It is no secret that our society is facing a youth crisis. Suicides, violence, educational deficiencies, and questions of political legitimacy have all contributed to an increased number of psychiatric emergency room visits among young people. Added to these problems is the dearth of empathy and compassion among the young people. What can we do to help? Below are some ideas and actions to take to support and help our young people in times of crisis.
Disenchanted youth are especially visible in developing countries. Millions of young people are struggling to make ends meet. They live on the margins of society, eking out a meagre existence, and risk contracting diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. As a result, this generation is at a greater risk of being displaced by the aging population and becoming a source of social and economic crisis.
NRS statistics indicate that almost 70% of youth who call in crisis are in their own homes or are considering running away from home. Youth contacting NRS for help cite family dynamics as the primary reason for their distress. Unfortunately, youth reporting experiences of abuse and neglect in their homes have exploded in recent years. With the help of crisis services, young people can reclaim their lives. So, it is important to remember that you’re not alone in the fight against youth abuse.
The quality of life for the next generation depends on how well the young people in the world transition from poverty to economic independence. However, it is not easy. Youth in poorer countries are more likely to join street gangs, engage in armed conflicts, and engage in sexual exploitation. Despite their burgeoning numbers, most of these youth lack the skills and education to contribute to society. Therefore, the future of the world depends on how well countries in transition are able to manage the population explosion, and how they address the increasing demands of the youth.
Lack of opportunities, such as education and employment, mean that young people have little opportunity to develop physically and psychologically. When these young people lack opportunity, they are prone to violence, which is a manifestation of their desire for material goods and power. Dunia Bakuluea, a youth official in eastern DRC, explains that the main threat to the future of youth in the region is demographic. In 20 years, the population of young people in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase dramatically. For example, Samuel Huntington’s book on conflict and young people focuses on the rise of terrorism networks in the Arab world.
The National Runaway Safeline invites the community to participate in a virtual discussion on the 2020 Crisis Services and Prevention Report. In this online conversation, the National Runaway Safeline and Family and Youth Services Bureau will present key findings from the report and consider the implications for prevention strategies. The virtual discussion will also explore the challenges facing at-risk and homeless youth and the solutions that can address these challenges. For more information, visit youthincrisis.
There are several crisis services available to help young people in crisis. Many of these organizations have 24-hour crisis hotlines that are open to the public. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, call or text a crisis hotline. It is confidential and anonymous. The staff will respond to your needs as soon as possible. There is no better time than the present to help a youth in crisis. There are many options available, and they are all available to you at your fingertips.
Youth in crisis law helps children and adolescents reclaim their lives. These services are provided by juvenile courts and judicial review boards. These agencies help young people with addiction problems or who have committed a crime. The goal of these programs is to help these youth find safe places to live. In order to achieve this, the youth must be 16 or 17 years old or be habitually absent from school. They must also have the support of a responsible adult or parent in order to receive the necessary services.
As a result, there is a growing need for research in youth mental health. Psychiatric science has made enormous strides in the area of youth mental health, but the pace of discovery must increase. The National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Minority Health, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development need increased funding to support research on risk factors, prevention, and treatment of youth mental health issues. This will ensure that there are no more young people incarcerated and that society is safer as a whole.