Youth in crisis often present with complex needs that require specialized care. They can be in a mental health crisis, having a relationship crisis, or experiencing trauma.
They often require coordination between multiple organizations such as schools, behavioral health, child welfare and juvenile justice. They can also need a safe place to stay, which is where crisis services come in.
Trauma
The brain’s natural alarm system activates during trauma, sending out an alert that triggers multiple body systems to prepare for defense. This response can cause shock, fear, anxiety, anger and/or aggression, among other things. Typically, these feelings dissipate with time, but for some, they can linger and interfere with day-to-day life.
Unaddressed childhood trauma can lead to long-term health and behavioral problems and put youth at risk of entering the juvenile justice system as adults. It can also contribute to stress-related behaviors such as substance abuse, impulsiveness and high-risk activities.
To help kids coping with trauma, encourage them to make an effort to maintain regular video, phone or online gaming contact with friends and family members. This can help them stay grounded and connected to people who bring them joy and comfort.
Abuse
Abuse is any situation that harms a person, including physical abuse or injury, emotional/psychological abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, neglect and sexual abuse. It can also be a form of discrimination, such as prejudice or stereotyping that relates to the person’s gender, cultural or religious needs or other characteristics.
People who experience abuse often don’t realize it. They may not be able to see the deep hurt, and they might think it’s their fault or that they deserve it.
They may feel trapped, humiliated and helpless. Some people will try to hide their abuse, but they can also seek help. Therapy can be helpful. Talk to your therapist and make sure you go to all of the sessions. You will learn coping and self-care skills.
Mental Health
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, learning and resilience. It is also key to relationships, personal and family well-being and contributing to society or community. Yet, access to mental health care remains a challenge for many youth. Only about half of youth who experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year received treatment. MDE rates are worse for youth of color.
Innovative state legislative solutions that promote school-based mental health education, including Resource Centers, teacher training on mental illness, and social emotional learning curriculum, have been linked to lower adolescent suicide and substance abuse rates. MHANYS works to support youth in leadership roles that are able and willing to advocate for these policies at the state level, which is often the first step toward federal legislation.
Addictions
Youth with substance abuse and behavioral addictions face serious problems that affect their physical and mental health, family relationships, school performance and social lives. These behaviors can also lead to involvement with juvenile and criminal justice systems, gangs and even loss of life.
The brain continues to develop until the mid-20s, which makes it vulnerable to alcohol and drug addictions. Teens often discover drugs and alcohol as a quick fix for difficult emotions or behavior problems.
Mood changes, neglecting chores or other responsibilities, and being secretive can be signs of substance use. Frequently asking for money, stealing, or losing interest in hobbies are also warning signs. Addiction treatment options for teens include medical detox, inpatient rehabilitation and talk therapy. Sometimes alternative therapies such as music or art can be used in combination with talk therapy to help teenagers explore underlying issues that contributed to their addictions.
Relationships
Teens need healthy, positive relationships to thrive. They need friendships that inspire them to be more of who they are, not make them feel less than or give up their unique characteristics.
Toxic relationships can lead to substance abuse and mental health problems. Warning signs of a toxic relationship include verbal abuse such as yelling, swearing, and threats. Other indicators of a toxic relationship include controlling behavior such as monitoring someone’s phone and social media. Extreme mood swings can also be a sign of a toxic relationship.
If you think your teen is in a mental health crisis, do not hesitate to call 911 or contact the local or national crisis lines. At Oceans Behavioral Hospital, we offer specialized care for teens in emotional crisis.