Simone Lawson
Recognizing that a child is experiencing a mental health crisis can be difficult, and parents may struggle to distinguish between a crisis situation and a bad day or phase. A mental health crisis is any situation in which a child's feelings and behaviors can lead them to hurt themselves or others, or put them at risk of being unable to care for themselves or function effectively. This may manifest as major changes in eating or sleeping habits, or an inability to perform daily functions, such as maintaining proper hygiene. A child in crisis may also display severe agitation, aggression, or hostility, or begin to isolate themselves from friends and family. If a child is threatening self-harm or expressing suicidal thoughts, this constitutes a mental health emergency, and immediate action must be taken to ensure everyone's safety.
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What You'll Learn
Suicidal thoughts or statements
As a parent or caregiver, it is important to trust your instincts and not ignore these warning signs. While it can be challenging to confront the possibility of your child's suicidal ideation, research has shown that talking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide attempts. Instead, open communication can provide an opportunity for the child to express their thoughts and feelings, allowing you to assess the situation and seek professional help.
If you suspect your child is having suicidal thoughts, it is essential to address the situation as soon as possible. Here are some steps to consider:
- Stay with your child: Ensure that your child is not left alone. Your presence can provide support and help prevent impulsive actions.
- Remove potential hazards: Take precautions by removing any objects that could be used for self-harm, such as sharp objects, medications, or anything else that might cause harm.
- Express care and concern: Let your child know that you care about them and want to help. Reassure them that seeking professional help is important and that things can get better with the right support.
- Seek professional help: Contact your local Community Mental Health Crisis Centre or your state or territory mental health service. They can provide guidance and referrals to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counsellors, or psychiatrists.
- Create a safe space: If your child is willing, encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Let them know that you won't keep their suicidal thoughts a secret if you believe their life is in danger.
- Crisis hotlines and text lines: Services like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Crisis Text Line offer 24/7 support and can provide immediate assistance in crisis situations.
- Emergency services: If your child is in imminent danger or you feel the situation is escalating, call 911 or your local emergency number. Let the operators know that your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, as they may have responders trained in supporting youth in such situations.
Remember, it is important to take any talk of suicide seriously. Even if your child does not exhibit obvious signs of crisis, trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to seek professional help and support.
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Self-harm or harming others
Self-harm in children is a serious issue that has seen a significant increase, especially during stressful times such as the start of a new school year. It is important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and aware of the signs of self-harm, as well as the resources available to support their child's mental health.
Self-harm refers to the deliberate destruction of one's body as an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, frustration, or anger. While it may not always be a suicidal act, self-harm can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences if left untreated. It is often done in private, targeting areas of the body that can be easily hidden, such as the arms, legs, and torso. Common methods of self-harm include cutting, hitting, poisoning, or burning.
If you suspect your child is engaging in self-harm, it is crucial to address the issue without judgement and listen to them non-reactively. Recognize that professional help may be required and consider contacting local crisis services or a mental health crisis centre. It is important to have open conversations about the struggles your child may be facing and encourage healthy habits such as physical activity, adequate sleep, and nutritious foods to build resilience.
Harming others can manifest in different ways, including physical, verbal, or indirect forms. Some children may exhibit callous-unemotional traits, also known as limited prosocial emotions, which are characterized by a lack of empathy and a disregard for how their actions impact others. This can lead to intentional harm towards people, animals, or property, as well as rule-breaking and defiance. Conduct disorder is a diagnosis given to children who exhibit a persistent pattern of such behaviours.
It is important to understand the underlying causes of a child's desire to harm others. Often, anger can be a secondary emotion stemming from primary emotions such as fear, sadness, confusion, or frustration. Children may witness anger being used as an emotional release or a powerful remedy in their environment, leading them to emulate such behaviours. It is crucial to provide children with proper attention, social and emotional growth, and a safe space to express their feelings.
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Extreme emotions and behaviour
Firstly, if a child is expressing a desire to harm themselves or others, this is a clear sign of crisis. They may make explicit statements such as "I want to die" or express feelings of being "better off dead". These statements should always be taken seriously, and professional help should be sought immediately.
Beyond explicit statements, there are other behavioural indicators. A child may begin to isolate themselves from friends and family, beyond their usual preference for alone time. This could be a sign of depression or anxiety and should be addressed. Additionally, if a child suddenly loses interest in activities they once loved and fails to engage with new ones, it may be a cause for concern.
