Like adults, children and youth live with families. That means that a crisis response must address family needs, too.
Kids’ lives have been disrupted by the pandemic, and they’re facing new challenges that amplify existing problems. For example, Black youth are experiencing higher rates of suicide than white youth.
What is a crisis?
A crisis is a time of danger, stress, or overwhelming need that calls for immediate help. When someone experiences a crisis they often need to be redirected from their current course of action. This can be hard, especially for young people, who may have trouble understanding what’s happening to them.
A youth in a crisis can feel overwhelmed, anxious or fearful and they may not be able to cope. It’s important that they have a support system of family and friends who can help them through this time.
Youth in crisis are a growing concern for international, national and local organizations. However, few of these groups focus on fostering youth voice and engagement specifically. The good news is that some are beginning to take notice of this need. For example, states and counties are developing alternative first response options like mobile crisis teams to create positive outcomes for safety and stability while addressing youth’s behavioral health needs.
What are the signs of a crisis?
While many factors can trigger a mental health crisis, there are some common indicators that may be warning signs. Some of the most important ones include a sudden change in mood, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness or plans to harm oneself.
If someone you know shows any of these signs, it’s important to reach out for support and access crisis intervention services. These services can be provided by a hotline, peer support programs and/or treatment centers. Treatments typically involve a combination of medication, individual and group therapy and the development of skills to promote self-care.
While mental health crisis indicators have been on the rise even before COVID-19, it has accelerated existing trends such as increased depression and suicide rates, and reduced access to care and social connections. Fortunately, state policymakers have been working to address these challenges, including through the incorporation of social-emotional learning and mental health literacy into school curriculum, as well as the implementation of telehealth-based mental health services in schools.
How can I help my child?
Children and teens may be at risk for a variety of reasons including severe agitation and aggression, threatening self or others, destructive behavior, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there), isolation from family and friends, lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy, changes to sleeping or eating patterns and more. If your child is already receiving mental health treatment, make sure to reach out to their therapist and psychiatrist for guidance.
Kids In Crisis’ hotline connects callers with outreach workers who have honed their active listening and empathy skills, as well as their knowledge of local resources. These compassionate professionals are ready to help kids and their parents navigate the complexities of their crisis situations.
Many states have similar programs that pair families with care coordinators who can help them through a mental health crisis situation. Some of these programs can be accessed through pediatricians, who are uniquely positioned to help de-stigmatize the need for mental health services in young people and families.
What should I do if I think my child is in a crisis?
Recognizing when your child is in a crisis can be very challenging. You may not be sure whether they are in danger of hurting themselves or others, or if they just need help dealing with their emotions.
If you think your child is in a mental health crisis, the first thing you should do is call your local community mental health crisis center. Click here to find a contact number in your county. Be sure to tell the 911 operator that you suspect your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, so they can connect you with the right services.
You can also call your child’s therapist or treatment team if they have one and let them know that you think your child is in a crisis. They can give you guidance on what to do based on your child’s history. They can also help you create a safety plan for your family. This can include steps for how you would respond in a crisis and what your child’s triggers might be.