A youth’s mental health crisis is not only about their behavior and emotions, but the impact it can have on the entire family. Supporting families with tools and strategies can encourage communication, healthy coping skills and functionality within the home.
Some teenagers use self-harm as a way to cope with difficult feelings, but it can become a crisis if it is a regular habit.
1. Call 911.
Sometimes children and youth in crisis need to be transported to the hospital to keep them safe from harming themselves or others. This can happen for many reasons: a break up, death of a loved one, a natural disaster, gang violence, physical or sexual abuse, or an untreated mental health condition.
Call 911 or a local crisis line. Ask whether the police department has CIT (Crisis Intervention Training). If they have, these officers are trained to help de-escalate a crisis and can assess the situation.
Some states have integrated mental health and emergency services into a coordinated system that includes child-specific crisis receiving and stabilization facilities. New York and Wisconsin are two examples of this approach. In addition, some communities have developed crisis lines for youth that are connected to therapists.
2. Go to a safe place.
Some youth lack healthy parental guidance and monitoring, live in chaotic neighborhoods with gangs and drugs, attend disorganized schools and have few, if any, prosocial peers. These conditions increase the chances that they will make risky decisions.
Offer opportunities for youth to connect with others through interests like sports teams, art clubs or gaming groups. This can help them feel more bonded and supported.
Support the local community by promoting the Safe Place program, which establishes a network of businesses, community buildings and even buses that display the yellow and black Safe Place logo and offer immediate help to youth in crisis. These locations are connected to a regional, 24-hour crisis line. Youth can text 4HELP to be immediately connected to a counselor. In addition, national hotlines are available for specific issues.
3. Ask for help.
It’s important to ask for help when youth in crisis are in need. Youth may be reluctant to share their feelings and experiences, but they need to know that their concerns are legitimate and taken seriously by adults who care about them.
Tweens and teens who are considering suicide often show warning signs like dramatic mood shifts, skipping social events they would usually attend, spending more time alone or writing about or threatening self-harm in schoolwork or other projects. Keeping an eye out for these changes and listening without judgment when they share can help.
Any child who is at risk of suicide should get a thorough physical and mental health evaluation as soon as possible. Treatment for suicidal kids may include therapy, medication, family therapy and a hospital stay if necessary to ensure their safety.
4. Talk to someone.
As we all know, adolescence is a difficult time in most young people’s lives. It can include increased risk-taking behaviors, exploration of sexuality, and strained relationships with family members.
During these times, youth may have thoughts of suicide or other dangerous behaviors. It is important to talk to someone about these feelings.
If you are concerned for the safety of a friend or loved one, contact a mental health professional in your community. They can provide support and resources, and will work with you and your loved one to find solutions. This may include therapy, medication, or other supports. It is also important to have a supportive network of friends and family that can help you through difficult times.
5. Get help.
Adolescence can be a difficult time for teens and their families. Biological factors like hormone changes, family dynamics and stressors can impact mental health, leading to a crisis. Social stigma, bullying, isolation and financial insecurity can be contributing factors as well.
There are many ways to get help for your child when they are in need. It is important to build strong relationships with your teen and be available to them when they need you. Practice healthy coping skills with them and be attentive to how they use technology and social media. Address any problems they are facing early on to help prevent them from getting worse. There is hope for everyone, even in the darkest of times. Asking for help is a sign of strength and a step towards healing.