The world’s youth are facing a mental health crisis. This is not hyperbole; it’s a statement backed by medical associations and reinforced by data from schools and hospitals.
Watch for drastic changes in your teen’s behavior, such as spending more time alone or hanging out with peers who have negative influences. Also pay attention to whether your child is using drugs and alcohol or self-harming.
Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis is an episode of severe emotional distress or a severe psychiatric disorder, like depression or bipolar disorder. It is often triggered by an event, such as a breakup or the death of a loved one, a natural disaster or other tragedy, physical or sexual assault or trauma, substance abuse or the onset of an illness or injury.
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey data shows that high school students’ mental health has been getting worse for years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness among teenagers have increased by 40% from 2011 to 2021, and more young people have seriously considered suicide.
It’s important to notice any changes in your child or teen’s mood or behavior. Also, be alert for any dangerous activities that may indicate a mental health crisis. This includes abusing drugs or alcohol, cutting or hitting themselves or attempting to cause self-harm in other ways.
Suicide Prevention
Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be at risk of harming themselves. There are many things that can increase risks, including a history of mental illness, relationship difficulties and conflicts, access to lethal means, media portrayals of suicide, stigma associated with help-seeking, and lack of cultural or community connectedness.
Protective factors include effective coping and problem-solving skills, social support, and sense of belonging. Individuals in crisis can reduce their risk by learning to recognize and seek help and finding ways to stay safe, such as avoiding self-injury and making sure they have frequent contact with a trusted family or friend.
Research-informed communication strategies can lower risk by helping individuals to recognize and respond to warning signs, increasing access to help through means restriction, fostering peer norms of help-seeking, and lowering barriers that prevent people from getting help (e.g., facilitating help-seeking at the emergency department). Universal strategies addressing entire populations (e.g., public education campaigns) also appear to be effective.
Getting Help
Behavioral health needs for youth are on the rise. Many children and teens are struggling to cope with the pandemic’s disruption of their routines, especially their education. Others are dealing with lingering feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Several sociopolitical concerns like systemic racism, gun violence and climate change can also weigh on kids. And some face financial insecurity.
Some states are taking action by implementing youth-specific crisis receiving and stabilization facilities to better meet their unique needs. Learn more about New York’s model here.
Other states are focusing on ways to improve coordination and align crisis services with other systems that can support youth, such as child welfare and juvenile justice systems. For instance, a program in New Jersey uses a mobile crisis team to provide care for kids and adolescents who are in foster care or at risk of out-of-home placement. This helps prevent duplication of efforts and strengthens coordination across systems. Youth can also take a proactive role by learning to manage their emotions, promoting positive relationships with friends and family members, being mindful of how they use social media and technology, and getting help when needed.
Supporting Your Teen
Teenagers who are struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues need to know they are not alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength. They need to also be empowered to manage their emotions and learn healthy coping skills, which includes prioritizing good dietary habits, adequate sleep, regular exercise and building positive relationships with friends and family.
When discussing these topics with teens, parents need to practice active listening and empathy. This involves being fully present with them and listening to what they are saying (both verbally and non-verbally). Empathy and active listening will demonstrate that you genuinely care about their struggles. Additionally, it is important to normalize their feelings and assure them that their challenges are common. This will create a sense of trust and support for them to share their feelings. This is an essential step to open the door for further discussions and prevent crises from occurring in the future.