Ask a Psychologist: What are the Common Challenges Experienced by Children and Young Adolescents, and options of Psychological treatment
Children and adolescents experience many different emotional and personal challenges throughout their development, especially in a post-pandemic world. Understanding how to identify different challenges is important in providing them with support and encouragement to overcome personal challenges. Outlined below are some common challenges, typical behaviours that are seen in children, and some potential treatment options available at Inner Eastern Psychology.
Anxiety
Description: An emotional state characterised by worry or fear about future events, affecting daily life.
Behaviours in Children: emotional outbursts, avoidance of activities, school refusal, social anxiety, overthinking. Physical symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue.
Treatment options: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relaxation training/Mindfulness strategies, Anxiety counselling
Depression
Description: A persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
Behaviours in Children: Loss of interest in liked activities, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, irritability. Physical symptoms include changes in eating and sleeping habits, and changes in energy levels.
Treatment options: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Depression Counselling
Bullying (victim or perpetrator)
Description: Repeated negative actions that seek to harm, intimidate or coerce, often affecting confidence and wellbeing in the victim. Bullying can be in person or virtually (online).
Behaviours in Children:
Perpetrator: aggression, lack of empathy, detachment, defensive, jealousy, hidden insecurities
Victim: depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, changes in sleep and eating habits, loss of interest in likes activities, school refusal.
Treatment options: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mentalisation-based Therapy, Family therapy
Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity Challenges / Traits of ADHD
Description: Persistent problems with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that affects learning and social interactions.
Behaviours:
Inattention: concentration issues, forgetful, distracted easily, careless, avoidance
Hyperactivity: fidgeting/restlessness, excessive talking, “on the go”
Impulsivity: lack of thought behind actions, talking over others, difficulty controlling emotions
Treatment options: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Behaviour Therapy, Family Therapy
Addiction
Description: Within this age group, addiction can involve compulsive engagement in an activity such as gaming, social media or screen time, and substance use (in older adolescents).
Behaviours in Children: sudden/sustained emotion changes, chronic lying, missing important events, losing interest in liked things, changes in eating habits
Treatment options: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Low self-esteem
Description: Feelings of inadequacy, inadequacy or negative self-beliefs that impact relationships, confidence and motivation.
Behaviours: social withdrawal, negative self-talk, avoidance due to fear of failure, social anxiety, difficulty accepting praise, mood swings, lying
Treatment options: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy