Just as adults could benefit from psychological treatment at specific times in their life or on an ongoing basis, the same holds true for children. Regardless of the age of your child, you understandably want to help him or her to be as mentally healthy as possible. Identifying signs of psychological issues is the first step to take toward getting your child the help he or she needs. These are some of the things to look for that may indicate the need to seek treatment for your child.
Your Child Has Experienced Trauma
Children can be dramatically impacted by traumatic events. This could include physical, emotional or sexual abuse. It could also include a car accident, a devastating weather-related event, the loss of a loved one or something else. Your child may have trouble focusing, appear withdrawn, have nightmares or have other symptoms after a traumatic event. These are signs that your child may need additional help working through the event on a mental level.
Your Child’s Mood Is Off
Some parents believe that issues with depression and anxiety start in the teen years, but this is not always the case. Depression and anxiety may be caused by a chemical imbalance, and this can develop at any time in life. While some signs of depression are classics, such as sullenness, weepiness or a loss of interest in things that they once enjoyed, there are other signs as well. For example, some children will have frequent mood swings. Anger and frustration can also be signs of depression. If your child’s mood has changed in any dramatic way, it is best to get a psychological opinion and medical treatment as recommended.
Your Child Is Having Trouble at School
You may have noticed that your child’s grades have dropped, or perhaps they have always been lower than what you would expect. Your child’s teacher may tell you that your child has trouble sitting still and focusing on desk work. In some cases, your child may tell you directly how much trouble he or she has with focus and attention at school. These are some of the signs that your child may have ADHD. ADHD is treatable by a psychologist. With proper treatment, your child’s performance in school may improve.
You may feel as though you have failed your child in some way when your child needs psychological treatment. However, this is not the case. You are helping your child through his or her issues when you seek treatment that he or she needs.
