How to Know if Your Child or Teen Needs Therapy
Navigating the mental and emotional well-being of our children and teens can be both rewarding and challenging. As parents and caregivers, it's natural to wonder about the signs that indicate whether a young person might benefit from therapy. Understanding these signs not only helps us support their growth but also ensures they receive the professional help they may need. We’ll explore key indicators that suggest when therapy could be beneficial for your child or teen, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their mental health care.
Common Indicators:
Behavioral changes at home and/school
Many times, parents are the first to notice behavioral changes at home. This can look like big reactions to small problems, trouble with regulating their emotions, and a seemingly quicker response to everyday stressors. Often, this can be an indication that your child is struggling with deeper emotions, such as sadness, hurt, or betrayal. Another area where these changes can be seen is in the classroom. Typically these are difficulties such as your child getting into trouble with teachers, having trouble with other classmates, or struggling with managing their emotions. More high-risk behaviors include threatening to harm themselves or others. Seeking help from a professional can help your child learn to regulate their emotions, manage their triggers, and become less reactive.
2. Loss of interest in things that once interested them
Children often will try many different hobbies and interests as they are growing, which is very age-appropriate for them to do. However, if your child seems to no longer have interest in their favorite hobbies or activities, and doesn’t pick up another one, this can be a sign of feelings of sadness or depression. Another sign of this lack of interest can be your child no longer being interested in spending time with their family and friends. If your child is one that only has a few friends, or enjoys their alone time, then this would be seen as them isolating from family time or other interactions they typically would enjoy.
3. Increasing amounts of negative self-talk
Negative self-talk in children and teens can have profound effects on their self-esteem, emotional well-being, and overall development. When young individuals consistently criticize themselves, doubt their abilities, or engage in harsh self-judgment, it often signals underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or low self-worth. Through therapy, children and teens can learn healthier ways to perceive themselves, build resilience, and develop positive coping strategies that promote self-acceptance and emotional growth.
4. Excessive or persistent worry or sadness
This can significantly impact children and teens daily lives, relationships, and academic performance. When young individuals constantly worry about events, situations, or outcomes beyond what is developmentally typical, it may indicate underlying anxiety disorders or heightened stress levels. Therapy can help them learn coping skills, relaxation techniques, and other strategies to reduce anxiety and regain a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions.
5. Regression for seemingly no reason
Regression in children and teens, such as reverting to behaviors typical of a younger age or experiencing setbacks in developmental milestones, can indicate underlying emotional distress or psychological challenges. These regressions might manifest as bedwetting, separation anxiety, temper tantrums, or academic decline. Therapy can provide a safe space for expression and exploration of feelings, helping young people navigate and cope with their emotions effectively.
Conclusion
Overall, what is most important to remember is that you know your child best. If you feel these symptoms are not totally accurate, or that they present differently, trust your instincts. However, if you’re still worried and these symptoms don’t seem apparent, it could still be worth reaching out to a mental health professional. Both your family and your child could learn valuable skills, gain insight, and create a more supportive environment moving forwards.
For more information about services we provide here at Reach Counseling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team. We look forward to seeing how best we can help you and your family!
