“I didn’t know” is a common statement used by parents when it comes to dealing with mental health problems associated with children.
Despite many awareness campaigns in recent years, mental health problems are prevailing stigmas in society. The reason being that mental health issues and resulting psychological disorders are difficult to detect and understand; even more so when it comes to children.
Children are generally considered to be free of worries, happy-go-lucky, with no care in the world. This makes it difficult for parents to identify if their child is suffering from mental health problems.
The following myths can help parents identify such problems and enable them to seek assistance for their child’s mental health:
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My child can cope without assistance.
It is essential to monitor changes in your child’s behavior. Mental health problems such as depression do not just go away. Even though the child may cope by suppressing his/her emotions in the short run, ignoring the symptoms will cause long term damage by recurring later in life. This makes it essential for parents to not put it off. Parents must be attentive to their child’s behavior, especially post any change in their lives like moving houses or schools.
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Does seeking assistance make me a bad parent?
No, seeking assistance for your child’s mental health problems is one of the bravest things you can do. It is essential to detach yourself from the feeling of being a bad parent and to do what is best for the betterment of your child. It is as normal as going to a doctor for any physical illness.
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Will my child be labeled as mentally unsound?
Information disclosed in therapy about you and your child is confidential, primarily to protect you any adverse aftereffects. Keep the matter private while continuously equipping your child with the confidence that they need is perfectly normal in case the word gets out.
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My child is shy and will not communicate effectively in the session?
Play therapy allows children to express themselves naturally without the need of verbal communication. It is distinctively designed to focus on a non-directive, self- healing process. The trained professional will uniquely deal with your child by simply playing with them.
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Depression will go away if the cause is eliminated.
Simply eliminating the cause will not be a sufficient approach. Although it is a good idea to remove the negativity that causes or increases your child’s depression, it is simultaneously important to equip your child with coping skills for the long term.
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Hesitant to put your child on medication?
While some children are prescribed medication, this is not the case for all children attending treatment. Medication for various impairments is a decision that you and your child’s therapist will address. However, you have the right to refuse any treatment that you do not feel is appropriate for your child.
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My child is an attention seeker.
This is the worst approach any parent could take in harming the betterment of their child. Avoiding and/or denying the issues of your child will continue to aggravate your child’s depression. This behavior may further manifest into bullying, self-harm, and other negative behaviors. Children only seek attention when it is not given.
There are numerous factors that may contribute to depression and mental health problems in a child. However, they can be tackled well through play therapy in which children can express themselves in a normal capacity. Your child is attempting to reach out; the language is simply unfamiliar to most.
If you think your child shows symptoms of mental health issues or would like more information on child depression, please take the bold first step and email me at: holistichealing.aj@gmail.com or visit our website: www.holistichealing.today.