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De-escalation Techniques for Crisis SituationS

Author:
Jemma Strain
Jemma Strain
B.S. Psychology
Editor:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
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Managing mental health crises can be a frightening experience. You may not know if you’ll say the wrong thing, make the situation worse, or freeze on the spot. 

You might also not want to prepare for a situation that you hope won’t happen. However, if you’re a parent, teacher, or community leader, it may be important to understand how to manage crisis situations should they arise. 

Research shows that teen mental health conditions are on the rise. In 2023, roughly 20% of teens experienced a major depressive episode, with 13.4% having serious thoughts about suicide. Moreover, in 2022, 6.5% of U.S. teens made a suicide plan. These are alarming statistics – which signal that a teen mental health crisis response is necessary.1

If you’re unsure how to create de-escalation techniques for a crisis situation, professional mental health guidance is advised. However, this article can also help by covering:

  • What de-escalation techniques for teens are
  • How to support teens in crisis situations
  • Using non-violent communication skills during crisis situations
  • Seeking professional support in managing mental health crises
  • Crisis intervention strategies
  • When to seek support in a mental health crisis
De-escalation Techniques for Crisis Situations

What Are De-escalation Techniques for Teens?

By definition, a crisis is a short-term and overwhelming disruption to a teen’s normal state, where their usual ways of coping and problem-solving no longer work. While there is no magic wand for keeping troubling events from happening to a teen, there are ways to react to a crisis situation that can make a real difference. 

De-escalation techniques calm a situation and reduce tension and risk. De-escalation techniques for teens are not about control – they’re about seeing someone’s issues with compassion and providing support in constructive ways. Everyone deserves empathy and to be seen with a sense of “common humanity.” In times of crisis, teens may especially require this level of care. 

Additionally, if you’re concerned about a teen’s immediate safety, it may be necessary to consider calling 911. The nation’s emergency departments are often the first point of care during a mental health crisis and will understand how to support you and a teen during this time.2

Supporting Teens in Crisis Situations

The following are steps for supporting teens in crisis situations.3

1. Take an Empathetic Approach

If a teen’s actions or words seem irrational during a crisis situation, it’s important not to judge them – and especially important not to show judgment. Their actions during this time are not reflective of who they are. Instead, take an empathetic, supportive approach. Whether or not you find a teen’s actions or beliefs illogical, they’re very real to them. Let them know that you’re there to listen and support them in any way they need. 

2. Take Your Lead From Them

For some people, getting too close can feel like an invasion of personal space. Yet, others may want to feel physically comforted and supported. If a teen is experiencing a crisis situation, take your lead from them. It’s important to respect personal space, but also help the teen feel protected. It’s OK to ask if you can come closer to them or if they’d prefer more distance. Either way, remind them that you’re there for them. 

3. Prepare Ahead

It’s not always possible to prepare ahead for crisis situations – sometimes they can come out of the blue. However, there are often signals that a teen’s mental health is in decline, so you may be able to plan for a potential crisis. For instance, you could agree on a “script” with the other adults in the teen’s life. This script could include verbal messages that use non-violent communication (which we discuss later in this article) and a teen’s options for support. This way, you can make sure that no one acts confrontational or aggressive during a crisis situation. 

4. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

It’s not only the words you say that can portray a message during a time of crisis – your body can also communicate your intentions. What’s more, during moments of high emotions, a teen may be less likely to hear your words and more likely to focus on your body language. Therefore, be conscious of your facial expressions – including difficult-to-control micro-expressions – body language, and movements. Plus, your tone of voice can sometimes matter more than the words you say. 

5. Focus on Their Feelings Rather Than Their Actions

Questioning a teen in crisis about why they’re acting or thinking the way they are can escalate the situation. They may not fully understand the reasons behind their behaviors and may struggle to identify and connect their feelings to these. Asking open-ended questions about their emotions can help and could put their situation in perspective for them. For instance, you could ask, “How are you feeling right now? Are these feelings telling you that you need something?”

6. Avoid Entering Into a Debate

During times of crisis, a teenager may feel a lack of control over their thoughts and actions. Additionally, they may be scared – which could lead them to act in verbally aggressive ways. If a teen challenges your authority or says something personally hurtful, it’s important to remember that these words are coming from a place of fear. Responding in kind can add fuel to the fire of the crisis. Try to redirect their attention to how they’re feeling and what they need. You can also plan for such incidents in your script. 

7. Give Them Time to Process

Ask the teen how they would like to be supported. Putting the power of making a decision into their hands can give them a sense of control in an otherwise spiraling situation. You can suggest ways you can support them, such as by contacting loved ones or helping them get professional support. Give them time to respond; let them process your words or decide the type of support they need. 

