Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the distinction between temporary negative emotions and clinical depression, highlighting the need for awareness and caution against fraudulent practices in mental health services [1][2][4]. Group 1: Understanding Depression - Depression can manifest as a temporary emotional state or a clinical disorder, with symptoms including persistent low mood, loss of interest, and decreased energy [2][3]. - General psychological distress is often situational and can be alleviated through self-regulation, social support, and professional help [2][3]. Group 2: Risks of Fraudulent Practices - There is a rise in fraudulent individuals and organizations exploiting the demand for mental health support, offering overpriced courses and misleading treatments under the guise of psychological education [4][5]. - Parents, particularly of adolescents, are vulnerable to these scams, often resulting in financial loss and inadequate treatment for genuine mental health issues [4][5]. Group 3: Seeking Professional Help - The article outlines criteria for when to seek medical attention, including the duration and severity of symptoms [3]. - It stresses that mental health issues should be diagnosed and treated by qualified professionals, and warns against relying on unlicensed practitioners [5]. Group 4: Emotional Management Strategies - The importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation is highlighted, with suggestions for coping strategies such as the "STOP" technique and the "5-minute initiation method" [7]. - The article notes the government's initiative to enhance mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents, aiming to improve access and quality of care [7].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring adolescents' mental health, particularly during emotional fluctuations, to distinguish between normal mood changes and potential psychological issues [1][2] Group 1: Emotional Monitoring - Parents should observe the duration and context of their child's emotional issues, as normal fluctuations are often linked to specific events and typically resolve within a few days [1] - If a child's low mood or irritability persists for more than two weeks and is not closely related to specific events, parents should take it seriously [1] Group 2: Social Functioning - It is crucial to assess whether a child's social functioning is affected; maintaining normal activities like attending school and socializing indicates that the child is within a normal emotional range [1] - Significant disruptions in social functioning, such as a sharp decline in academic performance or withdrawal from social interactions, may indicate a more serious issue beyond typical emotional fluctuations [1] Group 3: Extreme Behaviors - Parents need to be vigilant for extreme statements or behaviors from their children, such as expressing feelings of worthlessness or engaging in self-harm, which require immediate professional intervention [2] - The article distinguishes between "depressive emotions," "depressive symptoms," and "depression," highlighting that while depressive emotions are common and usually do not disrupt daily life, depressive symptoms can have a more serious impact [2] Group 4: Professional Help - If depressive symptoms are severe, prolonged, and lead to significant functional impairment, it may meet the criteria for clinical depression, necessitating systematic treatment [2] - Parents are advised to seek professional help promptly if they suspect their child may be experiencing depression, as early detection and intervention are crucial for effective management [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the psychological challenges children may face as they approach the new school year, particularly highlighting symptoms of depressive emotions and providing strategies for parents to help their children cope with these feelings [1][2][3] Group 1: Symptoms and Distinctions - Children may exhibit signs of depressive emotions, such as lack of interest, irritability, decreased appetite, and insomnia as the school year approaches [1] - Distinctions between depressive emotions and depression include duration (depressive emotions last less than 2 weeks, while depression lasts more than 2 weeks), severity (depressive emotions are less severe and do not significantly impact daily life, while depression does), and diagnostic criteria (depressive emotions do not meet the criteria for a mental disorder, whereas depression does) [1] Group 2: Strategies for Parents - Parents can help children manage depressive emotions by teaching them to accept and express their feelings through methods such as emotion cards, drawing, role-playing, or keeping a mood diary [1] - Preparing for school by adjusting sleep schedules to match school routines at least a week in advance, engaging in about 40 minutes of outdoor activities daily, and setting small learning goals can help children regain their energy and focus [2] - Teaching children stress management techniques for learning, including creating a study schedule, breaking down larger goals into smaller tasks, and incorporating breaks using methods like the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break) [2]

Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission emphasizes the importance of addressing children's emotional well-being as they return to school, highlighting the distinction between depressive emotions and depression [1][2]. Group 1: Differences Between Depressive Emotions and Depression - Depressive emotions last less than 2 weeks, while depression persists for over 2 weeks [1]. - The severity of depressive emotions is relatively mild and does not significantly impact daily life, whereas depression severely disrupts daily activities [1]. - Depressive emotions do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a disorder, while depression does [1]. Group 2: Strategies for Parents to Help Children - Parents should teach children to accept and express their emotions through methods like emotion cards, drawing, role-playing, or keeping a mood diary [1]. - Preparing for school by adjusting sleep schedules a week in advance and engaging in outdoor activities for about 40 minutes daily can help children regain energy [1]. - Setting small learning goals daily can assist in transitioning back to a learning mindset [1]. Group 3: Learning Pressure Management Techniques - Parents can help children manage learning pressure by creating a study schedule that prioritizes tasks [2]. - Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can enhance children's confidence [2]. - Implementing a work-rest balance, such as the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break), is recommended [2].

Group 1 - The National Health Commission held a press conference focusing on health during the solar term of "Chushu," discussing health maintenance, children's mental health, and scientific exercise [2] - In Guangdong Province, new cases of Kyasanur Forest disease have significantly decreased from nearly 700 cases a month ago to 36 cases as of August 21, indicating effective control measures [2] - In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 21 cases were reported, primarily in Nanning and Baise, also showing a low level of sporadic cases [2] Group 2 - A pediatrician noted that children may exhibit signs of depression as they approach the new school year, with symptoms including lack of interest, irritability, decreased appetite, and insomnia [3] - The distinction between depressive emotions and depression was outlined, highlighting differences in duration, severity, and diagnostic criteria [4] - Three methods were suggested for parents to help children manage depressive emotions, including emotional acceptance, preparation for school, and learning pressure management techniques [5]

Core Viewpoint - Early identification and intervention in children's and adolescents' mental health issues are crucial for restoring their psychological well-being [1][2][3] Group 1: Importance of Early Identification - Children's and adolescents' psychological issues develop gradually, making early recognition essential for timely intervention [1] - Parents and teachers, who spend significant time with children, can observe behavioral changes by comparing current behaviors with past behaviors or with peers [1] Group 2: Use of Screening Tools - Online psychological behavior scales can be used for preliminary screening but should not be used for diagnosis or labeling children [2] - It is important to differentiate between depressive emotions, depressive symptoms, and clinical depression, as they represent different levels of mental health issues [3] Group 3: Parental and Teacher Roles - Parents should foster a supportive environment by spending time with children, listening to their thoughts, and encouraging open expression [4] - Teachers should provide encouragement and support, and communicate with parents if they notice emotional issues in students [4]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes that experiencing depressive emotions and symptoms does not equate to having depression, highlighting the distinction between these concepts [1][2][6] - Depressive emotions are common and can arise from various life events, serving as an adaptive response that can prompt individuals to seek support [2][5] - Depressive symptoms can manifest if depressive emotions persist without relief, affecting emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects, but these symptoms are reversible with appropriate intervention [5][6] Group 2 - Depression (depressive disorder) is characterized by significant and persistent depressive symptoms, which are more severe than mere depressive emotions or symptoms [6][7] - Key indicators for assessing potential depression include the duration of symptoms lasting over two weeks, the severity of subjective distress, and the need to rule out physical health issues that may mimic depressive symptoms [6][7]