Working at a large trauma hospital, I witness things during this time of year that no one should have to see. Our hospital is bustling with road and air ambulances bringing in patients, and our dedicated team of emergency specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, intensive care physicians, and other highly trained professionals work tirelessly to give these patients another chance at life.
Depression and dark thoughts can arise at any time, but as the academic year comes to a close and deadlines and pressures reach their peak, despair can also intensify.
When I first encountered *Bec in the hospital, she was grappling with the fact that she had chosen to survive. Her split-second decision could have resulted in a different outcome, but now she was facing the reality of her actions and the road to recovery. She no longer wanted to end her life, but not long ago, things looked much bleaker for her.
Bec’s parents never left her side, but they were afraid to ask about her feelings, fearing that it might make things worse. Guilt often becomes the primary and most overpowering emotion in such situations. Her parents wanted the best for her, including a good education, but their worries sometimes turned into harshness. Her mother expressed regret over missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. They simply wanted a brighter future for their daughter.
It’s important to note that depression does not define Bec. She possesses wit and can see the contradictions and hypocrisy in people around her. She can anticipate how adults might judge and downplay her concerns. While parents naturally feel guilty, the way forward must be constructive and blame-free. Through therapy sessions, Bec and her family openly shared their fears and reset their mutual expectations. This process created a path forward by breaking down seemingly insurmountable barriers.
Even after decades of professional training, it’s remarkable how much I continue to learn from my patients. Adolescents lead complex lives filled with imagination, hope, uncertainty, friendships, plans, and dreams that no theory can fully prepare us for. By listening with respect, we can find a common ground of understanding.
Adolescents possess a keen intuition and understand their parents and other adults in their lives better than they may be able to articulate or express. They can read our emotions better than we know ourselves and adapt accordingly, often with the goal of simplifying their own complex lives. They are aware of our expectations and fears for their futures, but the distant destination of success can feel inconceivable.
As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I often receive questions from other parents about the end-of-year exam period. While each situation is unique, persistent depression, like any mental illness, should be addressed by professionals. However, I have learned valuable insights from the many stressed kids I’ve encountered over the years.
Is my child working hard enough?
Most likely, yes! Kids generally do their best and manage their work, concentration, and rest accordingly. Self-esteem and feeling good about themselves are based on more than just academic results, and confidence plays a
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