During a crisis situation the lives of children and youth are disrupted by loss of social references/support, lack of access to healthcare/treatment or a disruption in education.
In addition to these stresses, children and youth in crisis may have mental health issues that contribute to their crisis. Having a safety plan in place can be helpful for these situations.
1. Suicide
In recent years, suicide rates have spiked in adolescent teens, especially for girls and those identified as LGBTQ+. A 2021 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 57% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 30% had considered suicide.
Many suicides and attempts are the result of relationship conflicts, particularly those between parents, siblings, friends or boyfriend/girlfriend. The suicide rate has also increased for American Indian and Alaska Native youth due to generational trauma and poverty.
There are warning signs of depression and other mental health issues that can help identify youth in crisis. For example, if you notice that your teen has been acting very strangely and talking about self-harm or suicide, they may need help.
2. Mental Health Issues
Parents, teachers and other trusted adults should watch for any drastic changes in the behavior of teens and children. Just like physical changes, behavioral shifts may signal the onset of mental health issues that can lead to suicide and other dangerous behaviors.
Persistent sadness and hopelessness among adolescents are a serious problem that preceded the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of adolescents who experienced clinically diagnosed depression, for example, skyrocketed from 2011 to 2021.
Early identification and effective treatment can alleviate the enormous suffering of youths with mental health and substance use challenges. But to be successful, resources must be available to ensure that youths get the care they need. Schools should be a primary source of these services, with support from primary care and community providers.
3. Abuse
Abuse includes physical violence — hitting, shaking, biting, burning, choking, etc. — and sexual assault, as well as non-consensual completed and attempted sexual contact and exploitation. Emotional abuse — yelling, name-calling and constant criticism or humiliation — can also be harmful. Neglect — a failure to provide necessities such as food, clothing, shelter or medical care — can also contribute to mental health issues in children and teens.
Other adversities that can cause mental health challenges include natural disasters, environmental hazards and the impacts of climate change. Youths may feel stress and anxiety related to their identity crises, including questions about gender and sex. These problems often lead to negative coping and health risk behaviours such as smoking, drug misuse and high-risk sexual activity.
4. Drugs
Experimenting with alcohol and drugs is a normal part of the teenage experience, but some young people use illegal substances to a degree that presents serious risks. Parents should watch out for uncharacteristic behaviour, mood swings and a decline in school performance. Also, make sure your teen doesn’t have access to prescription medicines and take an inventory of any drugs in the house.
Youth with drug-related problems are at higher risk of homicide, suicide and injury from car accidents. They may neglect other responsibilities at home or school and participate in risky sexual behaviours that increase their vulnerability to HIV and other blood-borne diseases. They are more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system and have social, family and work problems. Drug abuse also causes high financial costs to the community.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol is a serious issue among youth. It can cause physical harm including injury, illness and death through motor vehicle crashes, homicides, sexual behavior or accidental overdose. It can also affect a person’s ability to learn and work.
Alcohol may be used to try to deal with stress, boredom, a feeling of not fitting in or mental health issues. This is often called self-medication.
Parents can help their children avoid alcohol by ensuring they have a healthy home life, avoiding peer pressure and teaching them the dangers of drinking. It’s important to find common ground when talking to teenagers about drinking, such as discussing a shared interest like sports or movies. This will make it easier to talk about sensitive subjects.