A 16-year-old boy exhibiting behavioural changes such as fatigue, withdrawal and expressions of hopelessness may need a mental health assessment, though experts caution these signs are not definitive. Healthcare professionals emphasise the importance of thorough evaluation for proper support.
A 16-year-old boy who has been staying up late, struggling to get out of bed for school, eating less and saying he feels tired all the time may need a mental health assessment, but those signs alone are not enough to confirm depression, according to Hồ Tâm Đan, a psychologist at Phương Nam Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Dan said the comments about life no longer being interesting, and the suggestion that “If I disappeared, no one would notice”, are particularly important to take seriously because they can point to emotional distress that deserves professional review.
Dan told Thanh Nien that the aim of an initial consultation is not to attach a diagnosis too quickly, but to understand what is happening and whether the behaviour reflects normal adolescent development or a mental health condition that needs support. Mayo Clinic says teenage depression can affect how young people think, feel and behave, while the National Institute of Mental Health notes that symptoms often include persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, low energy, sleep changes and loss of interest in usual activities.
Health experts say parents should pay attention when changes last for several weeks, rather than days, and when a teenager becomes more withdrawn, less engaged with family or friends, or begins to sleep or eat differently. Johns Hopkins Medicine says depression in children and teenagers can look like ongoing sadness, irritability, poor concentration, fatigue and shifts in appetite or sleep, while Cleveland Clinic warns that depression is often missed in teens because it can resemble ordinary moodiness.
Dan said a first assessment normally includes conversations with both the parent and the teenager about recent changes, possible stressors, the timing of symptoms and their effect on school, daily life and relationships. She added that specialists also assess safety, especially when a young person uses language linked to hopelessness, disappearance or death. Depending on the case, the teenager may complete further screening tools before the clinician discusses the findings with the family and recommends support or treatment if needed.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
