Key factors that can help you determine whether your child is in need of support from a mental health professional.
A certified mental health therapist can help you and your children understand and learn how to navigate challenges related to emotions, behaviour and social interaction. It can play a role in supporting your family to strengthen relationships and increase positive interactions. Things do not need to be “hitting the fan” to attend to the mental wellbeing of your family. Talking to someone who can help you to make sense of your thoughts and validate your feelings is always helpful.
However, if you are finding that your child’s feelings, thoughts and/or behaviours are interfering with the following, then it’s time to reach out for help:
Social Interactions
1. You have noticed that your child is demonstrating avoidance toward attending social events,
school or being around family members. Or, when they do go out, they are “clingy” or reluctant
to speak and interact with others.
2. You have noticed that your child is aggressive towards you and/or others, fights with siblings seem disproportionate and/or they are having difficulties making and sustaining friendships.
3. You are finding it hard to connect with your child and to control your own emotional responses
Personal Care/Self Esteem
1. Your child is demonstrating aversion to bathing, or their eating habits have increased or
decreased.
2. They are over the age of 4 and having difficulties toileting independently during the day time.
3. They make negative statements about themselves and they are reluctant to try new things.
4. They are having difficulties sleeping or settling for bed at night.
5. They are hurting themselves on purpose or threatening to harm themselves.
School
1. You are receiving frequent updates from your child teacher that they are struggling to regulate
their emotions in class or during unstructured times of the day.
2. You suspect that your child is not preforming to their full potential.
3. Your child is expressing worry and being overwhelmed with academic expectations.
4. They have a hard time organizing themselves and are misplacing things frequently.
This is not an exhaustive list. You are the expert on your child and if something doesn’t feel right, do not hesitate to reach out for help- that is why we are here!