A mental health crisis can be similar to leaky water pipes. The pipes might first have a subtle and slow leak, where caregivers notice small signs that the child is experiencing some mental distress. This is a good time to check in and connect with the young person.
However, many times the leak might not be seen, and instead the crisis feels like an obvious emergency, pipes bursting, where safety and stability are the top priorities. In those moments, it is key for caregivers to stay calm, offer safe options, and reach out to support from professionals who are trained in de-escalating a mental health crisis.
A mental health crisis can prevent someone from caring for themselves, and the stress of the moment can be increased when the person in crisis is a child or young adult. Mental health advocates, clinicians, and parents worked together to create the Handling a Mental Health Crisis resource to provide tangible suggestions for caregivers on how to approach the challenging moments with clarity and compassion. Page two lists on-demand supports for parents and youth to utilize to help de-escalate the bursting pipes of a mental health crisis.
Access the Handling a Mental Health Crisis guide in English, Spanish, and Hmong.
Do you need help now? Call, text or chat 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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