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]

Group 1 - The article discusses the often hidden symptoms of depression in men, which can manifest as anger, impulsivity, excessive exercise, or substance abuse rather than typical signs like sadness or crying [2][3][4] - Epidemiological data indicates that the lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders in adults in China is 6.8%, with 3.4% specifically diagnosed with depression, amounting to approximately 95 million individuals [3] - The article highlights that while women have a higher prevalence of depression, men have a significantly higher completion rate of suicide, often due to the methods they choose [5][34] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that many men may exhibit "functional depression," where they immerse themselves in work or other activities to mask their emotional struggles, making it difficult for others to recognize their condition [10][14] - It is noted that men are less likely to express their emotions through tears and may instead externalize their feelings through anger or impulsive actions, which complicates the diagnosis of depression [22][26] - The article points out that men often experience a sense of shame associated with seeking help for mental health issues, which can lead to a higher risk of severe depression and suicide [38][39] Group 3 - The article discusses the tendency of Chinese individuals to express emotional distress through physical symptoms, often leading them to seek help from gastroenterology or cardiology rather than psychiatry [28][32] - It is mentioned that many men may not recognize their depression, instead focusing on external factors like work performance, which can obscure their emotional struggles [30][32] - The article concludes with the importance of family support and societal change in addressing men's mental health issues, advocating for a more open environment for discussing emotional well-being [41]

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]