Page 41 - JCBP-3-4

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Preventing teen depression and anxiety

resilience are not just states of mind but skills that can be and anxiety manifest and how preventive measures may
learned. The learning, training, and rewiring of our brains need to be tailored to certain societal contexts to ensure its
do not require a formal diagnosis. In fact, any healthy effectiveness. Hence, this suggests that while the current
individual can start building brain resilience. reasoning supports the conclusion, further research with
Psychoeducational interventions are gaining traction more diverse sources and broader geographic considerations
in schools. Implementing psychoeducation programs in would be necessary to enhance the robustness of the
schools is particularly effective for reaching adolescents, conclusions.
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as schools are where they spend most of their time and 6. Conclusion
encounter common stressors such as academic pressure and
social rejection from peers. By targeting specific issues faced Epidemics, just as the Black Death and COVID-19, have
by adolescents, rather than focusing on universal awareness- historically catalyzed social transformation. Therefore,
building, psychoeducational interventions could serve as an the current mental health crisis also demands a systemic
alternative for preventing depression. These programs can response. By redefining societal values and implementing
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be delivered in various formats, such as one-on-one sessions preventive strategies, the underlying causes of mental
and group settings. or family-based approaches. health crises, especially depression and anxiety, can be
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addressed effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier, more
When working with adolescents, it is also crucial not to resilient adolescent population. To fully address the mental
rely on a single format, such as talking or lecturing. A variety health issue and ensure a healthier, more resilient future,
of activities can be designed to engage anxious or stressed formidable obstacles must be overcome collectively. Our
adolescents, helping them participate in group activities. current understanding of these disorders is inadequate,
Sports, dancing, and gardening have all demonstrated marked by the inability to make drastic adjustments to
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anti-depressive effects and have been incorporated into deeply rooted social beliefs and address the underlying
clinical practice and psychoeducational interventions. causes of mental health crises. Thus, a significant change in
This not only aids in building a supportive social network mindset and approach is required to address and prevent
but also effectively addresses common symptoms of this humanitarian disaster and public health crisis.
depression, such as rumination and anhedonia.
Acknowledgments
5. Limitations
Diabetes is often seen as an analogy for depression The inspiration for this paper came from a conversation I
and anxiety, given that they are all viewed as diseases had with Dr. Dai Wenji, a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
of modernity resulting from changes in lifestyle and She explained that solving this issue requires a collective
environmental factors. Similar to how diabetes has effort from all sectors of society – priests, doctors, social
transformed from a disease into a chronic epidemic, workers, and the government. That moment of awakening
depression has also become a leading non-communicable sparked my curiosity and motivated me to explore the
disease, despite a growing dependence on medication. issue beyond traditional practices.
The experience with diabetes underscores the necessity Funding
of significant adjustments to the health systems. However,
the proposal to implement social renaissance depends None.
highly on public alignment, without which the broader
applicability of this approach will not be maximized. Conflict of interest
Only when the entire society sees mental health crises The authors declare they have no competing interests.
as an existential threat to humanity the solutions proposed Author contributions
in this paper shall evolve from mere theoretical discussions
to real-life exploration and practical execution. The history Conceptualization: Xiaoqing Xiang
of how society responds to health crises suggests that Writing–original draft: Xiaoqing Xiang
without a dramatic catalyst, it may be challenging to spark Writing–review & editing: Sandra Thompson
the motivation to change and to address the root causes
of depression and anxiety. While this paper calls for a Ethics approval and consent to participate
radical shift in societal norms, the possibility that such a Not applicable.
transformation may remain elusive must be acknowledged.
Another limitation lies in research not addressing Consent for publication
potential cultural or regional differences in how depression Not applicable.

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2025) 35 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.8077