Young people often feel like they are alone and unsupported. This can make them more likely to feel depressed and hopeless.
Some may become self-injurious, a form of coping that is serious and requires immediate attention. Others may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Still others might struggle to manage their anger.
Helping Your Teen
Adolescence is a difficult time for many teens. This is especially true for those who have mental health and behavioral issues. These struggles can lead to a mental health crisis. If you see that your teenager is struggling, it’s important to help them get the help they need.
Look for red flag behaviors that can indicate a crisis. This includes self-harm, such as cutting or burning themselves. Dangerous activities like drug or alcohol use and sexual promiscuity can also be signs of a crisis.
A comprehensive mental health assessment can help identify the cause of your teenager’s crisis and provide a treatment plan to address their needs. Depending on their situation, residential treatment may be a good option. It provides more intensive therapy sessions and a structured environment that can benefit teens in crisis. Other options include day treatment or family therapy. These treatments can help your teen overcome their crisis and learn to thrive again.
Getting Help
A teen experiencing mental health challenges needs a strong support system, including family members and friends. In addition, they need to be able to access care for their emotions and behaviors when needed.
Many adolescent mental health problems, such as depression and suicidal thoughts, are more than just having a bad day. They can be life-threatening and require immediate action.
Research shows that the same prevention strategies that promote mental health, such as feeling connected to school and family, also reduce a range of other risk behaviors, such as drug use and unintended pregnancy. Learn more about preventing adolescent risk behaviors and creating healthy environments.
Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is important during emergencies and crises. It’s like the advice we get on airplanes: “put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t help those around you. Some people find it helpful to establish a self-care routine that includes things like sleeping well, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and socializing with friends.
It may be challenging to focus on these activities when there’s a crisis happening, but try to make it a priority. You can start by focusing on the basics – making sure you shower and brush your teeth, getting enough sleep, and ensuring you are hydrated. From there, you can build on your new habits by adding in other self-care activities that make you feel good. This can include things like meditation, journaling, and relaxation. Practicing self-care can take time, so set small goals instead of trying to change everything at once.
Supporting Your Teen
When your teen is struggling, remember that their emotions and behavior are normal. It’s important to be there for them and not get caught up in what you think they should or shouldn’t do. Instead, you can listen to them and reassure them that you love them and will help them through this.
Encourage them to talk about their feelings with a trusted adult or therapist, and help them find one if needed. It can be hard for a teenager to ask for help, but it’s a crucial step towards healing. It also helps to destigmatize mental health challenges and show them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Consider getting certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, a free course that teaches parents, teachers, coaches and others how to help adolescents in crisis. This could be the start of a new chapter in your relationship with your teenager and help you to better understand their struggles.