Does your child seem depressed or anxious lately? Or maybe they've lost interest in their hobbies and activities without explanation? If so, you might consider finding out if he/she may have a diagnosable mental health condition and to seek treatment. A child psychologist in Chicago can help.
Generally speaking, most people—at any age-can benefit from attending therapy as there are plenty of benefits to take away from it. However, there are certain instances when counseling should be a priority for your family.
Telltale Signs Your Kid May Need to See a Child Psychologist in Chicago
If your child is showing signs of depression or anxiety, it's important that you get him/her evaluated by a professional who specializes in treating children with these conditions. This will ensure that the right treatment plan is put into place for your child.
Here are some telltale signs that your kid could be struggling with a mental health issue.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can certainly be developmentally-expected in youngsters, decreasingly as they master emotional management tasks with age. But when these swings become extreme and/or frequent, it may indicate something more serious. For example, if your child suddenly becomes angry, sad, or withdrawn for an extended period, this could mean he/she is experiencing a depressive episode, which may be due to major depressive disorder (MDD). Other symptoms and mood swings to look out for include irritability, crying, sleeping problems, poor appetite, and excessive worry. Trying to identify situations where these feelings arise can help to diagnose and ultimately treat these issues.
Changes in Behavior
Minor behavioral shifts are a part of normal development for many children. However, if your child seems to be acting out more severely than their peers, then it's possible he/she is suffering from a mental health problem. Some behavioral changes linked to mental health conditions include difficulty concentrating, trouble making friends, being easily frustrated, having consistent temper tantrums, and becoming aggressive.
Poor School Performance
If your child is not doing well at school, emotional issues could be at the root of it. It's also common for kids to experience academic difficulties due to stress or other mental health concerns. In either case, it's important to seek assistance from a qualified child psychologist in Chicago if their school performance drops without explanation.
Troubling Physical Symptoms
Kids often suffer from physical ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, and back pain without a physiological cause. These symptoms can be brought on by many different things, including stress, illness, or even too much screen time. But if your child is complaining about any of these types of symptoms on a regular basis, it may be linked to another mental health issue. It's best to consult a psychologist to get to the root of the problem after clearing any medical causes for the symptoms with their pediatrician.
You Have a Family History of Mental Health Issues
If your family history includes a few mental health disorders or issues, it's important to talk to your child's pediatrician about these concerns. He/she can refer you to a child psychiatric specialist who can provide further evaluation and treatment, if needed.
With all of these potential symptoms in mind, it's important to note that not every child behaves the same way in the same situations. Being aware of your child's unique behavior, personality, and any noticeable changes in those areas is the most important way to identify if your child is struggling.
How Can Wellington Counseling Group Help?
As children grow and develop, they may face challenges in regulating and controlling their emotions and behaviors. Adolescence can be hard, especially when your child has emotional outbursts and behavioral difficulties. Parents and kids alike may struggle to deal with these things, and there’s no good reason they should have to struggle alone.
For kids and parents, family therapy can help everyone involved express emotions more appropriately and openly and reach a better understanding of themselves. Therapists can also help families understand communication between them and their children and work through family issues. At Wellington Counseling Group, we offer family and child counseling services to help families work through complex mental health issues. Our staff of psychologists also offer full psychological assessments when the need arises.
Let our team at Wellington Counseling Group help you. Schedule your consultation today and get started with a child psychologist in Chicago.