Children can experience an emotional rollercoaster at any stage of development. In most cases, the parent notices the changes first, but the emotional ups and downs can be unsettling. It can leave you and your child helpless, especially if you do not know where to get help. Luckily, school counsellors can also notice the emotional and behavioural changes and advise you to take your child to a psychiatrist. Therefore, how do you increase the chances of success of psychiatric treatment? The key is making your child feel as comfortable as possible during psychiatric appointments. Here are tips to improve your child's psychiatric treatment sessions.
Reassure Your Child
It is normal for children to hold back if they believe that whatever they say will land them in trouble. It might explain why some kids remain silent or lie when they speak to their parents, teachers, counsellors or psychiatrists. Therefore, even if you are angry at your child's behaviour, you need to express your feelings with restraint. The last thing you want is to make your child feel like they will land in trouble if they speak their mind to a psychiatrist. It is especially the case if your kid believes that you play a part in their behavioural issues. Psychiatric treatment stands a better chance of success if your child knows that they will not be in trouble.
Involve Child in the Treatment
When you take your child for a psychiatric evaluation, a doctor will assess their condition and prescribe treatment. The most common treatment for children with psychological issues is psychotherapy. It might include cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic therapy and family therapy. In some cases, your child might require medication to manage symptoms and help them get back to their usual self. Whichever treatment a psychiatrist prescribes, you must involve your child every step of the way. For example, your kid should choose when to talk with family members if a psychiatrist recommends family therapy. The level of control increases the chances of success.
Be Honest About the Psychiatrist Visit
Children are sensitive about how other people perceive them, particularly teenagers. Therefore, do not be surprised if your child refuses to undergo psychiatric treatment for fear of being stigmatised by their friends. Some parents resort to skirting around the topic and lying to their children about psychiatrist visits. Unfortunately, it only leads to further resentment and lowers the chances of the treatment's success. Being honest about an appointment and the opportunity it offers your child to feel better is the best policy. Consequently, your child will appreciate a psychiatrist's efforts even if they were initially hesitant about the treatment.
Share4 January 2021
Hello, my name is Gary and this is my counselling blog. When I was a boy, my dad was very strict with me. Whenever I got upset, he would tell me not to worry and to keep a stiff upper lip. Any expression of emotion was frowned upon within the household. As a result of this, I never really learnt the skills I needed to properly deal with my emotions. As I got older, I started to drink more and more in order to deal with my feelings of sadness and rage. My friend became worried about me and suggested that I visit a counsellor. It was one the best things I ever did. Talking with someone I trust has really helped me to open up and explore my feelings.
