Concerned about your child’s odd behavior? Do you sometimes feel your child is losing it? Perhaps your child is behaving in a disturbing manner and you can’t help either; that could be a sign your child needs help and should see a therapist.
Mental illness is impartial. It happens to both old and young. You could question what a youngster is thinking to cause a mental breakdown. “But she’s only a child, and she’s just seven years old,” you may argue. Like adults, our children struggle with sadness and anxiety too.
As a parent, you know your child best so as to figure out when that child begins to behave abnormally or a little beyond normal. Children are naturally mischievous and could bring up diverse characters at any point in time. Yet, if you start noticing some irritable, abnormal behavior, you’ve got to correct that in the infancy stage before it gets out of hand.
Maybe at this point, you are wondering if therapy is right for your child. Anyway, it’s up to you to decide. Keep reading to identify the seven signs your child should see a therapist.
7 Signs Your Child Should See a Therapist
1. Defiant Behavior
One of the most obvious signs your child should see a therapist is when they start displaying defiant behavior. Research has shown that persistent defiant behavior in children can be indicative of underlying emotional or psychological issues. It could be that the child is harboring some emotions, such as depression and anxiety. Some tend to internalize these feelings, while others externalize them, resulting in conduct disorders.
These conduct disorders could manifest through negative behaviors like fighting, being stubborn, arguing, or talking back at an elderly person. It’s a sign they’re struggling with big emotional challenges that need to be addressed as soon as possible. You may be tempted to discipline them or deny them some of their rights as a parent. Before disciplining, look for signs your kid needs therapy and follow-up.
2. Sudden Change in Habit/ Attitude
The seven signs your kid needs therapy include a change in behavior or attitude. Children’s emotional fluctuations might cause short-term behavioral changes. However, if this current shift in attitude persists over the following two weeks, it becomes concerning.
Sudden changes in a child’s habits or attitudes can also impact the child’s academic performance and social relationships. A study by Roberts et al. (2020) found that children experiencing persistent alterations in behavior were more likely to exhibit difficulties in concentration, decreased motivation, and poor academic outcomes. These changes also severely impact the child’s connections with classmates, teachers, and family.
Untreated emotional discomfort in kids could negatively impact their mental health over time. Seeking therapy at an early stage can mitigate these risks by providing the child with appropriate support and coping mechanisms. CBT and play therapy may help children cope with emotional issues, according to Carter and Murdock (2019).
3. Excessive Worry and Fear
When you notice your child being excessively worried over things and also exhibiting strange levels of fear, this could be a sign your child should see a therapist. Being worried and exuding fear can sometimes be only natural for a human, but when it’s persistent and excessive, I’m afraid it’s beyond normal. your child needs help.
Such an attitude may be a result of external factors like being bullied at school, missing a friend who relocated or died, or a lot of other things. The child could display emotions in the form of crying, anxiety, worry, fear, feeling lonely, etc. As a parent, you should try to look for the underlying cause first. This will go a long way in your quest for therapy.
4. Regression in Behavior
If your child suddenly goes back to behavior he or she had long outgrown, then it could be a sign your child should see a therapist. You might have potty trained your child, and he might have stopped bedwetting. Seeing that child pee on the bed over and over again could be a sign the child is going through some emotional distress. “Regressions in behavior can often serve as a window into a child’s emotional well-being, highlighting underlying distress or challenges they may be facing.”
When an outgoing, vocal child suddenly becomes withdrawn, clingy, uses baby talk, and altogether starts acting like a baby again, you shouldn’t sleep on these signs. J. K. Anderson (2020) conducted a thorough review of childhood regressions and discovered that these regressions frequently happen as a reaction to emotional stressors and can be significant markers of psychological distress. “Regression in children should never be dismissed as mere coincidences or passing phases. It is a call to action and a sign your child should see a therapist.
5. Social Isolation
When your child starts isolating from friends, family members, and even you as a parent, it could be a sign your child should see a therapist. Children often feel and act withdrawn when they’re unhappy or distressed. However, if this happens on a frequent basis to the extent that it drastically affects their interpersonal relationships, then it calls for a raised eyebrow.
These are signs a child is socially isolated. Having lunch alone, not having the urge to leave the house, not joining the family for family time games, movies, etc. If your child exhibits the above-listed signs, then it’s wise to first try to figure out the cause of their sudden change in behavior. Doing that effectively will guide you as to the kind of therapy to employ.
6. Self Harm
If your kid self-harms, they need to visit a therapist immediately. Self-harm may manifest in various ways. For younger children, it might be weird and overboard to see them cutting themselves or making suicide attempts. However, hitting oneself, slamming the head against the walls, pinching, or biting oneself could be interpreted as self-harm.
Dr. Laura Miller, a child and adolescent psychologist, states, “Self-harm is a coping mechanism for emotional pain that children may resort to when they lack healthier ways to express and process their feelings. It is crucial to address the root causes and provide alternative coping strategies through therapy.” Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for children to express their emotions and work through the underlying issues driving their self-harming behaviors. A trained therapist can help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.
7. Constant Health Issues
Finally, a persistent headache or stomachache may be one of the seven indicators your child needs therapy. Why not investigate mental or emotional suffering before dosing the child?
Studies have revealed a strong link between psychological factors and physical symptoms in children. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that children with chronic pain frequently experience co-occurring anxiety or depression. These psychological factors can contribute to the persistence and intensity of physical symptoms.
After getting medical attention, you must see a professional therapist. This will help your child overcome these problems and live a healthier life.
Last Words on 7 Signs Your Child Should See a Therapist
It is only normal for a child to feel distressed, confused, or experience a range of emotions when faced with challenging situations. However, they may lack the right coping mechanisms needed to navigate this overwhelming phase effectively. Provide your child with the necessary help. Remember, seeking the help of a therapist does not in any way make you a failure as a parent. If you see your child having difficulty coping with major transitions like divorce, relocation, changing schools, loss, the arrival of a new sibling, or even a breakup, these are signs your child should see a therapist.
