Children
There are a lot of pressures on children these days. Some children will internalize their worry and emotional distress and may present with concerns such as:
- Fears about what others think of them or their performance (social anxiety)
- Worries about being separated from parents (separation anxiety)
- Physical health complaints such as headaches, stomach aches, or experience panic attacks
- Lack of motivation, social withdrawal from friends and family, or a change in eating or sleep patterns (aspects of depression)
Other children may act out their distress and externalize it towards others and may present with concerns such as:
- Aggressive outbursts
- Angry or irritable mood
- Behavioural problems at school
Or perhaps your child just needs some support dealing with a significant stressor or transition in in their lives such as:
- A divorce or separation
- Being bullied at school
- Adjustment to a medical illness
- A death in the family
- Transition to a new school or the birth of a sibling
Whether you have a child who is internalizing their distress, turning their distress out towards others, or needs some support in dealing with a stressor or transition, Dr. Morris can help your child to find the tools and strategies so that he or she can thrive in the home, school, and in the community.
Teens
Adolescence is often a time of upheaval. Many changes occur during this developmental period and teens are often confronted with a number of stressors including peer pressure, increased academic expectations, social pressures, and bullying. It can also be a time of questioning and some teens may start to explore aspects of their identity or start worrying about their future. When all the changes and stressors overwhelm a teen’s coping skills, they may be vulnerable to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self harm and suicidal ideation
- Drug and alcohol use
- Engagement in risky behaviours
Dr. Morris can help teens to expand their coping skills and find effective solutions to the problems they are encountering.