What causes a children's mental health crisis

Many things can lead to a mental health crisis.

Increased stress, changes in family situations, bullying at school, substance use, and trauma or violence at home or in the community may trigger the sudden appearance of or an increase in behaviors or symptoms that lead to a mental health crisis.

Medical illnesses can also affect a child’s mental health and can lead to a crisis. These issues are difficult for everyone, but they can be more difficult for someone living with a mental illness. This is especially true for a child who probably doesn’t understand their illness and its symptoms.

Here are some examples of situations or stressors that can trigger a mental health crisis:

• Home or Environmental Triggers
• Changes in the family—parents separate, divorce or remarry
• Loss of any kind—family member or friend due to death or relocation
• Loss of family pet
• Transitions between parent's homes
• Strained relationships with step-siblings or step-parents
• Changes in friendships: boyfriend, girlfriend, partners
• Having a family member with an illness
• Fights or arguments with siblings or friends
• Conflict or arguments with parents
• Family poverty
• Trauma or exposure to violence

School Triggers:
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• Worrying about tests and grades
• Overwhelmed by homework or projects
• Feeling singled out by peers or feelings of loneliness
• Pressures at school, transitions between classes and school activities
• Bullying at school
• Pressure from peers
• Suspensions, detentions or other discipline
• Use of seclusion or restraints
• Misunderstood by teachers who may not understand that the child’s behavior is a symptom of their mental illness
• Children’s perception that they are being culturally disrespected or are being discounted
• Real or perceived discrimination

Other Triggers:
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• Stops taking medication or misses a few doses
• Starts new medication or new dosage of current medication
• Medication stops working
• Use of drugs or alcohol
• Pending court dates
• Being in crowds or large groups of people
• Community violence or trauma
• Major crisis in the world such as natural disasters, terrorism, pandemics
•  Arrest or justice involvement

Learn more by reading NAMI Minnesota's "Mental Health Crisis Planning for Children" booklet.

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Content taken from NAMI Minnesota's "Mental Health Crisis Planning for Children" booklet.