rise in teenage depression came with the changes in the environment, <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/life/08/02/16/tension-in-the-family-study-shows-internet-to-blame]">technology</a> and parenting practices in the past years. </p><p>&quot;It can also be related to the environment such as relationships with family, traumatic incidents that children experience in school and in their relationships,&quot; she said. </p><p>Traumatic incidents may include loss of a loved one or even bullying in school. Teen depression may even lead to suicide if not addressed accordingly.</p><div><strong>Among the signs of the teenage depression are as follows:</strong></div><p>• Apathy<br/>• Sadness, anxiety, a feeling of hopelessness<br/>• Excessive or inappropriate guilt<br/>• Irresponsible behavior<br/>• Sudden drop in grades<br/>• Difficulty in concentrating<br/>• Difficulty in making decisions<br/>• Memory loss<br/>• Rebellious behavior<br/>• Use of alcohol or drugs<br/>• Promiscuous sexual activity<br/>• Withdrawal from friends</p><p>Balderrama explained that while there are obvious signs of depression, some teenagers are able to mask it. </p><p>This is why, she said, it is important that parents always spend time to talk with their children.</p><p>&quot;We try to devote more time with the children and address issues,&quot; she said. &quot;The perspective of these children can be changed by talking to them.&quot;</p><p>Balderrama said devoting time to children is most important when they reach adolescence since this is the phase where they experience a lot of changes. </p><p>Good parenting, she stressed, decreases the possibility of depression, unless the source of the problem are the parents themselves.</p><p>&quot;Children are like mirrors. They mirror the moods and what&#x27;s happening at home or in the school,&quot; she said.</p><ul class="op-related-articles" title="Read:">	<li><strong>Read: </strong> <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/05/20/16/tips-sa-positibong-paraan-ng-pagpapalaki-ng-anak">Parenting tips </a></li></ul><p>Balderrama said the moment parents notice signs of depression in their children, they should immediately seek professional help.</p><p>She added that teachers and guidance counselors should also be on the lookout for possible signs of depression, since teens spend more time in school. </p><p>&quot;If a child jokes about death or suicide, we should be worried,&quot; she said.</p><ul class="op-related-articles" title="Read:">	<li><strong>Read: </strong> <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/14/16/doh-seeks-to-help-depressed-suicidal-via-new-hotline">DOH seeks to help depressed, suicidal via new hotline </a></li></ul>

<p>A psychiatrist is urging parents to devote more time to their children as cases of teenage depression in the country have increased by up to 75% in the last 25 years.</p>

A psychiatrist is urging parents to devote more time to their children as cases of teenage depression in the country have increased by up to 75% in the last 25 years.