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Best Child Psychologist in Delhi Cantt


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How to Spot Signs of Emotional Distress in Children

Children express their emotions differently than adults. While some may openly share their struggles, others might find it difficult to articulate their feelings. As a result, their distress often shows through subtle behavioural, physical, or emotional cues. Recognising these signs early can significantly improve a child's well-being and development.



Understanding Emotional Distress in Children

Emotional distress refers to feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or fear that disrupt a child’s daily functioning. Children may lack the words to express their emotions, making it crucial for parents, caregivers, and teachers to see changes in behaviour, mood, or routine.



Signs of Emotional Distress in Children

1. Behavioural Changes

  • Withdrawal: A previously social child may become quiet and avoid interactions.
  • Aggression: Outbursts, irritability, or frequent tantrums can indicate frustration or sadness.
  • Regression: Reverting to younger behaviours like thumb-sucking or bed-wetting.


2. Academic Struggles

  • Sudden drops in grades, lack of focus, or reluctance to attend school may signal emotional issues.
  • Teachers often notice reduced participation or enthusiasm in class.


3. Physical Symptoms

  • Complaints of stomach aches, headaches, or fatigue without a medical cause.
  • Changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty falling asleep or recurring nightmares.

4. Mood Swings

  • Sudden emotional shifts, such as extreme sadness, anger, or fear.
  • Persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are concerning signs.


5. Changes in Eating Habits

  • Emotional distress may lead to a significant increase or decrease in appetite.


6. Excessive Worry or Anxiety

  • Constant worrying about safety, family, or school.
  • Physical signs like fidgeting, nail-biting, or pacing often accompany anxiety.


7. Loss of Interest

  • Disinterest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.

 

Common Emotional and Behavioural Disorders in Children

1. Anxiety Disorder

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent worry about various aspects of life
  • Separation Anxiety: Intense fear of being apart from parents or caregivers.

2. Depression

  • Common symptoms include prolonged sadness, reduced energy levels, and a tendency to withdraw from activities.

3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviours.

5. Learning Disorders

  • Struggles with reading, writing, or math can cause frustration and low self-esteem.


The Role of Psychowellness Center in Supporting Children

If emotional distress persists, seeking professional help is essential. The Psychowellness Center is one of the most trusted and effective organisations for addressing children’s mental health needs.

  • Expert Child Psychologists: The team specialises in diagnosing and treating emotional, behavioural, and developmental issues in children.
  • Evidence-Based Approaches: They use scientifically proven therapies tailored to each child’s needs.
  • Holistic Support: Psychowellness Center involves families in the therapeutic process, ensuring comprehensive care.
  • Child-Friendly Environment: A safe, welcoming space that helps children feel at ease during therapy.

Psychowellness Center is renowned for its dedicated team of child psychologists and therapists who provide specialised care to address the emotional, developmental, and behavioural challenges faced by children. Leading the team is 

 

  • Dr. Kamal Agarwal, a Child and Occupational Therapist, brings over 14 years of experience in managing developmental delays, learning disabilities, and sensory processing issues. His personalised therapy plans and assistive techniques aim to make children functionally independent and improve their quality of life. 
  • Mrs. Kala Sengupta, an experienced Clinical Psychologist, addresses emotional and behavioural concerns, offering support for issues like social anxiety and distress.
  • Ms. Srishti Jain, a Counselling Psychologist, focuses on building resilience in children, providing therapy for stress management and emotional well-being.
  • Ms. Sakshi Dhankhar specialises in helping children overcome anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic challenges. Together, the team at Psychowellness Center creates a nurturing environment where children can overcome challenges and thrive.

 

Steps to Support a Child in Distress

1. Open Communication

  • Foster a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere that empowers children to openly share their emotions and feelings.

2. Observation

  • Document behavioural changes, mood swings, and physical symptoms.

3. Model Healthy Coping Skills

  • Demonstrate stress management techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness.
  • Encourage physical activity and hobbies to channel energy positively.

4. Seek Professional Help

  • If distress persists, consult a child psychologist.
  • The experts at the Psychowellness Center provide comprehensive evaluations and interventions tailored to each child’s needs.

 

The Importance of Early Intervention

Addressing emotional distress early prevents issues from escalating into more severe mental health problems. Early intervention helps:

  • Build emotional resilience.
  • Improve academic performance and social interactions.
  • Equip children with lifelong coping mechanisms.

 

Conclusion: 

Recognising emotional distress in children is an essential step toward ensuring their overall well-being. By seeing changes in behaviour, mood, or routine, parents and caregivers can provide the support children need to thrive.

Organisations like Psychowellness Center play a crucial role in guiding families through these challenges. With expert best psychologists, evidence-based interventions, and a compassionate approach, they ensure every child gets the care they deserve.

Emotional distress is not a sign of weakness; it’s an opportunity to build strength. By addressing these issues early, we can empower children to grow into emotionally healthy and resilient individuals.

 

References


Contributed by: Ms. Mansi Sharma, Counselling psychologist

 

Janakpuri Clinic

DWARKA CLINIC