Most parents know a certain amount of angst and rebellion is part of the teenage experience. But, if your teenager seems to be in a full-blown mental, emotional or behavioral crisis, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible.
Social factors like gun violence, economic insecurity and political polarization can make it hard for American youth to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
Symptoms
While adolescent mood swings are normal, when they are extreme or persistent it could be a sign of a mental health crisis. Symptoms that should be taken seriously include suicide thoughts, physical aggression or destruction of property.
Other warning signs include changes in a teenager’s sleep patterns, an inability to concentrate or a noticeable decline in their school performance. Unexplained headaches or stomach aches are also alarming. Regression to childhood behaviors such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting is another cause for concern.
In the case of a youth in crisis, it’s essential that parents, teachers and other adults know what to look for and how to help. A mental health crisis can occur when a child or teen is unable to care for themselves, expresses severe agitation, feels overwhelmed by negative emotions, or threatens to hurt themselves or others. If a young person is displaying these symptoms, it is time to call 911. They will be connected to a trained Mobile Crisis counselor who will help resolve the crisis over the phone and/or immediately come to their location if necessary.
Treatment
Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for youth in crisis. These include home-based behavioral health programs, intensive in-home crisis intervention, school-based mental health services, and specialized residential treatment facilities.
Psychologists are working to address the root causes of youth mental health challenges through research, advocacy, and policy change. They are also exploring new approaches to screening and promoting better access to care, such as mobile-based mental health services and improved care coordination for adolescents in foster care.
In addition, some states are implementing youth crisis receiving and stabilization facilities to support the comprehensive needs of young people experiencing a behavioral emergency. These facilities are often more comprehensive than 23-hour observation units or Living Room models and may be able to provide short-term management as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization. Some states also align these facilities with child welfare and juvenile justice systems to ensure a seamless transition and avoid duplication of efforts. Others use a “firehouse model” where community-based behavioral health supports are connected to these facilities through capitated payments.
Prevention
Efforts to prevent youth mental health crisis are gaining momentum as healthcare leaders and policymakers prioritize children’s well-being. Blending proactive and reactive strategies, these efforts can significantly improve outcomes and future-proof our societies.
Teens are at increased risk for mental health disorders due to many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences (such as living in a violent or unstable environment or experiencing trauma), and biological changes during adolescence. Behavioral health challenges can also arise from harmful or life-interfering coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, technology addiction, and/or self-harm.
If your teen is in a mental or emotional crisis, contact a residential treatment center immediately. These programs provide comprehensive care in a safe, nurturing, and controlled environment. They are designed to give teens the skills they need to thrive – both during their time in treatment and for the rest of their lives.
Support
As a community, we must support young people who are in crisis and their families. This includes providing positive, safe, and affirming educational environments; promoting social-emotional learning; expanding child welfare workforce capacity; implementing evidence-based prevention practices; and addressing trauma.
Symptoms of mental health disorders can become life-threatening in certain circumstances, including suicidal behaviors. Youth may be at risk of a suicide attempt due to feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness, particularly among girls, Hispanic students, and those who are bullied or in other forms of marginalization.
Other causes of crisis include substance abuse or an addiction to technology and gaming, such as when they spend more time on their phones than with family or friends. Running away can also be a sign of a crisis. To help address the needs of these vulnerable individuals, states are experimenting with strategies to support crisis stabilization and receiving facilities, such as braiding various funding sources for Medicaid reimbursement (e.g., a per-diem model) or partnering with specialized MMC programs to help them start up these facilities.