How to detect children's psychological problems in time? Experts reveal three clues for early identification

People's Daily Online, Beijing, July 13 (Reporter Sun Hongli)

The mental health problems of children and adolescents cannot be ignored. How can parents discover them in time and intervene scientifically and effectively? At the press conference held by the National Health Commission today on the prevention and control of myopia among children and adolescents and the health of students during the summer vacation, Qian Ying, deputy chief physician of Peking University Sixth Hospital, suggested "two musts": changing the concept of parenting and changing the atmosphere of family communication. "Two don'ts": don't blame yourself too much and don't panic too much.

Children's psychological problems are the result of multiple factors

Judging from the growth and development of children, what psychological problems do they have? Qian Ying introduced that in the preschool period, when children are 2-3 years old, language communication barriers, also known as "autism", are more common. "Separation anxiety" is common in kindergartens. Children cannot be sent to kindergartens because they will cry if they are sent there. After going to school, children are easily distracted and have many small movements, which is "ADHD". Emotional problems may occur in adolescence, such as anxiety, depression, and game addiction. Some symptoms that do not conform to medical diagnosis are also related to psychological problems, such as aversion to school and conflicts in parent-child relationships.

What factors are related to these problems? Qian Ying said that this is a comprehensive result of multiple factors. From the internal factors, some children with test anxiety have mothers who also suffer from insomnia and mysophobia. There are also external factors. His family, school, and living environment will also affect him. For example, a child who hates school may have problems with the parent-child relationship and wants to rebel against his parents, or it may be to save his parents' marriage that is on the verge of crisis. Some are unable to go to school because they have a bad relationship with teachers and classmates at school and are under too much academic pressure.

Three suggestions for preventing children's psychological problems

How to prevent psychological problems in children? Qian Ying advises parents that, first, they should understand that the psychological development of children at different ages has tasks. 0-1 years old, you need to cultivate his sense of security; 1-3 years old, you need to establish boundaries between him and the outside world; 3-6 years old, when he goes to kindergarten, you need to cultivate his sense of rules and gender budding; in elementary school, you need to cultivate children's learning ability and interpersonal communication; in middle school and adolescence, there are two key tasks, to complete their own self-identity. More importantly, the task of separation and individualization, children gradually get rid of the protection of their parents to be independent. Parents should understand these rules. If it is a child in elementary school, they should give him the freedom of "red lines". There are some things that must not be done, and some things must be tried, and there is a sense of effectiveness. In adolescence, you must endure the anxiety and worry in your heart and learn to let go.

Second, children have different personality traits. We should respect their characteristics and educate them, rather than educate them according to “other people’s children.”

Third, family relationships and parent-child relationships directly affect children’s mental health and need to be improved.

There are three clues to early identification of children's psychological problems

As a parent, how can we detect children's psychological problems in time and conduct scientific and effective intervention? Qian Ying said that there are three clues for early identification: first, eating; second, sleeping; and third, his temper.

Qian Ying explained that these three clues have four indicators. First, has the child had trouble sleeping for more than two weeks or three months? If so, then you need to pay attention. The college entrance examination is tomorrow, and if he couldn't sleep well today, don't worry. If it lasts long enough, then you need to worry. In addition, look at the severity, has it affected his social interactions, has his academic performance declined? Many parents say, how can the child be so fragile that he can't stand such a small thing. In fact, the child has his inner world. If he is in pain, you should take him to the hospital. Finally, it depends on whether it is a developmental stage. It may be normal for a child to be very well behaved before and a little rebellious in adolescence. Intervention is only needed if it exceeds the normal level of peers.

In terms of intervention, Qian Ying believes that the whole family needs to help the child together. In terms of self-help, Qian Ying said there are three angles: changing our cognition, regulating our emotions, and scientific behavior management.

"We will have negative emotions such as shame and anger. Instead of suppressing or denying them, we should learn reasonable ways to express them. In this way, we won't get stuck there and get sick," said Qian Ying.