How To Tell If Your Child Needs Counselling

Mental issues can affect people of all age groups, including kids. Right from anxiety to depression, children are equally prone to mental issues. Plus, the COVID 19 pandemic has made it worse. The feelings of quarantine isolation along with remote learning had children struggling with tough emotions even more.

There are several phases in your child’s life that you as a parent can deal with easily. However, there are some phases that require the attention of someone who is not a parent or a doctor, but a counsellor.

You and your child might be close to each other, but sometimes your child might not be comfortable sharing everything and that’s completely alright. 

This is where the counsellor comes in. A counsellor provides them the opportunity to be heard. But how can you tell if your child needs a counsellor?

Here are some tell-tale signs that your child needs counselling.

5 Signs Your Child Needs Counselling

Here are some of the signs that your child should see a counsellor:

1. Defiant behaviour: If you notice a sweep drift in your child’s behaviour or change in habits like not eating properly, or not sleeping properly, you must not ignore it.

This could be a sign that they need counselling. Many children express emotions through negative behaviours like arguing, acting out, talking back, or fighting with friends.

Before you discipline them, try talking to a counsellor as it might be a better solution. Try to stay connected with teachers who interact with your child every day when it comes to school and activities outside the home.

2. Sudden shift in usual interests and habits: Changes in your child’s day-to-day interests and habits can also be a signal that your child might need counselling.

Significant changes in personal interests are the easiest to spot and typically the most suggestive. If these changes last longer than two weeks, you can consider scheduling a check-up with your child’s doctor. He/ she will guide you if the child needs a counsellor.

3. Excessive worry and sadness: A common sign that your child needs a counsellor is excessive worrying and sadness.

You might not know if your child is getting bullied or going through school problems, grief, or any other emotional situation as children try to keep these things to themselves.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to figure it out as these things lead to unusual anxiety, excessive sadness, loneliness, crying, or worrying.

4. Social isolation: Isolating from peers, surroundings, and sometimes from the parents too, can be a sign that something’s not right. When children are sad or anxious, they tend to withdraw from social situations and turn inwards. If this happens on a regular basis, it might be a cause of concern.

This is especially true if shyness and introverted tendencies are not your child’s common personality traits.

If you can’t figure out the reason for their isolation by yourself, seek help from a counsellor.

5. Regressions: Regressions are all the more common when a new sibling is born or when any other major life changes like broken homes.

However, when regressions happen for seemingly no reason, you can consider taking a closer look. Here are a few regressions that signal that your child might need counselling:

• Bedwetting when the child is already trained.
• Language regression (using baby talk).
• Separation anxiety, fearfulness, and excessive anxiety.
• Temper tantrums at frequent intervals.

It is normal for children to feel sad and frustrated in difficult situations. However, they might not have the necessary coping skills to deal with such emotions. They might have difficulty facing stressful situations and life changes alone. Hence, you as a parent can consider getting extra support by taking your child to a counselor.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.