Signs of a mental health crisis in children

The signs of a mental health crisis in children can vary depending on the child’s age, temperament, and the situation, but common signs include sudden, intense, or extreme changes in behavior, emotions, or functioning. Below are some key indicators that a child may be in crisis and in need of immediate support:

🚩 Emotional and behavioral signs of a mental health crisis in children

• Extreme mood swings — sudden and intense anger, sadness, or irritability.

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks — overwhelming fear, trembling, or breathlessness.

• Aggressive or violent behavior — harming others, animals, or destroying property.

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities — isolating themselves or refusing to engage.

• Talking about or threatening self-harm or suicide — expressing hopelessness, saying they want to die, or writing/drawing about death.

• Engaging in self-harm — cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury.

• Sudden outbursts or inability to calm down — inconsolable crying or rage that doesn’t subside.

  
  

🚩 Cognitive and verbal signs of a mental health crisis in children

• Confused thinking or seeming disoriented — not making sense, talking in ways that seem incoherent or illogical.

• Paranoia or excessive suspiciousness — believing others want to harm them without cause.

• Hallucinations or delusions — hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or holding false, fixed beliefs.

  
  

🚩 Functional and physical signs of a mental health crisis in children

• Dramatic changes in sleeping or eating habits — not sleeping at all, sleeping excessively, refusing to eat, or bingeing.

• Neglecting personal hygiene — sudden decline in taking care of themselves.

• Running away or talking about wanting to leave home — expressions of wanting to escape or disappear.

• Risk-taking behaviors — reckless actions that endanger their safety, like running into traffic or unsafe sexual behavior.

  
  

⚠ When to seek immediate help

You should seek emergency support (call 000 in Australia or take the child to the nearest emergency department) if:

• The child is actively trying to harm themselves or others.

• The child talks about suicide with a plan and intent.

• The child is severely disoriented, unable to respond appropriately, or experiencing psychotic symptoms.

• There’s an immediate threat to their safety or the safety of others.