October 10th is recognized as World Mental Health Day, with the theme for this year being "Co-construction, Co-governance, and Shared Enjoyment: Together for Psychological Health and Peace of Mind."

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on mental health, especially among adolescents. This age group is going through a critical period of growth and development, where physiological, psychological, and social changes can lead to an increased risk of depression. The mounting social pressures and competition also heighten the risk of developing depressive disorders. Addressing depression in adolescents requires an approach that emphasizes understanding and early detection.

Early Warning Signs of Adolescent Depression:

1. Low Mood - A persistent state of sadness or feeling down, with a difficulty in experiencing pleasure.

2. Loss of Interest - A diminished interest in daily activities and a lack of engagement in previously enjoyed activities such as sports, socializing, gaming, and hobbies.

3. Lack of Energy - Frequent feelings of fatigue and lethargy, even without significant physical activity.

4. Mood Swings - Adolescents may experience intense and sudden emotional changes, shifting from happiness to sadness or anger. While hormonal changes can contribute to mood fluctuations, persistent low mood or anger may indicate depression. Depressive symptoms in adolescents are often manifested as anger and hostility.

5. Low Self-Esteem - Frequent feelings of worthlessness or disappointment in oneself, with a pessimistic view of the future, hopelessness, and possibly suicidal thoughts.

6. Excessive Sensitivity - Being overly sensitive to external evaluations and peer opinions, which can lead to increased feelings of being ignored or excluded, exacerbating feelings of inferiority and loneliness.

7. Decreased Concentration - Often struggling to focus and experiencing a foggy mind during learning or work tasks.

8. Diminished Motivation to Learn - During depressive episodes, adolescents may find their thinking slowed, concentration impaired, and memory significantly decreased. This cognitive decline directly affects their academic performance, leading to a decline in grades, frequent absences, and even a complete loss of motivation for learning.

9. Rebellious Behavior - Adolescents with depression may cope by acting out against parents and teachers. As stress intensifies, some may seek extreme ways to escape their pain, such as substance abuse or involvement in risky activities.

10. Internet Addiction - Excessive engagement with social media, video games, and other online activities as a means to escape real-life challenges and pressures.

11. Changes in Sleep and Eating Patterns - Experiencing early waking, insomnia, or oversleeping, along with changes in appetite, such as a decrease or binge eating.

12. Avoidance and Reduced Involvement - Reluctance to communicate with family and friends, avoidance of social activities, and reduced participation in daily life, including family and school activities, or even giving up on education or other important tasks.

13. Physical Symptoms - Complaints of headaches, stomachaches, and other physical discomforts without a clear physiological cause.

14. Recurrent Self-Harm - Engaging in behaviors such as scratching, cutting, or burning oneself, with wounds not typically associated with accidents. Adolescents often conceal self-harm marks by wearing long sleeves or pants or choosing less visible areas for self-harm.

15. Suicidality - Directly talking about death or suicide, a sudden shift from extreme sadness to calmness, social withdrawal, researching methods, locations, and means of suicide, and attempting suicide.

In the face of these signs, parents and teachers must maintain a keen observance of adolescents' emotional and behavioral changes. If persistent emotional or behavioral abnormalities are noted, a proactive and gentle approach should be taken to inquire about their feelings and thoughts.

If psychological issues have begun to affect daily life and learning, it is crucial for parents to seek immediate medical attention from a psychiatrist for their child, rather than solely relying on the support of a counselor. Psychiatrists are the optimal first point of contact for individuals in the early stages of mental health struggles. They conduct a series of examinations and assessments to determine whether the patient is experiencing depressive symptoms or a full-blown depressive disorder, and then decide on the subsequent treatment plan, which may involve psychotherapy alone or other interventions.

The treatment of adolescent depression is a long-term and comprehensive process that requires the collective involvement of hospitals, families, and schools. While treatment is essential, ongoing psychological support and environmental adjustments are equally important to prevent relapses and help children emerge from their psychological shadows.