Knowing about depression

• Knowing about depression

Dear Counsellor,

Could you share the features of depression in adolescents? I have a daughter and I want to be proactive.

- Annette

Dear Annette,

Depressed mood is common and does not usually last for long periods. Whenever depressed mood last every day for more than two weeks and coexists with other symptoms, then we say that individual has clinical depression. Mild depression can be treated with counselling, while moderate to severe depression needs both medication and counselling. Depressed mood is usually treated with encouragement, ventilation and environmental manipulation.

Some teenagers become withdrawn, isolate themselves and become tearful. They become concern about their status in their families, and feel that they are a burden to parents. Some have inappropriate guilt and anxiety about the future. Some teenagers feel hatred towards themselves and develop suicidal thoughts.

If your teenager starts to lock herself away in her room for hours each day, then you need to find out what is happening. Sometimes the teenager starts to give away her prized possessions, and makes plans as if he or she is going to be away for a long time.

Sad faces and depressed mood, low-pitch voice with minimal speech are warning signs. Usually, there are triggers for depression. For teenagers dispute with their peers can cause depressed mood and suicidal behaviour. Failing grades, academic pressures can trigger depression, especially in perfectionist students. Family conflicts and death of friends or loved ones can trigger depression in predisposed individuals. We all grieve, but some individuals are more prone to depression.

Depression is becoming a common diagnosis, so it should always be in the back of your mind. Always remember the red flags and take your daughter to a therapist if you suspect problems. Many teenagers feel that they can solve all their problems and will refuse help until things are critical. Trust your instinct and be proactive instead of having regrets.

• Could she have a relapse?

Dear Counsellor,

My aunt has bipolar disorder, and I think that she is stressed out. Can stress cause her to relapse?

- Marcia.

Dear Marcia,

Stress is a trigger for bipolar disorder in predisposed individuals. If she is stressed out, then she needs to stay home for about two weeks and get some rest. Stress management is very important for everyone, especially people with bipolar disorder. She needs to see her psychiatrist to review her medication and get the sick leave.

Signs of relapse are talkativeness to the point of incoherence, giving away money and personal belongings, irritability to the point of aggression, lack of sleep, impulsivity and restlessness. She can become destructive and assaultative, so it is important to intervene early. Those were the manic features, now we will speak about the depressive features. Bipolar means that the person has severe mood swings, which have to be stabilise with medication. Depressed mood, sad faces, withdrawn and isolated behaviour, and suicidal thoughts are some of the features of depression.

Bipolar disorder is controlled with mood stabilisers and antipsychotic medication. Compliance is important and relatives have to be actively involved to ensure that she is compliant.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.