Youth are key social actors in both prevention and crisis response. But they can also be radicalized, manipulated and used to fuel and perpetuate violence or instability.
Biological changes, life events like the death of a friend or family member, isolation, bullying, being part of a marginalized group or experiencing poverty can all trigger mental health crises for young people.
What is a crisis?
Adolescence is a time of significant change in a young person’s life. They are at an age when they often struggle to cope with the challenges that they face and may engage in risk-taking behaviors or self-harm. They also are often exploring their sexuality, relationships and feelings and can be more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions.
A crisis is a situation in which someone’s ability to function normally and care for themselves is disrupted. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including a lack of healthy coping skills, neglect of personal hygiene or sleep patterns and poor eating habits. Family situations such as child abuse, the death of a loved one or financial stress can also trigger a crisis.
Many communities have crisis programs to support people in times of need. They can include hotlines, walk-in centers and partial hospitalization programs (often referred to as day treatment). It is a good idea to become familiar with these options and save the number for a local crisis program in your child or teen’s phone so that they know who to call if they ever need help.
What are the signs of a crisis?
Depending on their age and emotional development, young children may experience a range of reactions after experiencing or witnessing a crisis. They may have physical problems such as stomachaches or headaches, become clingy or demanding, and develop nightmares. They may also show a return of behaviors they outgrew (for example, thumb-sucking or bed-wetting).
Teens and youth in general in a mental health crisis often experience extreme moods and sudden changes in behavior. They may express feelings of hopelessness or despair, self-harm thoughts and actions, severe agitation, and/or destruction of property.
The best way to help a person in a mental health crisis is by offering them support and resources, ensuring their safety and helping them find ways to cope. Identifying and addressing environmental triggers that lead to problem behaviors can also prevent a crisis from occurring. This includes conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment to identify underlying causes and developing proactive intervention strategies.
What are the best ways to help a child or teen in crisis?
It’s important to talk openly with your child about mental health issues and warning signs. A teen who feels comfortable discussing their feelings with you may be more likely to seek help when they are in a crisis.
If your child is in danger of hurting themselves or others, it’s a mental health emergency and you should call 911. You should also connect them with local resources, such as a crisis line or therapist.
It’s a good idea to work with your teen on creating a crisis plan, so they know what to do in case they experience a mental health crisis. Having this conversation early on can also make it easier to discuss in the future when your teen is experiencing more severe symptoms and needs more intensive care.
Where can I find help for a child or teen in crisis?
There are a variety of treatment options for a child or teen in crisis. One option is an assessment center that specializes in assessing teenagers in mental health crises. These centers can help identify the underlying causes of the crisis and provide recommendations for treatment.
Another option is outpatient therapy. This is a form of psychotherapy that involves meeting with a therapist on a regular basis, usually once or twice a week. This type of therapy is typically covered by health insurance plans.
Finally, if your child or teen is in an immediate danger of harming themselves or others, you should take them to the emergency department of your local hospital. If they are not an immediate danger, but they are exhibiting signs of severe depression or anxiety, it may be appropriate to call a suicide hotline or text TALK to 741741. A trained crisis counselor can help you figure out what the next steps should be.