Youth in crisis is a common problem and one that needs to be addressed by parents, teachers, and the community. Having a strong family support network can help a family in this situation. It’s important that the psychiatric emergency is recognized and treated immediately. The following is a brief outline of the steps that parents and educators can take to help a youth in crisis.
Disenchanted youth are at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
While the risk of contracting HIV has been declining over the past two decades, it is still possible to contract the virus. There are several factors that contribute to an individual’s chances of becoming infected. One of the most important is sexual contact with someone who is already infected. In some cases, people who inject drugs are also at risk. A recent study found that women in racial minorities are the most vulnerable to the disease.
Adolescents in particular are often overlooked when it comes to preventive health measures. In fact, half of all people infected with the virus die before they are 35. Thankfully, government agencies have set a goal of 90 percent of the population using preventive methods by 2005. Although a lot of progress has been made in the past decade, there is still much work to be done.
The best way to combat the threat is to get children to be more proactive in their sexual health. It’s also a good idea to educate adolescents about the dangers of sex with strangers.
Psychiatric emergencies should be addressed immediately
A psychiatric emergency is a serious situation where an individual’s behavior puts the health of others at risk. This includes physical aggression, depressive episodes, and withdrawal from psychoactive drugs. A psychiatric emergency requires immediate therapeutic intervention.
In addition to the need for immediate attention, there are general rules for addressing a psychiatric emergency. Those rules apply to all types of patients and populations. Those rules include a protocol for treatment, isolation areas, and protective measures.
The standard of care for patients who are discharged from an emergency department should include a plan for mental health treatment. It should also include a safety plan, which should outline contact persons and coping mechanisms. This will reduce the likelihood of future suicidal behaviors in adults.
During public calamities, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, the presence of mental health concerns increases. These concerns can be aggravated by stress related to the pandemic, abrupt changes in daily life, or mitigation efforts.
Support the family as a whole
For families struggling with a youth in crisis, there are programs designed to help. These programs are tailored to the specific needs of the family and include both family support services and treatment services. The program can address general issues such as substance use and adolescent parenting or they may target a particular group, such as cultural minorities.
In the case of a crisis, the youth and the family should be contacted by the clinical team. This team can assess the situation and make recommendations on how to best assist the family. In addition, the clinical team will work with the family to determine how the youth can be supported and how the long-term treatment plan can be shaped. Often, the goals of the program will be to stabilize the youth and the family in order to prevent a relapse.
MIKID provides tools and education for families to help them develop independence and reach their goals. The team of professionals will also meet with families outside of normal business hours. In addition, MIKID provides access to community resources. These resources include the Washington State Community Connectors.