Is your child under a lot of stress?

Following is the chat transcript with Dr Shyam S Lulla, psychiatrist, that was held on January 19

Posted On Saturday, January 16, 2010   

suja: good afternoon dr my daughter is going through stress because of her boards she is in yr 12,she lately says she’s got some mental block and is not able to concentrate and memorise. should i take her for hypnotherapy

DrLulla: i personally think at this age there is no lack of memory but lack of concentration because of psychological factors, either she is over anxious or other psychological factors will require analysis. I feel only counselling along with a balanced attitude will help her.


falguni: my niece is emotionally abused by her father now on separation mode from her father. she is very clear minded and wishes to get the things as per her wish only. if not then she rebells. she just slips into watching tv on her holidays. we doubt she is following the same trait of her abusive father. how do we pull her out for normallacy?

DrLulla: There is no doubt that the abuse has created a deep psychological trauma, the more one feels insecure within there will be a stubborn trait outside. Your niece is suffering from tremendous emotional pressure and is trying to keep her control on the outside. She has to be handled carefully and guided to help her and find herself. She has to be helped to confront and accept and outgrow the trauma else her suppressed emotions will affect her interaction with others.

 

manish: my son seems to do ok in studies and is not very interested in sports. since i am out at office the whole day, there isn't much interaction with him. since he doesn't speak much to begin with, even out talks are very limited and its difficult for me to get him to talk about what he's going through or if he finds studies stressful. given the number of news items in the paper about kids committing suicide over marks and ranks, i am worried about my son. i've done my best to not put pressure on him over his studies but at the same time, i do want him to get into a good career. he is studying in the 8th standard

DrLulla: I agree with you that communication is the key, may be your son has other hobbies and talents instead of sports. which can be nurtured. This should help him broaden his perspective and balance his attitude. We should not impose our ideals of a good career on him but instead suggestoins may be given. when the 2 of you are together let there be a comfort level rather than instructions which he may perceive as nagging.

 

Deepika: Dr. My daughter is 19 and recently we discovered that she has taken to cutting herself when she is angry or hurt. i have already taken her to psychiatrist and for counselling to clinical psychologist. but I am very worried as she was extremely down as her boyfriend dumped her. now when she see his pics with other girl again she says she gets urge to cut. also she has refused to go back to college. and i am worried abt this a lot.

DrLulla: There is tremendous internal aggression and mental energy which is diverted to non constructive and destructive direction. This is a very difficult age especially today when competition, expectations and hormonal changes and peer pressure is present. She will require healthy outlets, proper guidance and therapy to open her mindset and fixed ideation's.

 

khushee: Good afternoon Dr. I just wanted your views on the current spurt in suicide reported..u think its some sort of phase, many saying the movie 3 ids. is showing suicides n it could be like a 'hero' following effect too.. wats yr view?

DrLulla: I think the modern youth is under a lot of pressure to perform. the pressure has been created by parents, parent figures, teachers and too much comparison with peers. As a a human being i can only try my best. Results which will be known tomorrow can not be answered today, when i want guarantee of results the present becomes very uncertain. in life exams re going to come and go and there are always a alternative. When one has fixed ideas every exam in life becomes a matter of life and death. The movie is tracked to send the right message which may have been mis perceived.

 

Deepika: should i be firm and force her to go to college. I am very saddened as she chose this course and now doesn’t like the course or collge. I want her to complete this year and somehow finish graduation. i am trying to control my own urge to to scold her n punish her for not going to college n wasting two years by stopping her telephone money etc. i know this sounds harsh, unfortunately nobody today understand the duress parents also undergo.

DrLulla: Cannot give a specific unless the psycho dynamics of the particular girl is analysed. I agree with the duress parents undergo but unless there is some kind of mutual understanding and working relations things will not work out.

 

Deepika: she is in therapy with both psychiatrist n counsellor n we find positive changes. should i follow their advice . also, will sending her for yoga, telling her to join hobby class etc help. can this be due to pcod? also. my hub's grandmother had suicided due to depression due to thyroid at age 45 leaving behind 3 small kids should be telling doctor about this

DrLulla: yes you must tell the doctor about this. As we are all a combination of nature verses nurture. I agree that yoga or any other physical outlet will do a world of good.

 

Nisha: Hello sir. My daughter is 5yrs complete and is in Class 1 (1 yr early than other classmates). Although she picks up well if i dedicatedly give her enough time and teach- her performance remains good. Is it alright to continue her in the same standard or does that affect childs growth and learning at an early age? Plz guide about the childs grasping power at 5 yrs age for the syllabus and pressure in the future years to come?

DrLulla:  I feel the child is pressurised too much at such a young age to study where at is a age to be carefree and enjoy your childhood. With regards to her potential to perform the child's iq and potential can be easily studied by any professional psychologist.

 

falguni: she doesn’t talk out her emotions how do we make her speak? she decides not to communicate and she carries it on in spite all warmth given to her. is putting her to good hostel an answer? her father is PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE PERSONALITY AND mother dr.

DrLulla: She may open up with a person or therapist whom she feels comfortable with. I do not know he age of the person but in children observation in a play therapy establishes a better communication.

 

Deepika: my last question, doc has asked her for tests, which we did, mci n rorsach . so am i on right tracks. and thanks for all ur answers. especially what u told manish about comfort level n instructions sounding like nagging. thanks a lot doc. good day.

DrLulla: These tests will definitely help and work as a guiding factor.

 

Venkateshwar: Hello Doctor, my daughter is 6 years, she just refuses to study, however she is highly interested in Drawing and Painting and keeps doing that, need some suggestions to kindle her interest levels on studies.

DrLulla: As long as she is enjoying herself socially, keeping well , eating well and doesn't wet the bed at nights and is playful and smiling do not worry she will pick up studies in good time.

 

falguni: she is 9 years. one more thing her parents are on divorce porcedure which she is totally aware of and agrees...but she is safely aboded with mother with my love as well. day to day problem she never opens up....major emotional problem she speaks out clearly. we want to bring her out from this attitude but how do we?

DrLulla: the child is definitely absorbing the surroundings and undergoing emotional trauma. I think playing games and taking up hobbies such as music will be a very good and healthy diversion. The child is definitely absorbing the surroundings and undergoing emotional trauma. I think playing games and taking up hobbies such as music will be a very good and healthy diversion.

 

kishan: Hello doc, My son studying in 10th std does not score good marks in exams inspite of studying very hard. However the same he scores very well at home Pls advice

DrLulla: The child will have to change his attitude and be more relaxed while appearing for exams. He seems to be more anxious and does not seem to perform to his level of efficiency. It is important to sleep well the night before the exam and to have a attitude to try your best, am sure with the right guidance his efficiency will increase. 


Rate me....

   Mail this articleMail this article    Print this articlePrint this article

Share Share Reddit.com Share del.icio.us Share StumbleUpon.com


Quote of the day

In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired. – Author Unknown