Experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis means feeling at breaking point and in need of urgent help.
Situations that might trigger or contribute towards experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis for children and young people:
It is not just the situation itself but the thoughts the young person is experiencing along with the situation. For example, self-criticism, thoughts about not coping, about wanting to escape emotional pain. Recovery is about being able to manage difficult thoughts and feelings in a more helpful way, and deal with the situation, if that has triggered the crisis more effectively, if that is possible.
Every young person could benefit from having their own coping plan, whether they are known to experience episodes of crisis or not. A coping plan can be completed by anyone but should always be done with a young person.
A coping plan should consider the following;
Watch a video of someone completing this coping and crisis plan with a young person here:
Getting support
Scroll to the bottom of the page for lots of useful resources
Now showing: Video 1 of 8
Video description: How to make a Crisis Coping Plan with a Young Person - An Introduction
Video description: How to create a personal crisis and coping plan with a young person
Video description: Grounding Techniques
Video description: Breathing Techniques
Video description: Make your own self-soothe box
Video description: A-Z of coping strategies
Video description: CARE (Coping and Resilience Education Skills); A 45minute workshop for adults on understanding young people's emotions and how to support them with emotional resilience and mental health
Video description: Supporting a young person in crisis