- 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.
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