Dr. Juliana Chen Joins Webinar on Understanding Youth Depression

1 in 5 individuals currently have or have had mental health disorders in the past.

On July 5, our center collaborated with United Chinese Americans (UCA) on hosting a webinar for Asian American parents to “Understand Depression in Asian American Children and Adolescents”. Along with guest speaker Linder Pacha and three student panelists, Dr. Juliana Chen, the associate director of our center, shared her professional knowledge on youth’s mental health issues. 867 people registered for the event from 37 states in the U.S. and in China.

“1 in 5, both adults and in children ages 13-18, individuals currently have or have had mental health disorders in the past, and the majority begins in childhood”, shared by Dr. Chen during her opening remark. It is critical for parents to understand that “mental health issues are very common” and that it is “treatable & preventable”.

Movies and TV shows usually portray mental health issues as crying, sadness, lying in bed, and decline in functioning. In reality, mental health issues are complex and may look different for everyone. Individuals may have trouble thinking, have low motivation/energy, and poor sleep. Changes in students may be falling grades, incomplete homework, and more screen time. In addition, teenagers usually show irritability more than adults. It is also important to realize that depression from outside can look like everything is fine, which is why parent-child communication is critical.

Guest speaker Linda Pacha, mother of a nineteen-year-old son who died by suicide echoed Dr. Chen and shared advice from her personal experience.

Ask open -ended questions & listen to your child:

• Ask questions like “how are you feeling”, “What type of things are you experiencing at school”, and “What can I do to help”;

• Open lines of communication with your child;

• Research shows asking your children if they are having ideas of hurting themselves would not be triggering.

Believe in children’s behaviors more than their words: sometimes, your child may tell you that everything is fine, but you need to look at the behaviors.

Don't be a cheerleader: if you see something that is alarming, please go get professional help.

To conclude, borrowing Linda’s words, “It doesn't matter what career a person is going to have if they never get to their career; it doesn't matter what grades you kids get if they are going to take their life and never give it another semester again. While you have them, love your children for who they are right now and don't make your love and acceptance of them contingent on the next goal or achievement you set for them.”

The full video of the webinar can be found here.