How to Recognize Signs that your Child Needs Help & What to do

Realizing that your child may need support outside of your family unit can be overwhelming, frustrating, and even frightening.

As a parent or caregiver, you may not have explored therapy in your own life or may have heard negative experiences from friends, loved ones, or the media. However, as you care for your child, you may begin to notice changes in their behavior over the course of a few weeks, such as:

• Irritability towards themselves and/or others

• Loss of interest in previous hobbies and activities

• Withdrawal from you, family, and friends

• Disrupted sleep patterns (either an increase or decrease)

• Changes in eating habits (either increased or restrictive)

• Intense emotional outbursts (such as sadness, anger, or anxiety)

• Low self-esteem

• Neglect of personal hygiene and self-care

The first step is recognizing and observing these changes in your child. It's important to also acknowledge how these behaviors may be affecting your child's daily functioning in areas such as:

• Reduced participation in play, sports, or other activities

• Excessive engagement with social media or online platforms

• Spending more time in bed or isolated in their room than usual

• Lack of engagement in school, academically and socially

• Declining grades and performance

• Changes in appetite (eating significantly more or less)

• Decreased social interaction with friends and family

• Difficulty controlling emotions (e.g., frequent shouting or crying)

• Inability to express emotions (e.g., lack of facial expressions)

• Low self-confidence (putting themselves down)

After observing these changes, the next step is processing and responding to them. It’s natural to feel worried, frustrated, and even helpless. At times, you may even feel defeated and sad because there are things that may be in your control and out of your control.

It’s essential to first acknowledge and reflect on your own emotions, as these can impact both you and your child. As human beings, we tend to react impulsively, often assuming the worst-case scenario. These reactions can stem from past stressors, trauma, or conditioned responses learned from family dynamics.

However, as caregivers, it's crucial to approach these changes proactively rather than reactively. Establishing a secure attachment with your child is vital for their emotional well-being. A strong bond makes your child feel safe, seen, and supported, helping them develop the confidence to navigate the world while knowing they have a reliable, nurturing base to return to.

Here are some strategies to better support your child when they are facing mental health challenges:

• Spend quality time with your child

• Meet your child where they are emotionally

• Ask open-ended questions:

  • "How are you feeling today?"

  • "On a scale of 1 (today is tough) to 10 (today is stress-free), where do you fall? What makes today hard/great for you?"

  • "How can we make today better?"

• Actively listen to your child's responses

• Use eye contact and positive body language to show engagement

• Be mindful of your facial expressions and tone while listening

• Validate your child’s feelings and challenges

• Acknowledge their struggles and ensure they feel heard and understood

Watching your child struggle is one of the most difficult experiences a parent or caregiver can face, and it can be hard to know where to begin. However, the care and love you have for your child are unquestionable. Being physically and emotionally present for them is a significant step toward helping them see the light at the end of the tunnel.

At CT Counseling Group, we provide therapy for children of all ages, as well as support for families and couples. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals feel seen, heard, and supported during difficult times. You are not alone in navigating life’s challenges, especially as a caregiver. Please visit our website to book a free consultation and learn more about our services.