Irritability is one sign of depression in kids

Dr. Hugo recommended limiting screen time and encouraging social interaction with others, as a means to combat depression in kids. 

In a talk given by Dr. Larimer Hugo titled “Depression and Anxiety in the Youth: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Parents,” he defined depression as a persistent and pervasive sadness, boredom, or irritability that is functionally impairing. 

He continued to explain that irritability is one of the common signs among pre-pubertal children and adolescents, citing temper tantrums and non-compliance as manifestations of the former and angry outbursts for the latter. 

The symptoms also include somatic complaints or feeling ill. For teenagers, there is increased sensitivity to rejection from others or difficulty in maintaining relationships.

Dr. Hugo is a psychiatrist who received his residency training from the UP-Philippine General Hospital. He was also a Post-Residency Fellow in the same hospital. He currently practices as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Cabuyao, Laguna.

He gave parents advice on how to handle children who are depressed. He cited communication that involves dialogue, expressing concerns in a non-judgmental and non-threatening manner, and listening, not lecturing the kids.

According to him, it is also a balancing act where parents need to ask, but not too much. There is a need for gentleness with persistence and also the opportunity to help but to respect the teenager’s independence as well.

General techniques include minimizing conflict between spouse and the child, pursuing a healthy diet and lifestyle, encouraging social connections, and limiting screen time (not totally eradicating it). A stable sleep pattern was also important to maintain overall health.

During the open forum, he was asked whether it is okay for the parent to talk to his child after discovering secret suicide plans. He said that since life is already at stake, the parent can have a heart to heart talk, in a non-threatening way to show the child that someone is concerned.

He also said that it was important to choose one’s words carefully so that the child will open up when asked.

Dr. Hugo mentioned the habit of some millennials who utter to word “suicide” without much thought. He said that it is important to understand the context with which the word is said and whether there is really serious intent to harm.