Youth in crisis are increasingly a focus of global concern. Their challenges include a lack of opportunities, educational deficiencies and the erosion of compassion as a core principle of society.
In response, many communities have increased their investment into mental health crises services for youth, including developmentally appropriate call centers and mobile crisis teams – Someone To Talk To.
1. Call 911
Youth may experience a mental health crisis due to a variety of reasons. A breakup, death of a loved one, a natural disaster or being a witness to an accident/crime can all lead to young people feeling overwhelmed and in need of assistance.
The number for 911 is available 24/7 and it should be the first step in getting help for youth in crisis. Calling 911 will put them in contact with a mental health worker who can come and do an assessment.
It’s also important to know that if a child has a mental health emergency, they should be escorted to the hospital by police officers who have received Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Once at the hospital, they will be able to talk with a psychiatrist to discuss their situation and provide the necessary treatment.
2. Assess the Situation
Young people can be at risk for a mental health crisis, especially during times of stress. They can exhibit warning signs of mental illness such as changes in their eating or sleeping habits, suicidal thoughts or attempts at self-harm. They may also have trouble coping with their problems and feel hopeless.
When youth in crisis are in need of assistance, it’s important to assess the situation to determine if they need a higher level of care, such as hospitalization or community-based services. Providing the right support for them can help them overcome their difficulties and set them up for long-term success. When possible, it’s important to involve mental health professionals as well, as they can offer guidance to caregivers and the youth in crisis.
3. Encourage the Youth to Talk
As adults, we can encourage youth to talk openly about their experiences and concerns, and provide a safe space to do so. We can also help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and support them in finding outlets that they can rely on when they are struggling or in crisis.
Adolescents are at higher risk for mental health issues, particularly depression and suicide. Demographics like race, sexual orientation, gender identity and family income level can play a role.
Many national and international nonprofit organizations focus on youth in crisis, but unfortunately they rarely address youth voice in their efforts. For example, the online resource databases for organizations focusing on youth in crisis don’t include any information on incorporating youth engagement. This is very concerning.
4. Encourage the Youth to Seek Help
For youth in crisis, it is important to be able to seek assistance. Many states are working to build comprehensive youth crisis services that incorporate family lived experiences in their design and operation.
For example, a teen may be in crisis because of an addiction, such as online gaming or social media use. They might be running away or engaging in risky sexual behaviors that put them at increased risk of HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancy.
If you notice a peer is in crisis, encourage them to get help. Offer to connect them with a counselor at Crisis Text Line or one of Foundry’s virtual services, like our peer support check-ins and groups for teens ages 12-24. Often, young people are more willing to take the first step if it is suggested by someone they trust.
5. Keep the Youth Safe
Youth often emerge as powerful agents of social change, but they also pose risks that can precipitate, fuel or prolong crisis. For example, young people may be drawn to armed groups – whether they join voluntarily or are forced – which can lead to conflict and violence.
Similar to adult crisis services, children and youth in need of assistance must be treated with respect and dignity and their families should be involved. SAMHSA includes family involvement as part of their model for addressing youth mental health crisis.
Keeping your program’s physical space safe and secure is essential for youth in crisis. Clearly define and monitor access points, including exits. Establish and enforce policies and procedures for granting or restricting access to specific areas by verifying identities, sign-ins/outs and/or badging.