Every child is different, and for that reason, it can at times be challenging to know whether a young person is struggling with their mental health or going through developmental changes. Worrying about your child’s mental health can be overwhelming and frightening. It can feel as if there is nothing you can do to help. Remember that being present and available for your child will make a difference for them.
Reach out to professional support for both you and your child. A mental health professional will be able to work with your child and help educate you so that you have a better understanding of what is going on mentally with your loved one. If you are worried about whether your child may be struggling with their mental health, here are a few different points to consider.
Withdrawal From Others
Withdrawing can be a sign in some people of an internal struggle. Many different mental health issues can make a person want to isolate and withdraw from those around them. Isolation is typically not a healthy response. Try to watch for patterns of isolation and begin a dialogue about it.
Outbursts or Extreme Irritability
Extreme behavior can be a sign of many different issues. Your child may be struggling to express themselves, understand what is happening internally, or process events. Has your child experienced any kind of trauma? A therapist will help your child learn how to understand and express their emotions in a way that helps to process them.
Physical Harm to Self or Others
Have you noticed any self-harm or physical harm to other people? Understanding where this harm is coming from is key to ensuring that your child receives the support that they need. When did harm to self or others begin? What type of harm is occurring? Have you noticed any patterns? The answers to these questions will help your child’s therapist create a treatment plan that best suits their needs.
Worrying about the health and well-being of your child can be stressful and overwhelming. Try to notice whether your child has withdrawn or isolated more than typical. Has there been irritability or extreme outburst? Notice whether any physical harm is occurring. Here at The Guest House, we understand that mental health issues can affect entire families. We are here for you and your child as they focus on their mental health issues. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about how we can support your family.