Young people can experience normal “blues” and everyday emotions that occur as develops. But many of them come to see me when the sadness becomes persistent and interferes with social activities, interests, school, and/or family life, which may indicate a depression.
What are the red flags?
There are a number of red flags that you and/or your child might notice including:
Being irritable or grumpy
Attention difficulties
Feeling guilty or worthless
Low self-steam, lack of confidence or increased sensitivity to rejection
Feel empty or unable to feel emotions (numb)
Not being interested in things that used to enjoy
Unable to relax or be more lethargic than usual
Social withdrawal
Fatigue and low energy
Changes in sleep either sleeplessness or excessive sleep
Change in appetite either increased or decreased
Physical complaints such as stomach aches, headaches
Thoughts about suicide or self-harming
Why this is happening?
Things that happen in a young person's life can be stressful and difficult to cope with such as:
Loss, serious illness or death of a loved one
Family difficulties such as parent’s divorce
School-related issues like bullying and pressure
A traumatic life event such as being abused or neglected, an outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Not all young people will be affected in the same way by these events, so it is not unusual for only one sibling to develop depression following a stressful family event, each person is unique and will cope with stressful situations in different ways.
In addition, some young people may also have anxiety and those older may misuse drugs or alcohol.
What is my approach?
As a first step, I will carry a thorough evaluation with you and/or your child. Screening questionnaires, physical examination or liaison with other professionals and school will be provided if you wish.
Once the condition(s) is identified, I will develop a personalized treatment plan jointly with you (and your child) based on personal needs. The treatment will include an integrated approach to achieve optimal wellbeing.
This can include:
Information and support to better understand and cope (psychoeducation)
Personal development and self-improvement
Person-centred talking therapy such as interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy, social skills therapy
Tailored learning techniques and/or behaviour learning plan with school when appropriate
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Mind-body centre exercise to increase the relaxation response
Empower parents through positive parenting techniques
Family therapy
Promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise, diet and micronutrients
Sleep therapy
State-of-the-art medication when appropriate
Services
Attention difficultiesService
AnxietyService
ADHDService
AutismService
Behaviour problemsService
DepressionService
Bipolar disorderService
Sleep problemsService
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Appointments: 020 3488 6250
Fax: 020 3745 0225
Email: secretary.drsala@londonpsychiatry.clinic
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