Signs That Your Child May Need a Psychologist

A child is vulnerable, and they often experience many ups and downs in their life. A child is continuously learning how to adapt to norms, cultures, and values. Sometimes, their behavior may fluctuate instantly, such as having mood-swings, becoming sad, or getting curious about something. 

Moreover, some parents tend to neglect what is happening in some children’s life because they are way too busy with their careers. A child needs much more than food, clothes, and shelter. Parents need to listen and talk to their children about every positive aspect of concern with life, norms, cultures, values, and behavior.

Furthermore, it is crucial to keep an eye on your child’s daily behavior and routine. If you observe any sudden and abnormal change in your child, you will undoubtedly need to visit a child psychologist. Your child may be suffering from mental disorders that you, as a parent, will not know how to diagnose and treat the illness.

When to see a child psychologist?

As mentioned earlier, some struggles in a child’s life are common. However, it can be alarming if you observe abnormal and sudden changes in your children’s life. Below are some behavioral changes and symptoms that you should not ignore. If any of the below symptoms are evident and persistent, it is advisable to visit a child psychologist or a child psychiatry hospital.

Changes in sleeping patterns

It can be worrying if you observe that a child is no more following their sleeping pattern. You need to pay proper attention if your child is sleep-deprived, oversleeping, or not sleeping at all. It may happen because something is worrying them. 

In some cases, children can be victims of depression due to personal reasons they cannot share with their parents. That is why it is imperative to seek professional help if there are changes in the sleeping patterns in a child’s life.

Changes in eating habits

If there is a sudden change in your child’s eating habits, such as overeating or eating less, it can be a sign of eating disorders. 

Eating disorders can include:

• Anorexia nervosa – Restriction to consume food in fear of gaining weight.
• Bulimia nervosa – Voluntary self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise.
• Rumination – Spitting and re-eating swallowed or chewed food.
• Pica – Eating non-consumable food such as dirt, talcum powder, soap, or paint.
• Binge-eating – No control of how much food to consume. (Overeating)

Frequently talking about death or suicide

It is common for your child to talk about death in a curious way, such as, what happens after death?. However, it can be alarming if the child is continuously and explicitly talking about killing someone or talking about ways of committing suicide. 

It is also advisable not to leave your children alone when these thoughts are evident in them. It can a sign of chronic depression, and immediate professional help is an absolute must.

Unable to differentiate between real and unreal

If a child sees the world as a threat, such as people are always watching them. But when in reality, nothing like this is happening. It may be a sign of schizophrenia. Symptoms of schizophrenia also include hearing and seeing things that others cannot hear or see. Undoubtedly, immediate professional help is the best solution for your child. 

Self-Harm

It is not normal for children to self-harm themselves by self-cutting their arms with a blade or punching their fist on a wall. There are many several reasons why a child is self-harming themselves. In many cases, children are unable to talk to their parents. Hence, it is advisable to visit a child psychologist who will adequately help your kid overcome this issue.

Self-Isolation

If you observe that your child is no longer socializing with friends and families, you imperatively need to be cautious. You can always talk to your children and ask them why they are behaving abnormally. Besides, a child starts isolating themselves for several reasons, such as:

• Victim of bullying
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Death of closed-one
• Has witness a murder
• Is having health problems that they are not able to share with others
• They have no friends at school
• Has witnessed the violent death of someone (Suicide)

Conclusion

As you may witness, there are several triggering and alarming signs that indicate your child needs help. If any of the symptoms mentioned earlier are evident in your child, it is advisable to visit a child psychologist or a child psychiatry hospital for better help. The earlier you detect your children’s symptoms and seek professional help, the earlier they will find a remedy.