7 Warning Signs Your Child Needs Therapy

Understanding and addressing emotional disruptions in young people can be a complex task. Social, academic expectations, loss, and other stresses including pandemic-induced mental health issues all play a part. Recognizing the ‘warning signs your child needs therapy’ becomes crucial in such circumstances. While it may seem overwhelming, remember that every child’s issue is unique, as explained by Jenny Yip, Psy.D., ABPP, a board-certified psychologist.

It’s impossible to predict how any given child will react to pressure. Some kids might be tougher than others, while some might be more easily rattled.

There are still clues and hints to be found. Here are seven red flags that professionals recommend keeping an eye out for.

Warning Signs Your Child Needs Therapy

As a parent, you should know the danger signs that could mean your child could use some extra help from a mental health professional. We spoke with professionals who shared the most telling indicators that it could benefit your child to begin therapy and provided advice on where to seek help.

1. Your kid never stops asking questions.

Anxiety can show up in a lot of different ways, but one sign is a strong need to find answers, whether through social media, the news, or family comfort. The situation is that “I don’t know, and that makes me anxious.” Absolute certainty is impossible to attain, both now and in the future. The youngster will be exposed to their fear of ignorance, taught to resist the want to seek information, and taught to develop the resilience to cope well when uncertain.

2. Sleep changes, such as getting more or less sleep.

Possible signs of anxiety or depression in a child. The youngster may be depressed because of the lack of activities that have resulted in greater sleep, or the child may be having problems falling asleep because of anxieties about the epidemic and its effects. A healthcare provider can conduct further evaluations to determine the root of the child’s problems and implement treatment plans accordingly. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, other types of talk therapy, and managing medications may all be used in the process of healing.

3. Isolation.

Another warning indication is if you notice your kid or teen is withdrawing from social activities and spending more time alone. Take care to limit their time spent alone in their bedroom. While it’s understandable that everyone needs some time apart from their loved ones, spending too much time alone can actually make depression worse.

4. Clinginess.

Attachment disorder can cause clinginess. A lack of self-assurance and resilience contributes to a child’s clinginess. Having doubts if there are enough protective measures in place. A child’s clinician will work with them to increase their sense of competence or “I can do it!” Having a mentality like this is crucial for building resilience and self-assurance.

5. There was a rise in aggression.

Anxiety in kids and teens typically shows itself as hyperactivity, a short temper, and snap decisions. In addition, kids are probably more irritable than usual because school was canceled because they can’t participate in the numerous fun things they were looking forward to. The provider can evaluate the child’s anxiety and help him or her build techniques to combat it, or the provider can validate the child’s feelings and help him or her learn to use active coping mechanisms (such as breathing exercises or games) to deal with the emotional distress.

6. Abstinence from one’s favorite pursuits.

Potentially indicative of a depressive state. Now more than ever, figuring out whether your lack of enthusiasm for a favorite activity is due to a change in your emotional state or simply weariness is crucial. If a kid usually enjoys painting but has been doing it every day for the past two months, he might just be sick of it. The provider can then determine the root reason for the loss of interest and treat that directly.

7. Shifts in personal care and diet.

A rise in despair or anxiety is another red flag that your child is struggling with. It’s helpful to keep the kids on a regular eating schedule and to monitor their personal hygiene practices like tooth brushing and bathing.

Finding a Good Therapist for Your Child

The first person you should consult is a pediatrician. It’s important to talk about your worries with someone who understands typical child development and, ideally, with someone who is familiar with your child. The pediatrician can help send you on the correct path since they probably have a list of referral services available.

It could be beneficial to talk to teachers and administrators. They may have a list of providers they’ve collaborated with or referred patients to in the past.

To find a qualified therapist, parents can also consult the databases at ADAA.org, IOCDF.org, and ABCT.org. If your child is experiencing anxiety, you should seek a therapist specializing in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

However, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t wait until you notice “warning signs” before getting help for your mental health. Your child may benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor if you know they are going through a difficult time or major transition. You and your kid might benefit from doing this.

Meaningful articles you might like: Top Online Counseling Services for Children, Teens, and Adults, Service And Therapy Animals For Children With Disabilities, The Best Providers of Online Family Therapy