As a parent, you want what’s best for your children. You search for the best school, the best pediatrician and the best pastimes. At some point, your child may exhibit signs of mental or emotional distress. While the occasional outburst is not usually a cause for alarm, learning to recognize patterns can help you make the best decisions for his or her mental health.
Signs of a Problem
No child behaves perfectly all the time, but there is a difference between age-appropriate challenges and symptom of deeper issues. Sudden, significant changes can be causes for concern. Look for common signs of anxiety or depression. Has your child’s appetite or interest in social activities changed? Does your child seem consistently worried, sad or overwhelmed? Have you noticed a downturn in your child’s energy or ability to focus? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it may be helpful to look into getting professional help.
Finding a Therapist
Finding the right mental health professional can seem like a daunting task at first. There a few ways you can narrow your search. First, talk to your child’s pediatrician. As someone who is familiar with your child’s habits or personality, he or she may have valuable insight into the right path to take. The doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy or psychotherapy. Another benefit of going through your pediatrician is that most medical doctors have contacts in the mental health profession so that they can make referrals for psychotherapy for children Marietta GA, more easily. Knowing that the doctor you already trust vouches for the therapist can help put your mind at ease.
Taking care of your child’s mental health is just as important as taking care of his or her physical well-being and education. Find a therapist who can help your child thrive.
