How to Respond to a Mental Health Crisis

A Guide for Parents

 

Mental health crises can be overwhelming for both parents and children. This guide is designed to help you respond effectively if your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, particularly if they are exhibiting self-harm or suicidal ideations. It includes practical steps to take during a crisis and provides a list of local, state, and national resources available to you in Lane County, Oregon.

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs

When a child is considering suicide, there are several warning signs that parents should be aware of. These signs can be subtle or more obvious, and it’s important to take any signs seriously.

Here are some things to watch out for:

Changes in Behavior

  • Giving Away Belongings: A child may start giving away prized possessions or items that hold sentimental value, which can indicate that they are planning for a future without them.

  • Sudden Mood Improvement: After a period of depression or hopelessness, a child may suddenly appear to have a more positive outlook on life. This can be misleading, as it might indicate that they have resolved to end their life and are at peace with the decision.

  • Withdrawal from Friends and Family: A child may begin to isolate themselves, avoiding friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.

  • Loss of Interest in Hobbies: They might stop participating in activities or hobbies that used to bring them joy, which could be a sign of deepening depression or hopelessness.

  • Increased Risk-Taking: Engaging in reckless behavior, such as substance abuse, dangerous driving, or other high-risk activities, can be a way to test their limits or cope with their feelings.

Verbal Cues

  • Talking About Death or Suicide: Direct or indirect statements like “I wish I wasn’t here,” “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “I’m just tired of everything” are red flags that should be taken seriously.

  • Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness: Phrases like “There’s no point in trying,” “Nothing will ever get better,” or “I’m a burden to everyone” can indicate that they are struggling with suicidal thoughts.

  • Discussing Being a Burden: A child might express that they feel like a burden to others, which is a common theme in those considering suicide.

Emotional Changes

  • Intense Despair or Hopelessness: Persistent feelings of despair, sadness, or hopelessness that don’t seem to improve with time or intervention.

  • Sudden Calmness or Relief: After a period of intense emotional turmoil, a child may suddenly become calm and serene, which can indicate that they’ve made the decision to end their life.

  • Irritability or Agitation: Increased irritability, agitation, or anger, especially if it’s out of character or disproportionate to the situation.

Physical Changes

  • Changes in Sleeping Patterns: Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or erratic sleeping patterns can indicate underlying mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.

  • Changes in Eating Habits: Significant weight loss or gain, or a noticeable change in appetite, might be a sign that something is wrong.

  • Neglect of Personal Appearance: A child may stop taking care of their personal hygiene or appearance, which can be a sign of depression or hopelessness.

Social or Academic Indicators

  • Declining Academic Performance: A sudden drop in grades, loss of interest in school, or frequent absences may be signs of an internal struggle.

  • Avoidance of Social Interaction: Avoiding friends, skipping social activities, or showing disinterest in spending time with others.

  • Engaging in Farewell Behavior: Writing notes, posting on social media, or otherwise indicating that they are saying goodbye to others.

Unexplained Physical Complaints

  • Frequent Complaints of Physical Pain: Complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause can be linked to emotional distress or depression.

Immediate Steps to Take

1 - Stay Calm and Listen

Your child needs to feel heard and supported. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and acknowledge their feelings.

2 - Assess the Situation

  • Is there immediate danger? If your child has harmed themselves or is in imminent danger of doing so, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

  • Is your child talking about suicide? Take all mentions of suicide seriously. Ask directly if they are thinking about harming themselves or ending their life. This will not increase the risk but will help you gauge the severity.

3 - Remove Access to Means

If possible, remove any objects that could be used for self-harm or suicide, such as sharp objects, medications, or firearms.

4 - Provide Reassurance

Let your child know you are there for them and that help is available. Reassure them that they are not alone.

5 - Seek Professional Help

  • Contact your child’s mental health provider if they have one.

  • If they don’t have a provider or you need immediate help, use the resources listed below.

Local Resources in Lane County, Oregon

  • White Bird Crisis Line: 24/7 crisis support.

  • CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets): Mobile crisis intervention within Eugene and Springfield.

  • Lane County Behavioral Health: Offers mental health services and crisis support.

  • Looking Glass Youth & Family Services: Provides crisis intervention for youth.

  • PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center: Emergency psychiatric services.

    • Visit at 3333 RiverBend Drive, Springfield, OR 97477

    • Call (541) 222-7300

State and National Resources

  • Oregon YouthLine: Teen-to-teen crisis support and help.

  • Oregon Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7 crisis intervention.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis.

  • Crisis Text Line

    • Text “HOME” to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support.

  • The Trevor Project: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.

Long-Term Support and Follow-Up

Establish a Safety Plan

Work with a mental health professional to create a safety plan that includes triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts.

Connect with a Mental Health Professional

Ensure your child is connected with a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist for ongoing support.

Join Support Groups

Consider joining a parent support group or encouraging your child to join a peer support group.

Monitor and Follow Up

Continue to monitor your child’s well-being and maintain open communication about their feelings and progress.