As a caregiver, you may have noticed that your child seems different from their usual self. You seek professional help because of signs of anxiety and depression, such as:
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Recurring physical pain or symptoms with no clear medical cause
- Withdrawal from their usual community, sports, or social activities, or consistently being quieter than usual in social situations
- Increased irritability, anger, or more frequent arguments with family
- Unexplained sadness or crying, low energy, and a lack of enthusiasm for hobbies, which is out of character
- Difficulty focusing and frequently staring off into space
- Struggles with simple decisions and schoolwork
- Persistent feelings of guilt and worthlessness, along with excessive worrying that requires constant reassurance
- Increased self-consciousness and sensitivity, leading to avoidance of new people and activities
- Regression to behaviours they had previously outgrown, such as excessive attachment to physical objects or becoming clingy before school
- Nervous habits like nail biting, trembling, restlessness, or feeling on edge
You may wonder about the causes and whether you could have done something differently. While pinpointing a specific cause can be difficult, there are important ways to support your child:
- Be mindful of your own emotions and parenting style. Rather than seeing challenges as failures, approach them as opportunities for growth. Model self-compassion, and provide a structured, secure, and predictable environment to support your child’s recovery.
- Maintain a strong relationship with your child. Listen with genuine interest and curiosity before jumping into problem-solving. Show consistent love and respect, reassuring them that they are valued regardless of their struggles. Let them know it’s okay if they are not ready to talk yet.
- Validate their feelings. Acknowledge your child’s emotions and experiences, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with them. Feeling heard is crucial to emotional well-being.
- Prioritize quality time. Regular check-ins and shared activities help reinforce that you are available when they need support.
- Balance space and boundaries. While allowing privacy, set clear expectations for behaviours, particularly regarding safety. Involve your child in discussions about boundaries, and when rules are broken, focus on addressing the behaviour rather than criticizing or shaming.
- Encourage self-awareness and resilience. Help your child recognize their efforts, strengths, and resources. Expressing gratitude for positive aspects of their situation can promote a more balanced outlook.
- Promote healthy habits. Encourage restful activities, supportive relationships, and setting realistic expectations. Remind them that change takes time and persistence. Leading by example in these areas can be highly beneficial.
Seeking support for both you and your child can make a significant difference in the recovery process. You are not alone. If you find it challenging to provide the necessary support or recognize that your own difficulties are affecting your child, we encourage you to seek professional help. Our experienced psychiatrists and psychologists at Private Space Medical are here to assist. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment today.
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Justine Xue
Senior Psychologist
Senior Psychologist
