Children and Mental Distress: When To Seek Help?
It’s common for children to have difficulties coping with their environment, which affects how they think, feel and act. From academic stress to peer pressure, there are many reasons why children go through ups and downs. But prolonged irregular behavior might mean your child is going through something that is mentally and emotionally taxing.
When this happens, parents must immediately seek the assistance of qualified professionals to help their child navigate their difficulties.
But what are the signs that your child needs help?
Each child is unique, so they also display unusual behaviors differently. Still, there are standard signals you can look out for to protect their mental health. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
1. Changes in Eating
If there are drastic changes in your child's eating habits, this might indicate mental or emotional distress. The change can be a loss of or increased appetite due to shifting interests or coping mechanisms. But are the differences in eating habits enough to seek the help of mental health professionals?
Often, no. Alterations in appetite are typical in children, especially those in their teenage years. However, if the changes are accompanied by other uncommon behavior, such as sudden changes in behavior or sleeping patterns, your child may benefit from therapy for kids.
2. Changes in Sleeping Patterns
Sleeping disorders are common in children and sometimes can just be a sign of acute distress. However, in some cases, drastic changes in sleeping patterns can be symptoms of depression (National Library of Medicine). Therefore, any changes in a child's sleeping schedule might mean they are troubled and require additional support.
Children who find sleep difficult might have unspoken worries about their grades, friends or other things they care about. On the other hand, those who sleep too much might lose interest in their usual activities. If there are any changes in a child's sleeping patterns, try to assess what they are experiencing by talking to them. Often, children are willing to open up about what they are going through and are just in need of reassurance.
3. Aggressive Behavior
When a child who is usually not inclined to argue begins to display aggressiveness in regular conversations, they may be going through something emotionally.
There are many causes for aggressive behavior in children, including mood disorders, frustration, impulsivity and trauma (Child Mind Institute). For this reason, it’s essential to pay attention to the changes in a child's behavior, especially if aggressiveness occurs more frequently than usual.
It’s also worth noting that defiant behavior can also occur outside the home. Therefore, staying connected to those who interact with your child daily is also helpful.
4. Social Isolation
Another clear sign of mental distress in children is unexplained withdrawal from social occasions. Children who are struggling internally will often withdraw from their social circles or decline invitations. They will start to spend more time isolating themselves in their room and spend less time with their closest friends or family members.
Loneliness is a problem since social isolation strongly correlates with anxiety and depression in children and adolescents, impacting their cognitive development (National Library of Medicine). While it's normal for children to need a little downtime to themselves, excessive seclusion is one of the most apparent signs a child requires support.
5. Withdrawal From Interests/Hobbies
A sudden disinterest in favorite activities is not usually a cause for concern since children are known to change their hobbies and interests as they grow. But, if it’s coupled with other signs mentioned here, like isolation and changes in sleeping patterns, it may be an indication that your child is going through difficulties and may require emotional and mental support.
However, disinterest can also be a sign of fatigue. For example, if a child that typically enjoys art suddenly stops participating in their hobby, it may just be that they are tired of doing art and need a quick break from it. Therefore, parents must assess the underlying cause of the change in interest.
6. Regressions
Regression is when a child revisits an earlier stage of development, prompting them to act younger than their age. For example, a child who has learned how to dress themself will suddenly lose the skills needed to do so successfully.
Just like the other factors mentioned in this article, regression in itself is not something parents should be worried about. This behavior is typical in toddlers and preschoolers and is a sign that your child is preparing themself for more responsibility. In addition, regression is a response that allows children to seek refuge in a safe and familiar place. This means it also occurs whenever your child experiences stressful situations and significant life changes like moving to a different city, the divorce of parents or the birth of a new sibling.
Since it is a coping mechanism, a regression may also be seen as a sign that your child is experiencing hidden troubles.
7. Extreme Emotions
Children, especially teenagers, often experience mood swings. But if you notice that they seem angry, sad, irritable or anxious for an extended period, these may be signs that your child is going through some challenges.
Extreme emotions can get in the way of how they usually behave and cause a ripple effect that influences every aspect of their lives. In addition, these behaviors may come with other changes, like shifts in eating and sleeping patterns, social isolation and regressive behavior.
8. Physical Complaints
Sometimes, emotional and mental distress manifests itself in physical symptoms. This is because mental issues impact the brain, and the brain affects the biology of the body. So if your child is complaining about unexplained pains, like stomachaches or headaches, they may be going through something stressful.
Mind wandering or brain fog is a common physical manifestation of anxiety or depression (Science Direct). A child will find concentrating challenging, causing them to struggle with focus. This will significantly affect their performance at school and their ability to participate in social activities.
When Is the Right Time To Seek Professional Help for Your Child?
After becoming more familiar with all the signs of mental and emotional distress in children, it can still be challenging to know when your child needs professional help.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Don't Only Rely on the Severity of Symptoms
Relying solely on the signs' severity can lead to misunderstandings about what your child is going through. For example, children can have tantrums or meltdowns before going away to camp but have a great time in the end. Children are still learning to regulate their emotions, and many display their distress through behavior instead of words.
Find Out What Is Considered Age-Appropriate Behavior
Children go through various developmental stages as they grow, and each stage has specific behaviors typical for that age group. For example, it is normal for a young child to have separation anxiety, but this is less typical in teenagers.
Knowing age-appropriate conduct allows you to provide the needed support your child needs. Since children have fewer strategies to deal with challenges, they are not yet fully equipped to handle trying situations independently. That is when adults step in to assist them by explaining what is going on and offering solutions to deal with the distressing circumstances.
Major Life Events Play a Significant Role
Major life events can cause your child to struggle with their emotions. For example, if you recently divorced or welcomed a new kid to the family, this may cause troubling behavior.
Fortunately, irregular behavior eventually passes, and your kid should return to their normal behavior and revert to their usual interests. But if there's no recent significant change and your child has been displaying signs of distress for months, it may be time to seek the help of a professional.
Park Slope Therapy Offers Counseling For Children
Behavior problems are challenging to deal with but having a child who has issues is not something you should be ashamed of. Children also experience stress, and since they are still developing ways to handle their emotions appropriately, they require all the support they need to help them navigate their way through trying ordeals. It helps to be mindful of all the signs so you can take the necessary steps in forming strategies to benefit their mental and emotional health. With early intervention, you can anticipate the best possible outcome for your child.
If you're searching for child therapists, Park Slope Therapy specializes in modernized therapy focusing on guidance and collaboration toward better health. Your child gets an active partner that wants the best for them. Our child therapists will work with your kid to help them understand the causes behind their behaviors and equip them with the proper strategies to handle the world better.
Our therapy for children and teens can help with stress, anxiety, phobias, regulation of intense emotions, communication problems, and difficulties adapting to life transitions and events. Book an appointment today if you spot signs your child needs counseling.
