Signs That Your Elementary School-Aged Child Could Benefit From Therapy
Many adults realize how beneficial therapy can be. However, adults are not the only ones who may need psychiatric services from time to time. Children can also go through difficult times and periods of mental illness, and seeing a psychiatrist can be a good way to navigate these challenges. So, what are some signs that your elementary school-aged child could benefit from psychiatrist therapy?
They're acting out.
Parents may say their child is "acting out" when they are engaging in destructive behaviors, such as misbehaving in class or talking back to adults. Often, children are simply punished for this behavior without anyone asking why they're behaving that way in the first place. Acting out is often a sign of emotional turmoil or mental health struggles in kids. A therapist can work with your child to figure out what is bothering them and address that underlying issue, which will help put an end to the destructive behavior more effectively than conventional punishments.
They're isolating themselves.
Some children are naturally more quiet than others. If your child has always preferred to spend more time alone, that does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. What you should watch out for, though, is a change in habits. If your child has always been social, but now they are not interested in spending time with friends or family members, this could be a sign of underlying depression or trauma that warrants some time with a therapist.
They're performing poorly in school.
Often when children are struggling mentally and emotionally, they have trouble staying focused. They may also lose the urge to try and the stamina to put in much effort. This could lead to slipping grades. Your child may start performing poorly on tests, not turning in homework assignments, or even skipping class. A therapist can help figure out what is bothering them and what has changed in their life to result in this change in performance. By addressing the underlying cause of the slip in performance, they can help get your child focused and driven again. Therapy is usually a more effective way of dealing with slipping school performance than simply requiring more study time or setting stricter rules.
If your child's grades are slipping, they're isolating, or they're acting out, there is almost always an underlying reason. A few sessions with a therapist can literally be life-changing. Therapy will improve their mindset so they can move forward in life, uninhibited by past trauma and stress. For more information, contact a company like Les Linet MD.
