Youth in crisis are a growing concern for many. They often have trouble getting the care they need and often end up in emergency rooms, hospitals and juvenile justice systems.
When children and teens experience a mental health crisis it’s important to recognize changes in their behavior, like self-harming or abusing substances. Having a plan in place can help to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
1. Call 911
During the Covid-19 pandemic many youth have found it difficult to cope with ongoing feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as suicidal thoughts or behaviors. As a result, rates of poor mental health and suicide have been climbing among American youth.
Despite the challenges, it is important to know what resources are available to help support young people in crisis. One option is to use our Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention (YMCI) program that sends crisis clinicians directly to the home or school to de-escalate, assess and stabilize a child on-site.
Whether they are experiencing a physical or emotional crisis, it is important for teens to feel heard and validated. Establishing a connection by actively listening, using open-ended questions, and ensuring confidentiality can all help to promote an environment of trust. These techniques also help to encourage teens to speak up and seek the care they need. This is why it is so important for parents to keep their eyes and ears open to any warning signs of a teen in crisis.
2. Talk to Your Child
Although it can be a difficult and scary talk, kids and teens want you to listen to them. They often want to share their feelings of anger, hopelessness and despair. Talking about these issues can help them feel less alone.
If they are in immediate danger (threatening themselves or others, engaging in self-injury), make sure to call 911. Explain the situation and ask for a response from an emergency responder trained in mental health crisis.
For situations that are not a clear emergency, talk with your child and listen to them. Use empathy first and problem-solving second, Sue advises. This will help them calm down and let them know you care. Creating a crisis plan with your child is another way to help them stay safe. The plan can also help you identify warning signs and know how to help when a crisis happens. This is especially important if they have a mental health diagnosis.
3. Ask for Help
The trauma of a crisis is often followed by isolation, and young people in particular may feel misunderstood. Having an open and nonjudgmental conversation is one of the best ways to help.
The conversations need to be developmentally appropriate: younger children need brief, simple information balanced with reassurance that they are safe. They also need to be taught to vet information and have a critical eye, especially when it comes to breaking news that is often full of misinformation.
Many youth fear that asking for help means they’ll be a burden or owe something to their loved ones. It’s important to help them realize that they are not a burden, and the people who care about them want to help them. Help them find resources for professional help. If they’re comfortable, sit with them as they call or go to their first appointment. If they’re reluctant, try to encourage them that therapy can be a way to get them out of the situation and back to normal.
4. Seek Professional Help
During a mental health crisis a young person can lose their ability to reason, think clearly or control their behavior. Often they will have a ‘fight or flight’ reaction that makes them feel irrational and act recklessly or dangerously. Professional behavioral health services are important to help them manage these times.
While anyone can experience mental health issues, some are at greater risk than others. Factors such as race, family income level, gender identity and sexual orientation can play a role.
The key is to recognize when a teen is experiencing a mental health crisis. Pay attention to any changes in their behavior and work with a mental health professional to diagnose the underlying issue. This may involve family therapy, individual counseling, medication or a combination of treatments. In addition, pediatricians can play a critical role in helping to destigmatize the need for mental health care. They have long-term relationships with children and are in a unique position to help identify early warning signs.