By: Yiing Tan Registered Psychologist
As parents, navigating and understanding the complexity of child development and mental health can be a daunting task. Oftentimes, we find ourselves feeling unsure of when to seek help or consult a mental health professional for our child, as the signs of mental health challenges in children can be subtle and easily overlooked. This however would lead to delays in getting the necessary support and intervention. Recognizing these signs and knowing when to seek help is crucial in ensuring the well-being of our children. Thus, this blog aims to provide parents with some valuable insights and tips to help identify when our child may need professional help. Let’s have a look at this by going through four different key areas:
Learning and Development
When it comes to children’s learning and development, some signs to look out for include if the child is experiencing any persistent learning difficulties, or if they struggle with maintaining attention and focus, social interactions, lack confidence or has low self-esteem. These could be indicative of some underlying explanations, e.g., specific learning disorder, anxiety, neurodivergence, etc. Children who consistently face obstacles in grasping academic concepts, social skills or mental health challenges may benefit from professional assessment and support.
Behaviour
Challenging behaviours and sleep issues can sometimes be overlooked by parents; however they can also be indicative flags to determine if a child needs professional support. Persistent defiance, aggression, tantrums, or difficulty rules may suggest an underlying emotional or behavioural issue that require intervention. It might also be worth noting the frequency of the behaviour (e.g., in a span of one week/month), as it may give parents an idea what is ‘normal’, and what’s not. Parents should also take note of the child’s sleep issues, as frequent sleep disturbances, nightmares, or bedtime struggles are likely to impact their mood, behaviour, as well as cognitive functioning.
Emotion
Children experiencing intense emotions can be a result of different reasons, from relationship issues in the family, grief, to trauma. These emotional challenges may lead to changes in their behaviour, mood, or social interactions. Other behaviours that may manifest from these emotional challenges also include irritability, withdrawal, prolonged sadness, or difficulty regulating their own emotions. These could be signs that the child potentially needing the support in processing their emotions related to the event (e.g., loss, trauma or interpersonal conflicts).
Mental Health
Recognizing signs of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or stress in children is crucial for timely intervention. Depressive symptoms in children are often associated with persistent sadness or low mood, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating or disrupted sleep. Children with anxiety may exhibit behaviours such as excessive worries, constant need of reassurance, panic attacks, and physical complaints without medical explanation. These signs should not be ignored, but be given attention to. It may be helpful to consult a GP to first rule out any possible medical explanations first, and eventually speak with a mental health professional if the concern remains unresolved.
So, when is the “right time”?
There is no specific “right time” to start therapy, as it can vary depending on the child’s needs and circumstances. Therapy can be beneficial at any stage of life, whether the child is experiencing specific challenges, going through a major life transition, or simply seeking personal growth (e.g., improving self-esteem/confidence, or social skills). If you’re still really unsure, it may be beneficial to discuss with a mental health professional about your child’s wellbeing.
How would my child benefit from attending therapy sessions?
Therapy brings about benefits to both the child and their parents.
Children can benefit from therapy by receiving emotional support as therapy provides them a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings and learn healthy strategies to manage challenges. Some children may also develop better communication skills, and this naturally improves their relationships with the people around them (family and friends). Through therapy, some children also learn to develop a stronger sense of self-wroth and confidence.
Parents often benefit from attending therapy with their children as parents are often involved during the process, in which they would be provided with guidance, strategies and be supported when navigating challenging parenting situations. Some parents may also experience improved relationship with their children after a period of time. Therapy also provides education to parents to have a better understanding of their child’s needs, emotions and behaviours through therapy, which can lead to a more effective parenting. Parents may also benefit by exploring their own emotions, beliefs and patterns, leading to personal growth, improved parenting skills, and self-awareness.
Overall, therapy can be a valuable tool for both children and parents to improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and foster personal growth and development.
Reaching Out
If you’re starting to consider if your child or yourself is needing some support, Spencer Health has a number of clinics with clinicians working in supporting children of a wide range of age of various presentations. Our clinicians are trained in different therapeutic approaches and are ready to tailor to you and your child’s needs. If you might be interesting in knowing more about the support we offer, please contact us at enquiries@spencerhealth.com.au, and our lovely receptionists are always ready to assist and answer your enquiries!