Other extreme behaviours may include severe agitation, aggression, or damage to property. These behaviours can put the child or others at risk and should be addressed with the support of mental health professionals.
It's important to trust your instincts and seek help if you're concerned. Many mental health resources are available to provide support and guidance, such as crisis hotlines, text lines, and emergency services.
Remember, every child is unique, and what may seem like a "bad day" for one child could be indicative of something more serious for another. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best, so pay attention to any significant changes or extreme behaviours and don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Inability to perform daily functions
A mental health crisis in a child can manifest as an inability to perform daily functions. This may include self-care activities such as brushing their teeth and hair, bathing, or changing clothes. It is important to recognize these signs as they indicate that the child may be struggling with their mental health and may need intervention.
Signs and Symptoms
- Changes in Self-Care: Look out for changes in their ability or motivation to perform daily self-care tasks. This can include basic hygiene practices, such as brushing their teeth, taking a shower, or maintaining proper grooming.
- Eating and Sleeping Habits: Changes in eating and sleeping habits are also common indicators. This may involve a significant decrease or increase in appetite, or disturbances in their sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, sleeping too much, or irregular sleep schedules.
- School Performance and Attendance: Keep an eye on their school performance and attendance. If your child is struggling with their mental health, they may find it challenging to get through a typical school day. They might frequently miss school or experience a sudden decline in academic performance.
- Loss of Interest: Take note if your child suddenly loses interest in activities they once enjoyed and fails to engage with new ones. This could be a sign of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
- Social Withdrawal: If your child starts isolating themselves from friends and family beyond their usual preference for alone time, this could be a red flag. Social withdrawal may indicate a struggle with their mental health and could be a cry for help.
What to Do
- Trust Your Instincts: You know your child best. If you feel that your child may be experiencing a mental health crisis, it is crucial to act promptly.
- Seek Professional Help: Contact local crisis services, mental health professionals, or your child's therapist if they have one. Many communities have responders specifically trained to support youth in mental health crises.
- Create a Crisis Plan: Develop a crisis preparedness plan in advance to know how to respond effectively in an emergency. Identify warning signs, emotional triggers, and a support system of family and friends who can help during a crisis.
- Keep Open Lines of Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and suicide. Ensure your child knows they can come to you if they are struggling.
- Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Contact crisis hotlines, text lines, or emergency services if you are concerned about your child's immediate safety.
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Loss of interest in activities
Anhedonia can create a cycle from which it is hard to break free. Due to decreased interest, one might stop spending time with others and engaging in activities that normally help reduce stress. This can lead to increased isolation, decreased activity, and lower social support, which can then contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
If your child is experiencing a loss of interest in activities, there are several things you can do to help:
- Encourage physical activity: Even small amounts of physical activity can improve mood and reduce feelings of sluggishness and tiredness. Exercise releases endorphins, boosts mood, and improves sleep.
- Spend time outdoors: Spending time in nature can help improve mood and sleep.
- Establish a healthy routine: Daily rituals and routines can help reduce stress and provide a sense of control.
- Utilize support networks: Ensure your child knows they are not alone by maintaining open communication with friends and family.
- Seek professional help: If you suspect your child's loss of interest is due to depression or another mental health condition, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, assessments, and treatment plans.
It is important to trust your instincts and take action if you feel your child is in crisis or experiencing a mental health emergency. If you feel your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, or if their emotions and behaviour seem extreme and out of control, it is crucial to seek immediate help. You can call emergency services, local crisis lines, or take your child to the nearest emergency room. Many communities have responders trained to support youth in mental health crises.
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Frequently asked questions
A mental health crisis is when a child is at risk of hurting themselves or others, or if their emotions and behaviour seem extreme and out of control.
Signs of a mental health crisis in a child may include expressing suicidal thoughts, either through explicit statements such as "I want to die" or more vague statements such as "I don't want to be here anymore". Other signs may include a change in ability or motivation to perform daily functions, such as proper hygiene, eating and sleeping.
If you feel your child's life or someone else's life is in danger, this is an emergency. You must take immediate action to keep everyone safe. Call 911 (or a local crisis line) or go to your nearest emergency room.
It is important to keep open lines of communication with your child and let them know that you are a safe and trustworthy resource. There are also many hotlines and text lines that provide crisis intervention services and resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Crisis Text Line (text TALK to 741741).
As a parent or caregiver, you can take proactive steps such as creating a crisis plan and keeping an open dialogue with your child about mental health and suicide. It is also important to remain alert and trust your instincts, as you know your child best and can recognise when they may be building towards a crisis.
