While parents often expect a certain amount of rebelliousness and angst as part of teenage identity development, some young people find themselves in a true mental, emotional or behavioral crisis. These crises can include running away, self-harm, and dangerous behaviors like sexual promiscuity.
Some teen crisis situations can be addressed with help from family and friends. Others need to be addressed by professionals.
Self-harm
Self-harm involves intentionally hurting yourself, usually by cutting or burning. It’s a negative coping strategy and an emotional outlet for pain or distress, and it often happens during adolescence. It may be a cry for help or a way to take control of the world when other aspects of life seem overwhelming or uncontrollable. Some people only engage in self-injury a few times, while others do it more regularly and have trouble stopping.
If someone you know is self-harming, don’t judge them or tell them to “get over it.” Those who engage in NSSI are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. They also have poorer long-term treatment outcomes. It’s important to connect them with a mental health provider as soon as possible. This can include therapy aimed at enhancing emotion regulation and distress tolerance, increasing communication skills and reducing isolation. They can be treated with medication, psychotherapy or other approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy.
Suicidal thoughts
Suicide is a very serious and potentially life-threatening problem that can result from mental health problems, such as depression. A history of suicide in the family or a past attempt may also increase risk. Other factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts include life changes, stressors, and impulsive behavior. Having access to a means of self-harm, like a gun or pills, also increases risk.
Talking to a friend about suicidal thoughts is important. Be sure to take their comments seriously and encourage them to get expert help. They can find help at a hospital emergency department or through a mental health professional. They can also ask for help at their place of worship or other community resources.
Treatment for suicidal thoughts can involve family therapy, medication or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and improving sleep, eating and exercise habits, can also be helpful. Having a support network of friends and community resources can help reduce suicide risks.
Anger issues
Anger is a natural part of human emotion, but when it becomes a recurring problem in your teenager’s life, it may be a sign that they need help. Anger issues can be linked to a variety of mental health problems, including depression or anxiety disorders. Anger can also be a result of family tensions, financial pressures or high parental expectations. Teenagers with anger issues often feel frustrated and misunderstood, which can lead to irritability or hostility. They may also be easily triggered by everyday events and are quick to blame others for their frustration. If they harbor violent thoughts or have difficulty expressing their feelings, they might turn to self-harm as a way of dealing with their emotions.
Group sessions are an opportunity for teens to explore healthy coping mechanisms and develop skills to deal with their feelings. In addition, a study found that positive family support is correlated with lower levels of state anger.
Depression
Depression is much more than a low mood, and can have serious consequences for young people. It can affect school and work performance, lead to a loss of interest in activities and make it difficult for them to get through the day. The good news is that depression is treatable with medication or psychotherapy. The first step is to seek help. It’s best to talk with a trusted family member or friend, a medical professional or mental health specialist, or someone in a faith community.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis facing youth, feelings of sadness and hopelessness have increased long before the pandemic. It is important to understand the complex factors influencing this trend and the need for dynamic research and innovation in this area. Factors include climate change, family environment, educational pressures and growing social media use. However, it is possible that the increase in anxiety and depression in high-income countries may also stem from a deeper malaise with political roots.