Youth have a significant role to play in responding to crises. Their energy and enthusiasm should be channelled into rebuilding their societies.
Provide young people with clear, developmentally appropriate information about the crisis and reassurance that they are safe. Monitor any drastic changes in behavior.
Encourage them to find new outlets that help them deal with stress. It could be a hobby, such as painting, or finding ways to relax and de-stress, like yoga.
Mental Health Issues
A number of mental health issues have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors and eating disorders.
Some youths face challenges that affect their ability to get quality care, including poverty and insufficient access to insurance or mental health services. Others face stigma and discrimination because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability status.
The causes of these trends are complex, but researchers cite both proximal and distal factors. Proximal factors include developmental changes, family dynamics, education and social media. Distal factors include economic struggles, climate change and political policies. Those issues can erode a young person’s sense of community. They can also lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. This can cause youth to act out in dangerous ways.
Substance Abuse
Youth in crisis experience a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, including substance abuse. Adolescents may be experimenting with drugs such as marijuana, alcohol or prescription painkillers for non-medical reasons. Often, this is due to peer pressure and can be a symptom of other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
They may not be able to stop drug use even when they know it is hurting them. They may develop cravings for the drug and need higher doses over time. They might steal money or items from their family members to buy the drug. They may also start to neglect their school responsibilities and cut back on social and work activities.
Substance abuse can also cause problems with their home life, such as arguments and aggression with family members or friends. They may also lose control of their emotions and become depressed or suicidal.
Homelessness
Youth who have experienced homelessness often report high rates of trauma, both while living on the street and prior to becoming homeless (Gaetz, 2004; Kidd, 2003; Whitbeck & Hoyt, 1999). In addition, many of these youth are forced to leave their homes because they are escaping domestic or sexual abuse at home.
Although previous studies have focused on understanding the challenges faced by youth who run away or become homeless, little has been done to understand the characteristics and needs of young people in crisis who are at risk for or experiencing homelessness. These youth are a unique group of individuals who present with different challenges and risks than those residing at home, yet may not have the resources they need to stay safe.
Abuse at Home
The impact of abuse on mental health can be profound, and it isn’t just physical violence. Emotional abuse, neglect and verbal abuse also hurt. Even witnessing abuse or knowing someone who is being abused can have an adverse effect on one’s mental health.
Children and teenagers can be abused by family members or friends, neighbors, teachers and coaches, among other adults. The abuse may be physical, emotional/psychological or sexual.
Some of the experiences that negatively affect a person’s mental health include being beaten, not having enough to eat, not having a safe home, feeling discriminated against or not being treated fairly, and experiencing trauma. Psychologists are studying the causes and impacts of these challenges, and working on solutions. They are creating new prevention tools and promoting mental health services.
Getting Help
For adolescents who are in crisis, there are many resources available. In some cases, a phone call to a local helpline is all that’s needed. These services are often staffed by master’s level clinicians who can assess the situation, make sure everyone involved is safe and offer next steps for care, including treatment or other supports.
Keep a close eye on your kids for drastic changes in behavior that could indicate mental health crisis. For example, quitting a team sport mid-season or dropping out of school are both signs of serious trouble.
A good place to start is with a primary care provider who can perform screenings. There are also national hotlines and text lines that can offer support. For example, YoungMinds Crisis Messenger (text HOME to 741741) provides 24/7 free and confidential text support to youth in crisis.