- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
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Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
Dr. Gabrielle Melin, board certified in general psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, is looking for ways to empower patients and families dealing with chronic mental illness. She encourages patients to commit to working together with their physicians and health care teams.
Dr. Melin completed medical school at the University of Minnesota. She completed both her psychiatry residency and consultation-liaison fellowship at Mayo Clinic before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 2001. She is medical director of Mayo Clinic Psychiatry Emergency Services in Rochester, Minn. She has special interests in emergency psychiatry, adult psychiatry and addiction psychiatry.
"Instilling hope is one of the most important things we can do for patients and families. Mental illness can be chronic and significantly impacts lives. Our goal is to provide the best treatment and education so that patients can manage their symptoms more effectively," she said.
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Depression blog
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Sept. 27, 2008
Depression in teens: Watch for signs
By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
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We all know that adolescence can be a tumultuous time. Many changes occur simultaneously and it can be difficult to navigate this successfully. Your child may not understand why they are feeling the way they are. They may not share their feelings with parents. They may talk to friends or peers.
Watch for these signs of depression in teens:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, hobbies, sports and other activities
- Depressed mood
- Worsening school performance
- Decreased energy and/or motivation
- Anger, irritability or rage
- Being very sensitive (possibly overreacting) to criticism
- Poor self-esteem or guilt
- Decreased concentration, difficulty making decisions
- Restlessness
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Suicidal thoughts
If you know someone who is exhibiting several of these signs for days or weeks, have them seen by their pediatrician or health care provider. If active suicidal ideation is present with a plan and means, then proceed to the nearest emergency department. Treatment may involve talk therapy or medication.
A warning from the FDA was issued several years ago regarding the use of antidepressants. Emergence of significant restlessness, agitation, suicidal thoughts or behaviors are quite rare, but can occur. This needs to be discussed so the teenager is aware of possible side effects as are the parents. There is no evidence that antidepressants cause people to commit suicide. Keeping an open, two-way line of communication is very important. As in adults, teenage depression is treatable.
Please share your experiences with depression in teens.
54 comments posted
September 30, 2008 9:58 p.m.
What is wrong with our teens ! My grandson 16 had depression trouble in school , left home . Not in contact with anyone . My niece 15 had depression and ran away twice . Now living with a distant female relative , not in contact with anyone here . How can they be reached ? What do we do ? Is this depression or what is going on with our teens ? How do we reach them
- Betty
September 29, 2008 11:46 a.m.
Lauren, Don't keep what your boyfriend has been doing a secret. I couldn't tell from your note whether or not he has gotten help. It is better to have him upset with you temporarily rather than taking a chance of him committing suicide. Tell his parents and yours. Talk to a teacher(s) at school immediately if your parents aren't available. Take this seriously.
- MC.Com Staff
September 29, 2008 5:43 a.m.
as a mother who son took it life I advise you to get him some help fast he tried o ake his life 3x he sounds clinical depressed and his age Do No Take Chances boys are higher risk have you do whatever it takes to get him treatmentincluding baker act if need to be .. my son told his friends he was going to take his life no one took him seriously he did ..you can encourage him but hes in deep pain you can not take this matter on yourself. tell his parents as well
- helen
September 28, 2008 7:08 a.m.
I feel so useless, over the past 3months my boyfriend has been suffering from depression and has even tried to take his own life on 3 occasions now. his only 22, im 18 and im finding it extremely hard. i dont no what 2 say 2 him when his feeling down, he has mood swings, he feels completley usless and helpless and im finding it hard 2 cope. i love him so much and just want to help him but i dont no how.. could you please give me some advice on how i can help him or how to act when im around him when his feeling this depressed.
- Lauren
54 comments posted