Many situations could trigger a mental health crisis in any young person. Around this time of year, it can range from a change in routine, loneliness, overwhelming amounts of pressure, a recent bereavement, and other scenarios.

A mental health crisis means different things to different people. You may feel your child’s mental health has been getting worse over time or that something has happened to make them feel this way. Young people that struggle with their mental health often have more difficulty and react differently to triggering situations.

In these circumstances, there are times when you need urgent support. It can be overwhelming, and you may feel unable to cope. No matter what your situation is, we are here to help.

How do I know if my child is having a mental health crisis?

There are several signs your child may be experiencing a mental health crisis, these can include:

• They might want to hurt themselves, or someone else
• They might hear voices
• They might see things that are not real
• They might think people are watching them or trying to hurt them
• Making threats to others or themselves
• Feeling low
• Suffering from intrusive thoughts

This list above contains many but not all of the possible signs that your child may be experiencing a crisis. It is best to follow your instincts. If you feel your child is behaving much differently than normal and the situation seems like it is getting out of control, then your child is most likely experiencing a crisis.

What do I do if I suspect my child is having a mental health crisis?

Once you have identified that your child could be having a mental health crisis, you may want to consider the following questions:

1. Do you feel your child is in immediate danger to themselves or others?
2. Can you handle the situation yourself or do you need help?
3. If you need help- what type of help do you need and from who?

If the answer to question one is yes, then please call for help immediately. We can offer telephone advice, support, or crisis counselling for young people concerned about a deterioration in their mental health. We also support parents and carers who are concerned about a young person.

• For South London and Maudsley CAMHS support, out-of-hours call the Crisis line on 020 3228 5980.
• Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm
• Weekends and Bank Holidays from 9 am to 11 pm

Opening Times over the Christmas holidays are 9 am to 11 pm on the following days:

• 24th December (Christmas Eve)
• 25th December (Christmas Day)
• 26th December (Boxing Day)
• 27th December
• 31st December (New Years’ Eve)
• 1st January (New Years’ Day)

Who do I call when the CAMHS Crisis Line is closed?

The 24hr Mental Health Crisis Line supports children and young people when the CAMHS Crisis Line is closed:

• Lewisham, Lambeth, Croydon, and Southwark call South London and Maudsley services on 0800 731 2864
• Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth call South West London and St George’ services on 0800 028 8000
• Greenwich, Bexley, and Bromley call Oxleas services on 0800 330 8590

What do I do if I am unable to keep people safe?

If you are with someone who has attempted suicide, call 999 and stay with them until the ambulance arrives.

What if I’m unsure whether my child needs help?

If you are not sure, it could help to have a conversation with the young person you’re concerned about. We understand that having this conversation with your child is not an easy thing to do. It can be terrifying and overwhelming. Here are some steps and tips below to help you start the conversation.

1. Tell your child what you have observed that is worrying you
2. Let them know you are here for them, and you want to help
3. Ask them as calmly and directly to explain how they’re feeling – just listen
4. If they are not willing to talk, please do not force them
5. Do not leave them alone if you feel they are at immediate risk
6. If your child is not in immediate danger, you should still seek assistance

For the CAMHS crisis line, call 020 3228 5980 during the hours above, or call 111 www.111.nhs.uk

How can I calm the situation down?

If your child has a safety plan, follow any planned strategies you have in place. If you do not yet have a safety plan, try any strategies you feel may be effective in this situation. The intensity of the situation can cause us to project our fears or opinions so do your best to stay calm.

Keep in mind that, your child may be frightened by the feelings they are experiencing. Symptoms such as suspiciousness or distorted thinking can cause your child to be fearful and not trust other people – even you.

You may also want to consider some of the following tips to help de-escalate the situation:

• Try to not raise your voice or talk too fast
• Try not to challenge your child even if what they are saying seems unreasonable to you
• Try to use positive words or phrases
• Stay with your child but try not to restrict their movement
• Listen actively and try to give positive support and reassurance
• Ask simple questions and repeat them if necessary
• Try not to take your child’s actions or comments personally
• Don’t handle the crisis alone if you have people who can support you
• Try to remove all sharp and dangerous objects from your child’s room and the home that might be thrown during a rage or used to harm themselves
• If you care for more than one child, it could be beneficial to have a plan and a safe place for other children to go when a crisis occurs, if available to you

If you’re worried about a young person’s mental health, we can support you in the following ways:

• If you need support call the CAMHS Crisis Line on 020 3228 5980 or South London & Maudsley’s 24hrs Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 731 2864
• If you are with someone who has attempted suicide, call 999 and stay with them until the ambulance arrives

Extra help

You can also get support from the following places:

Childline

Childline offers a free confidential helpline for children and young people in distress and offers support from counsellors online. Call 0800 1111, or get in touch via www.childline.org.uk

Shout

Shout is a 24-hour text service for anyone in crisis or struggling to cope. Text Shout at 85258, or visit www.giveusashout.org

Samaritans

24-hour confidential emotional support for people experiencing distress, call 116 123.

Kooth online counselling service

A free, safe, and anonymous support online wellbeing community is available at www.kooth.com