When Depression Strikes Teenagers
Health Today Malaysia|November 2018

It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.

Dr Gurdeep Grewal
When Depression Strikes Teenagers

AJ is a 15-year-old girl who attends a premier private school in the Klang Valley. She is a bright and enthusiastic student, and active in various non-academic activities in school as well. However, over a span of six months, she has become increasingly moody and easily irritable, with bouts of tearfulness. She locks herself in her room for hours on end. Her grades have been falling. Of late, she has also been playing truant from school and, unknown to her parents, has been sneaking out of the house late at night. She has become argumentative with her parents and friends. Her parents found alcohol and marijuana in her room, for which she was severely reprimanded and punished. She was also not eating and sleeping well and had lost a significant amount of weight. One evening, her parents found her in her room, heavily sedated, with a note stating her intention to take her own life. She was rushed to the Emergency Department and resuscitated.

The case vignette above is a common occurrence in emergency departments on a nearly daily basis. Adolescents and young adults attempting suicide is a silent epidemic, one that is on the rise and needs to be addressed urgently. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day, which was on October 10, is “Young People and Mental Health in A Changing World”. On that note, I figured it would be a good idea to examine how depression manifests in teens and young adults, which, I must emphasize, is usually very different from adults and can masquerade in a slew of disguises.

Denne historien er fra November 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HEALTH TODAY MALAYSIASe alt
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
Health Today Malaysia

When Depression Strikes Teenagers

It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2018
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
Health Today Malaysia

5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics

If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2019
Internet Safety For Children
Health Today Malaysia

Internet Safety For Children

There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2019
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Health Today Malaysia

A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Health Today Malaysia

Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities

Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
The Fertility Revolution
Health Today Malaysia

The Fertility Revolution

A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2017
6 Skin Myths Debunked
Health Today Malaysia

6 Skin Myths Debunked

A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Health Today Malaysia

Addiction: What You Don't Know

Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2017
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
Health Today Malaysia

Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!

With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017
Battling Two Cancers
Health Today Malaysia

Battling Two Cancers

Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017