When to seek assistance for a child's emotional problems
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When your child has a fever or has fallen from a tree you know what
to do. You seek medical advice. When a child shows unusual
or odd behaviors, many times a parent will rationalize, "It's just
a phase". Too often children's mental health issues are over
looked or set aside with the belief , "This too shall pass".
Sometimes it does pass and the problem is resolved for the child.
Sometimes, however, it is not resolved and the problem worsens.
It has been my experience parents will bring their children for treatment
when their behavior begins to affect school performance, when there
is custody or divorce litigation, or when behavior becomes disruptive
for the family. Often times it is the disruptive behavior
that gets the attention. The more passive or quiet behavior gets
over looked. The erroneous belief is that if a child comes to
therapy it indicates parental failure. In fact, bringing a child
to therapy indicates a parent is in tune with their child and is able
to identify when their child is struggling.
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So what tells us a child could benefit from therapy? Some of the
behaviors to look for seem common place. Indeed at times a child can be
traumatized by events within the parents control. Many times a child
experiences difficulty with situations not within the parent's control.
Also, therapy can begin to help a child deal with medical procedures or to
enhance their self esteem. In any case, initiating therapy for children
demonstrates love and concern for children.
Behaviors indicating the need for therapy
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Excessive sadness, anger, worry or fear
Regressive behavior- a return to a behavioral task that was previously
met (i.e. thumb sucking or toilet training).
School difficulties- academic failure or behavioral problems
Inability to make or keep friends.
Low self esteem.
Extreme shyness or reluctance to participate with others
Physical symptoms without a medical cause (i.e. stomach aches or head
aches).
Sexual acting out or preoccupation with sexual behavior.
Difficulty adjusting to family transitions.
Depressive symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns( stop sleeping
or not feeling rested) appetite disturbances ( food does not have any
flavor to them) loss if interest in grooming, loss of concentration,
cutting back on contact with friends or extracurricular activities.
Preoccupied with death or talking about wanting to die
Violence to animals or bullying behavior |
In adolescence, some signs that your child is experiencing difficulties
would include those mentioned above and:
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demonstrates manipulative behavior
attention seeking
irresponsible
plays cruel jokes
Has trouble handling criticism, frustration, disappointments or failure
Has talked about gaining revenge on another or sees a grim future for
himself or herself
Thrill seeking, dangerous behavior, self mutilation or fire setting
Poetry and writing has themes of death, destruction, or violence
Makes subtle or blatant threats to harm certain school personnel
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Traumas that often indicate therapeutic intervention for children and adolescents
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Divorce or separation of parents
Natural disasters, fire, hurricane, floods
Hospitalization, chronic illness, painful/
frightening medical procedures
Birth trauma- premature birth, complicated
medical procedures after birth
Adoption of an older child
Illness or injury to a family member
Death of a close family member or friend
Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
Witnessing domestic violence or murder
Witnessing the abuse of other children
Being bullied or teased
Acts of terrorism
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References
© Kid Power 2002 http://www.playtherapycentral.com
Social Work Today February 10, 2003 "Children
and Families Blog"
Social Work Today May 5, 2003 "From Preschool
to Prozac"
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