Signs That Your Child May Need To See A Therapist

Every child undergoes a series of ups and downs in their life. They face troubles with their peers, academics, relationships, family, self esteem and so much more. As a parent, it is imperative for you to keep a check on your child’s mental health but at the same time keep an arm’s distance so as to maintain a sense of privacy. But, a very important question prevails in every parent’s mind – how can you know if your child is struggling with something serious? When should you then seek child therapy? In Mumbai, there are plenty of trained professionals who can help your child solve their dilemmas and walk them through their troubles in a well informed, easy way.

It is important for parents to understand that not all ‘struggles’ need immediate action or attention. Some problems are age appropriate and every child undergoes these struggles. In most cases, as a parent, if you offer your child support, sensitivity, and patience, and a safe space where they can express themselves freely, your children can figure a way out of the mayhem themselves. Validating your child’s experiences can really help them. Encouragement coming from parents can be more fruitful than advice from even the best child psychologist.

On the contrary, however, sometimes difficulties that may seem like normal childhood problems can turn out to be serious. If your child exhibits the following behaviors, it is advisable to seek therapy.

●     If your child faces problems in almost every area of life like relationships, family, academics, friends and other day-to-day activities

●     A diminished sense of self and loss of confidence and self esteem

●     Excessive and concessent worries about nothing specific

●     Visible and exaggerated loneliness

●     Withdrawal from things that they used to enjoy like spending time with friends or routine activities

●     A drastic change in sleeping or eating habits

●     Indulging in negative behaviors or expressing negative feelings and emotions

●     Repetitive self destructive behaviors

●     Talking about or engaging in any kind or form of self-harm

●     Thinking that nobody cares about them or nobody loves them

●     Talking or thinking about anything remotely suicidal

Sometimes parents just ‘know’ that their child is behaving in a way that is not normal or usual. In such situations, they should just trust their gut and consult the best child psychologist. Mumbai and other metros in India are packed with professionals who extend their services of every kind for children’s mental health and wellness.

It is a common and justified dilemma for parents to be unsure about how to acknowledge the subject of uncommon behaviors or therapy with their children. In such cases, a parent must ask themselves “does this seem like something that my child might need help with?” and if your answer is even slightly favoring “yes” then a therapist should be consulted. Parents, it is important to know that mental health treatment doesn’t always require medication or hospitalization. Therapy can simply mean helping a child develop coping skills or teaching them how to strategize problems for their solutions. If your child needs help, don’t wait. Help them as soon as possible.