Mood and Behavior Changes in Children & Adolescents

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” -Helen Keller

Mood and behavior changes in children and adolescents are common throughout their developmental stages.

However, when you notice mood changes in your child such as irritability, impulsivity and moodiness, it’s recommended to not ignore it and instead address it.

In some cases, behaviors can escalate by becoming explosive and intense.  When this occurs, it’s common for children or adolescents to withdraw, reject or push us away when we try to help.

It’s normal to hope for children and adolescents to grow out of phases and in most cases they do.  But usually sudden and drastic changes in mood and behavior are signs that your child is struggling to self-regulate.  This means that they are struggling to manage big emotions.

It also means that may not have the adequate resources or life experience to handle changes appropriately. It could also be that they are asking for help and just don’t know how.

There is support available for children and adolescents. 

A professional mental health counselor can also help support your child by providing a safe place to talk and express their feelings, thoughts and experiences.

Counseling also provides your child with the opportunity to learn coping skills, process difficult life experiences and learn to express themselves in healthier ways.

Your provider can also help support both your child and the family.  Parents are integral part of the treatment planning process.  In some cases, if appropriate, parents are actually included in sessions.

Whenever children or adolescents show signs that they are struggling it can actually be a window of opportunity for the family.  It can be a point of contact where members support each other, learn and grow together.

We are here to guide you, support you, and encourage you.

If this feels right for you, please call us for more information.