Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children with Mental Health Disorders

by Felicia Yen . on 29/01/2019 7618

Many more children are currently struggling with some sort of psychosocial problem or diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Life events like family dysfunction, school stress, online bullying, being the victim of a sexual assault and many other possible reasons could be the cause for blame. It is becoming an issue of real concern as there are many who need help are still left untreated. If untreated, these conditions can adversely affect children’s development and potential to live productively, and can even lead to suicide. In the long run, these can pose as problems to the society with a surge of troubled youngsters.

When to Seek Help?

While a child may grow out of certain symptoms, there are times when it is wise to seek professional diagnosis and treatment. For instance, when the following warning signs persist for a long time and start impacting a child’s functioning and affecting other people:

Physical Signs

Refuses to eat or throws up after eating.
Tries to self-harm.
Becomes hyperactive and very fidgety.
Tenses muscles regularly.

Emotional Signs

Unusually anxious, depressed or moody for a long period of time.
Becomes angry, extremely sensitive and cries often for no apparent reason.
Has compulsive behaviours or obsessive thoughts.

Behavioural Signs

Aggressive behaviour that can possibly cause hurt to others.
Refuses to go to school and does not want to participate in activities.
Stays alone during recess time and avoids social interactions with peers.

What Can You Do as a Parent?

As parents caring for children with mental health conditions, it is important to let them know that they can confide in you at all times. Encourage them to discuss their feelings with you or talk over the things that are bothering them. Be open and available, and let them know that you have all the support for them without judging them.

You do not have to do this alone. To the untrained eye it is confusing to tell the difference between actual symptoms of mental disorders and normal challenges that children experience as part of the growing up process. Arrange to discuss your concerns and access help from a trained professional.

Without question, it is going to be a very challenging time for the ones giving care. So, connecting with support groups will benefit parents enormously.

Therapy to Help the Struggling Child

Mental health disorders come in all types and forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all therapy that solves everything. The most common form of treatment emphasizes on therapeutic conversations, exploring feelings and behaviour, then finding the best ways to tackle them from there. The range of approaches may include the following:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works by teaching children to understand that the way they think and feel will affect the way they act and behave. The goal is to find strategies to help them change their destructive thought patterns and be able to control the way they deal with their inner struggles and conflicts.
Play Therapy uses games and activities to assess and resolve the troubling problems facing the child such as temper tantrums, aggressive behaviour and having difficulties sleeping.
Family Therapy works on improving relationship patterns and communication between family members. An important component of this therapy includes helping the parents in child management and problem-solving skills.

In some cases, the treatment plan may include medication to make it more effective.

Counselling and Psychotherapy Services in Klang Valley

Early identification and intervention are critical to distinguish possible mental health disorders from developmental delays. Listed below are organizations that can help: