Supporting Youth Mental Health

Earlier this month the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, stated that young people are facing overwhelming mental health effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation.  This 53-page report noted that the pandemic intensified already wide spread mental health issues. 
Dr. Murthy issued an urgent call to address the youth mental health crisis. The Surgeon General also recognizes what we know to be true: that mental health cannot be treated separately from our overall health, and that we need society-wide solutions so that everyone can access affordable, high-quality, competent mental health care.
 
The report states half of all people who experience a mental health condition in their lifetime begin experiencing symptoms before the age of 14, and 75% begin experiencing them by age 24. Half of young people with mental health conditions do not get treatment, despite our knowledge that early intervention works.
 
Far too often, young people experience stigma that invalidates their struggles with mental health.
Far too often, young people are treated as if they are incapable of experiencing mental illness.
Far too often, young people don’t get the help they need.
 
How can we expect our youth to reach out for help with challenging symptoms when they often only receive more pain than help? When they think they will be stigmatized or told they are “too young to be so sad?” As a society, we should be encouraging young people to be open about their mental health rather than allowing them to struggle in silence. Especially considering what’s at stake: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34. In other words, fighting stigma matters. Polara Health is committed to fighting stigma so that future generations are encouraged to get help when they need it.
 
It is also important that we provide programs, opportunities and activities that engage and support youth mental health. One example is a high school on the east coast that operates a youth mental health support group. The faculty-supported club provides a supportive environment for students to share their thoughts and feelings. It was started by a student who attempted suicide, and afterward wanted to help her fellow students and help reduce the stigma of youth suicide. 
 
Like any other health emergency, it’s important to address a mental health crisis like suicide quickly and effectively. The behaviors of a person experiencing a crisis can be unpredictable, changing dramatically without warning.
 
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
It’s important to know that warning signs are not always present when a mental health crisis is developing. Common actions that may be a clue that a mental health crisis is developing:
♦ Inability to perform daily tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, brushing hair, changing clothes
♦ Rapid mood swings, increased energy level, inability to stay still, pacing; suddenly depressed, withdrawn; suddenly happy or calm after period of depression
♦ Increased agitation verbal threats, violent, out-of-control behavior, destroys property
♦ Abusive behavior to self and others, including substance use or self-harm (cutting)
♦ Isolation from school, work, family, friends
♦ Loses touch with reality (psychosis) - unable to recognize family or friends, confused, strange ideas, thinks they’re someone they’re not, doesn’t understand what people are saying, hears voices, sees things that aren’t there
♦ Paranoia
 
Techniques that May Help De-escalate a Crisis:
✔ Keep your voice calm
✔ Avoid overreacting
✔ Listen to the person
✔ Express support and concern
✔ Avoid continuous eye contact
✔ Ask how you can help
✔ Keep stimulation level low
✔ Move slowly
✔ Offer options instead of trying to take control
✔ Avoid touching the person unless you ask permission
✔ Be patient
✔ Gently announce actions before initiating them
✔ Give them space, don’t make them feel trapped
✘ Don’t make judgmental comments

• Don’t argue or try to reason with the person

If you don’t believe there is an immediate danger to the person in crisis, call your local mental health provider, a psychiatrist, a therapist or family physician that is familiar with the person’s history. If the situation is life-threatening don’t hesitate to call 911 and ask for immediate assistance. When you call 911, tell them someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and explain the nature of the emergency, your relationship to the person in crisis and whether there are weapons involved. Ask the 911 operator to send someone trained to work with people experiencing a mental crisis such as a Crisis Intervention Training officer, CIT for short.
 
Resources:
NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults
NAMI: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis Guide
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Mental-Health-Crisis/Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis?utm_source=website&utm_ medium=cta&utm_campaign= crisisguide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. Call any time of day or night, 800-273-TALK (8255) or chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Report: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf
Polara Health Crisis Stabilization Unit - 8633 E. Eastridge Drive Prescott Valley. AZ - Open 24/7
928-445-5211 polarahealth.com
 
Knowing that they have somewhere to turn can make all the difference for a young person as they cope with today’s unique pressures. Even more, it can help them build a strong foundation for mental health as they transition into adulthood and throughout their lives.

Deanna Eder, Polara Health Director of Marketing & Communications

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