There are a variety of things that can lead to a mental health crisis in children and teens. For example, they may be experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, or having thoughts about suicide.
Policies aimed at alleviating childhood poverty and inequality can help to reduce these trends. States are also exploring ways to streamline connection to comprehensive community-based services, such as crisis receiving and stabilization facilities.
Identifying a Crisis
In the United States, it’s common for teenagers to experience mental health crises. These may be triggered by certain life events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce or change in school. Other factors that can lead to a crisis include social stigma, bullying, and poor coping skills.
Some of the signs that a teenager is in crisis include self-harm, drug or alcohol use, depression or hopelessness, running away and sexual promiscuity. Teens who engage in these behaviors often feel they have no control over their lives and are unable to stop engaging in these harmful patterns.
Some county and municipal programs offer a 24-hour mental health line, also known as an ACCESS program, that can help teens in crisis. These programs can help them find the right treatment options. Research shows that when youth get the right care, they have a better chance of getting back on track and improving their mental health.
Getting Help
While some level of angst and rebellion is normal for teenage years, depression, self-injury and suicide can be signs that a teenager is in a mental health crisis. When a child is struggling, it’s important to seek help immediately. A mental health professional can evaluate the teenager’s needs and develop a plan of action that could include a variety of treatments, such as individual or family therapy, psychotherapy or medication.
In addition to seeking help from a mental health professional, parents can also look for support groups and online resources that can provide assistance. Families can also promote mental wellness in their teens by modeling positive behaviors, supporting strong healthy relationships, taking care of their own emotional and physical health, and being mindful with the use of social media and technology. Additionally, they can look for treatment programs that offer residential services to provide teens with a safe, supportive and structured environment where they can learn the skills needed to thrive.
Getting Back on Track
The world’s 1.2 billion youth are at an unprecedented crossroad. They’re grappling with economic turbulence, relentless technological change and social upheavals like never before. They’re also under greater emotional pressure than any previous generation.
Youth in crisis need help to get back on track. They need a stable home environment, supportive relationships with adults, and access to mental health services. They also need a positive school climate and effective interventions that help them deal with adversity.
A growing number of collaborative global initiatives are addressing these challenges, and empowering youth to lead and advocate for themselves. Some of these efforts include:
Preparing for a Crisis
A child or teen in crisis can have many reasons. Among the challenges that might lead to a crisis are having a mental health disorder, substance abuse, feeling hopeless or having destructive thoughts. Other causes might include living with a parent who is ill with a severe illness, experiencing financial insecurity, being the victim of abuse at home or in school, and/or feeling disconnected from their community.
During these times, it is important to continue to focus on building positive relationships, learning to manage emotions and practicing healthy self-care by eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising. Families and youth can also help by limiting nonstop, uninterrupted media exposure and avoiding conversations about violence in the news.
Another important step is continuing to destigmatize mental health issues and provide education to families. This includes educating the public about how to recognize and respond to mental health crises and encouraging young people to talk with their trusted adults.