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Self-image is the single most important factor in the development of a mentally healthy child. It also plays a large role in his or her achievements and interpersonal relationships.
When they're in very young age, children's self-esteem depends on their perceptions-on how they are being judged and valued by adults who have importance in their lives. Young children are unlikely to have their self-esteem grow stronger from excessive praise or flattery; on the contrary, it may raise some doubts in children and subsequently cause them to mistrust that person. Young children are more likely to benefit from tasks and activities that offer a real challenge, and earn them real appreciation, rather than fun activities that are rewarded with a superficial praise.
To help children to establish a healthy self-esteem, treat children with respect, ask their views and opinions, and give them meaningful and realistic feedback. You can also help your child develop and maintain healthy self-esteem by helping to cope with defeats rather than emphasizing constant successes.
As children grow older, they become increasingly sensitive to feedback from their peers. You can help your child maintain self-confidence during this difficult time by being supportive of his or her values, accepting them when others may not, and encourage your child to keep an open mind about experiences outside his or her home.
On the other hand a child can become vulnerable and unstable when he or she carries a psychiatric condition. Many mental illnesses itself influence low self-esteem formation, which is secondary to emotional disturbance. In such cases it is important to treat psychiatric symptoms first. Treatment of primary mental conditions will help a child to preserve a healthy self-image. A child with emotional disturbance needs to be evaluated by mental health professionals specializing in child psychiatry. If a child is diagnosed with a mental condition it is important to receive treatment, even if the condition may be of a temporary nature. Early intervention is one of most important keys to a successful treatment and subsequent recovery. Depending on the psychiatric issues and child's personality certain treatment methods provide better outcome than others. For example, different types of psychotherapy such as supportive, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral, are used to help the child by not only talking, but also by helping them develop strategies for knowing their symptoms and how to deal with them in a social environment. Art and play therapy may be used by professionals in treating child psychiatric disorders. While complete remission may not be obtained, therapy will enable the child to boost self-confidence and maintain a more fulfilling lifestyle.
For children with moderate to severe symptoms, offering medication treatment in combination with psychotherapy can be offered to gain better outcome for treatment. However, the fact of receiving medication, on occasions, can also put a child at risk for lowering self-confidence due to the stigma associated with it. It can be prevented by gentle approach and psycho-education offered by a child psychiatrist.
In conclusion, preventive measurements need to be taken in approaching a child's self-esteem development. Early intervention with the help of mental health specialist in child psychiatry is one of the most important keys to a successful treatment and subsequent recovery. As it is important to treat diabetes, hypertension and other health conditions to prevent long-term health complications, it is as important to treat mental conditions to prevent development of low self-esteem for the life of a child.
Marina Doulova, MD is a Child and Adult Psychiatrist at ABC Psychiatric Services in Forest Hills, NY
When they're in very young age, children's self-esteem depends on their perceptions-on how they are being judged and valued by adults who have importance in their lives. Young children are unlikely to have their self-esteem grow stronger from excessive praise or flattery; on the contrary, it may raise some doubts in children and subsequently cause them to mistrust that person. Young children are more likely to benefit from tasks and activities that offer a real challenge, and earn them real appreciation, rather than fun activities that are rewarded with a superficial praise.
To help children to establish a healthy self-esteem, treat children with respect, ask their views and opinions, and give them meaningful and realistic feedback. You can also help your child develop and maintain healthy self-esteem by helping to cope with defeats rather than emphasizing constant successes.
As children grow older, they become increasingly sensitive to feedback from their peers. You can help your child maintain self-confidence during this difficult time by being supportive of his or her values, accepting them when others may not, and encourage your child to keep an open mind about experiences outside his or her home.
On the other hand a child can become vulnerable and unstable when he or she carries a psychiatric condition. Many mental illnesses itself influence low self-esteem formation, which is secondary to emotional disturbance. In such cases it is important to treat psychiatric symptoms first. Treatment of primary mental conditions will help a child to preserve a healthy self-image. A child with emotional disturbance needs to be evaluated by mental health professionals specializing in child psychiatry. If a child is diagnosed with a mental condition it is important to receive treatment, even if the condition may be of a temporary nature. Early intervention is one of most important keys to a successful treatment and subsequent recovery. Depending on the psychiatric issues and child's personality certain treatment methods provide better outcome than others. For example, different types of psychotherapy such as supportive, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral, are used to help the child by not only talking, but also by helping them develop strategies for knowing their symptoms and how to deal with them in a social environment. Art and play therapy may be used by professionals in treating child psychiatric disorders. While complete remission may not be obtained, therapy will enable the child to boost self-confidence and maintain a more fulfilling lifestyle.
For children with moderate to severe symptoms, offering medication treatment in combination with psychotherapy can be offered to gain better outcome for treatment. However, the fact of receiving medication, on occasions, can also put a child at risk for lowering self-confidence due to the stigma associated with it. It can be prevented by gentle approach and psycho-education offered by a child psychiatrist.
In conclusion, preventive measurements need to be taken in approaching a child's self-esteem development. Early intervention with the help of mental health specialist in child psychiatry is one of the most important keys to a successful treatment and subsequent recovery. As it is important to treat diabetes, hypertension and other health conditions to prevent long-term health complications, it is as important to treat mental conditions to prevent development of low self-esteem for the life of a child.
Marina Doulova, MD is a Child and Adult Psychiatrist at ABC Psychiatric Services in Forest Hills, NY
About the Author:
Learn more about how to find Psychiatrist in New York City. Stop by Marina Doulova, MD's site where you can find out all about female psychiatirst in New York City and what services she can offer.
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