Nearly 10%-20% of children and adolescents in the world experience mental disorders, reveals data published by the World Health Organization. And, half of these mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 years. Kids are known for their fluctuating feelings. However, any sign of persisting feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger, worry, anxiety, tendency to overreact to situations, sudden and unexplained poor performance in school, should never be taken lightly.
Nearly 6 million children in the US, aged 2 to 17 years, are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These children face extreme difficulties in academics and classroom communication. Early diagnosis is the best way to ensure that such children learn skills that will benefit them as they grow up.
Here are five signs that indicate that your child might benefit from psychotherapy.
1. They Don’t Speak
Children too can mental health issues, similar to adults. However, they do not have the emotional intelligence or language to tell their parents what they are experiencing or the skills to cope with such issues. Their unusual behavior can be an indication that they need to see a good therapist.
2. Uncontrolled Crying
If everyday hiccups lead your child to cry uncontrollably, it is highly likely that they have been asked to handle something for which they are yet mentally or physically developed or they have been pushed out of their comfort zone, says an expert at the Institute for Personal Growth.
3. Social Isolation
Excessive shyness, low self-esteem, feelings of inferiority are some of the most common causes of social isolation. Social activities, which are crucial for their mental health, well-being and development. If you see your child shying away from social contact or uncomfortable with peers or older people, consider visiting a counselor.
4. Inability to Control Anger
While temper tantrums are expected during the growing years, if the situation is such that parents are unable to control the situation and the child’s anger seems to erupt strongly, it needs to be addressed. In fact, tantrums and anger should be taken seriously, since it could be the result of an underling medical or neurological disorder, says an article by Psychology Today.
5. Bedwetting
If your child is bedwetting even after being potty trained for a while, it could be due to delayed bladder maturation, low anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) levels, deep sleep, small functional bladder, constipation and more. However, it can also be the result of the psychological stress, such as birth of a new sibling or parental divorce.
If you see any change in your child’s behavior and emotionality that seems unhelpful and persistent, visit a therapist specializing in childhood issues.