Youth in crisis face a range of challenges. They are subject to a climate of violence and discrimination, with limited opportunities for support.
They often lack access to services, and as a result end up in emergency rooms or the juvenile justice system. New models of intervention offer a solution.
Suicide
The death of a child is everyone’s worst nightmare, and it’s especially heartbreaking when the death is self-inflicted. Sadly, suicide has become the second leading cause of death among teens in recent years and experts aren’t sure why.
Some of the reasons include social or environmental stressors like bullying and discrimination, as well as underlying mental health issues that are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Family problems can also increase the risk of suicide, such as a conflict between a parent and teen or domestic violence.
Suicide can be prevented, and it’s important to know the warning signs. These may include talking about wanting to die or a desire to kill yourself, looking for a way to kill yourself, access to lethal means and changing sleeping or eating patterns.
Self-harm
Youth who self-harm often feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions, such as sadness, guilt and anxiety. They may also be feeling lonely or worthless. They have tried other ways of coping but found that hurting themselves provides a temporary relief from these feelings.
Taking steps to help youth who engage in this behaviour is important. It’s important to remember that not all people who hurt themselves are suicidal, and talking to a health professional can help them learn new coping skills.
Avoid arguing or getting angry with them over the behaviour, and don’t try to make them promise to stop. Instead, encourage them to get treatment by telling them that a mental health professional can offer help and support. You can also ask them to consider drafting up a safety plan and learning about mental health first aid.
Depression
Depression is more common in some young people than others, and can be caused by a range of things. These include life events such as losing a friend or arguing with family, health challenges, being bullied or experiencing abuse, and traumatic experiences in childhood (like sexual violence). It can also be linked to genetic predispositions, hormone changes, and a lack of social support.
If you notice your teen is acting differently, talk to them about it calmly and with love. It’s important to let them know you’re there for them, and that it’s okay to ask for help. Getting help may involve psychological therapy that helps them learn skills to manage stress, change negative thinking patterns and make healthy lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.
Mood Disorders
If your child is feeling depressed or irritable often and for extended periods of time, has difficulty thinking clearly, has trouble eating, is sleepy all the time or has a sudden change in energy level, talk with a doctor about mood disorders. These are serious illnesses that affect mood, sleeping and eating habits, energy levels and the way your child interacts with others.
A psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or advanced practice registered nurse can diagnose mood disorders based on your child’s health history and symptoms and by using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Medications (such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers) can help with these conditions, and psychotherapy (usually cognitive-behavioral therapy) can teach coping skills and help change thought patterns to reduce depression and irritability.
Addiction
Drug addiction wreaks havoc not just on the individuals who are addicted, but on families, communities, and society. It ruins people’s health and well-being, strains relationships, and devastates their work and school performance.
Substance abuse can cause serious health problems, including a greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Youth who engage in high-risk substance use are more likely to be exposed to these viruses through sharing unsterile drug injection equipment or engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors.
Addiction can be treated successfully with medication, therapy and community support. For many teens, the first step in recovery is admitting they have a problem. They can start by talking to their health care provider, someone who specializes in addiction medicine or psychiatry, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.