Childhood anxiety and depression are quite common mental health conditions today. In recent years, there has been an increase in worry about how frequently they are. However, the precise prevalence rates might differ based on a number of variables, such as the age group, region and how these illnesses are defined and measured by researchers.
So Sats suggests that 7 out of 10 kids have anxiety or depression and as a worried parent, you might wonder if your child has either one. And that's such a normal and healthy way to think as a parent–being open about the idea of mental health issues.
So if you're ever worried about your child's mental health, there are signs to recognize if your child should start seeing a child psychologist and the common ones are all down below:
1 - Consistent emotional distress
If your child consistently exhibits strong emotions over an extended period of time, it might be time to consider booking with a child psychologist. Strong emotions to consider keeping a look out for are, severe sadness, gut wrecking anxiety, overwhelming anger or paralyzing fear. If they seem out of proportion to the circumstance, it may be a sign of a psychological or emotional problem that needs careful consideration, support, and professional intervention.
It's crucial to establish a positive and accepting atmosphere where your kid feels free to express their thoughts and feelings while, if required, getting advice from a skilled mental health expert. Early intervention can help your kid develop successful coping mechanisms and flourish in their mental and emotional health by recognising these emotional warning flags.
2 - Having a hard time socializing
Another sign to consider is if your child has trouble making and keeping friends. This can look like frequently avoiding social situations or displaying severe social anxiety that significantly interferes with daily life. These behaviours may be an indication of underlying social or emotional problems that need careful attention and intervention.
Children who exhibit these behaviours may feel lonely and have lower self-esteem and their emotional and social growth may be negatively impacted in the long run. Early detection and intervention may provide your kid with the social skills they need. This will boost their self-esteem and promote healthy social relationships, all of which will contribute to their overall well-being and personal development.
3 - Abrupt behavioral changes
A child may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress if there are sudden and significant changes in behaviour. Examples such as abrupt retreat towards friends and activities, increased hostility, excessive sobbing, frequent crying or notable changes in sleep and feeding patterns are a couple to take note of. These behavioural alterations frequently act as vital warning signs that something may be jeopardising their mental and emotional health.
4 - Regression
It may be an indication of stress or mental strain if your kid begins acting out in ways they had previously outgrown, including bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or obsessive clinging. Or even things they did as a kid that helped them feel safe. An example would be sleeping with an old childhood blanket, carrying around their favourite stuffed toy and so much more.
5 - Academic struggles
Your kid may be experiencing learning challenges or emotional problems that interfere with their ability to focus and study if they are having persistent academic problems. A dramatic decline in grades or a loss of enthusiasm in school can be some warning signs to keep a lookout for.
6 - Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
One of the scariest ones yet is when they inflict self-harm or have suicidal thoughts. Of course, no parent would want their child to go through something as damaging as that. So what you can do is, take fast and firm action if your kid is openly discussing self-harm or suicide or is engaged in self-harming behaviours, such as cutting or burning themselves. These symptoms show severe mental anguish and significant health risks.
7 - Having a hard time coping with drastic life changes
If you start to notice your child not being able to properly cope with major life changes, this might be a sign for them to see a child psychologist. Children may struggle with significant life changes like divorce, moving, or the birth of a sibling. A psychologist can assist your child with coping mechanisms if they are having difficulty adjusting.
8 - Constant physical symptoms
In certain cases, emotional or psychological stress might be linked to physical ailments (including headaches, stomachaches, or exhaustion) that have no obvious medical reason yet persist over time.
9 - Substance abuse
It's critical to get assistance right away if you have any reason to believe that your child is abusing illegal medication or alcohol to cope with emotional or psychological problems. This might be the cause of going through something mentally challenging, where they have to revert to substance abuse to cope.
So try to spot around them such as their clothes, their room, their bags, who they hang out with and so on.