8. Seek Professional Support

It can be difficult to know how to support a teen in a crisis, and you don’t have to figure out this situation by yourself. Mental health professionals can guide you through how to prepare for a mental health crisis and can offer support for teens in coping with their well-being. Additionally, even if you’re not immediately concerned about a teen’s safety, connecting with crisis services, such as the 988 Suicide Hotline, can provide you with resources and tools for protecting their mental health.  

Using Non-Violent Communication Skills During Crisis Situations

Non-violent communication is a form of expression that can help people resolve conflicts and reach resolutions in ways that make everyone involved feel listened to and understood. For communication to be successful, it’s important to consider where the sender and receiver of the message are coming from, the context of the situation, and the method of communication.4 

In many ways, non-violent communication can be considered the language of compassion. For this reason, this style of communicating can be especially helpful when applying de-escalation techniques for crisis situations. 

According to the non-violent communication framework, we can honestly express ourselves and empathetically listen to others by applying four elements to our communication style:

  • Observations
  • Feelings
  • Needs
  • Requests
Let’s break these elements down into how you can use non-violent communication skills during crisis situations.5

Steps to Non-Violent Communication for Conflict Resolution in Mental Health

1. Non-Violent Communication Skill #1: Observations

Observations involve the things we see and hear, which trigger a reaction in us. The key to observing in a crisis situation is to consider a teen’s actions and beliefs objectively – much like a video would capture a scene. The most important factor in observing is to remove personal judgments, biases, or interpretations of what is going on. 

When you can describe what is happening in a crisis to a teen, without including personal interpretations, it’s more likely that they will be open to receiving what you’re saying. For instance, you could say, “I can see that you’re distressed right now and might need support. Am I right in saying this?”

2. Non-Violent Communication Skill #2: Feelings

The second step in the non-violent communication framework is to identify feelings – including your own. Again, it’s important not to focus on words that describe our experiences rather than interpret someone else’s. By doing this, we take responsibility for our own emotions rather than applying blame to someone else for why we’re feeling this way. For example, in a crisis situation with a teen, you could say, “I feel concerned about what you might be going through” instead of expressing, “How you’re acting is making me concerned.” Note the use of “I” statements here. 

3. Non-Violent Communication Skill #3: Needs

We all have survival needs that need to be met, as well as varying psychological needs. However, in a crisis situation, how we communicate our needs comes down to what the situation requires and exploring strategies to meet them. For instance, your need for the situation might be to ensure that a teen is safe. In which case, you could say, “I want to make sure you’re OK. What steps can we take to help you feel safer?”

4. Non-Violent Communication Skill #4: Requests

The final step in non-violent communication is to identify and express actions that could de-escalate the crisis and check with the teen about how willing they are to participate. How you connect with the teen using the previous non-violent communication skills and de-escalation techniques in this article could affect a teen’s response to a request. For example, if they feel listened to and heard, they may be more willing to comply. 

Additionally, when making a request, be prepared to hear “No.” If this happens, keep the conversation going and figure out alternative ways of de-escalating the situation. Aim to keep your language concrete. For instance, saying, “I would like you to be able to get better” is less concrete than “Would you be willing to talk to me about how we can get you support to feel better?”

The key to applying non-verbal communication in de-escalation techniques for crisis situations is to continuously maintain empathy. A teen will likely be feeling confused and scared about what they’re going through, so they may try to push buttons. Yet, their actions are not a reflection of who they are as a person. Mission Prep can support you in applying non-verbal communication to a potential crisis situation.

Seeking Professional Support in Managing Mental Health Crises

Managing mental health crises requires quick, thoughtful actions. However, you don’t have to prepare for these situations by yourself. Mental health professionals are very familiar with managing mental health crises in teenagers, and often work to help community-based professionals develop their skills in this area. 

Mission Prep believes that mental health interventions targeted at every system of a teen’s life are the best way to produce long-lasting, positive change. For this reason, we regularly collaborate with families, schools, and communities to promote evidence-based crisis intervention strategies such as the following. 

Crisis Intervention Strategies:

  • Psychoeducation: Mental health education programs designed for staff and students can reduce stigma around mental health conditions. Additionally, staff can be trained in how to manage crises, for example, learning how to use non-violent communication skills. 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT has been shown to be effective in managing crisis situations involving a variety of mental health conditions. It works by targeting teens’ thoughts and actions, identifying negative patterns, and helping them build healthy ways of coping. A school counselor may also use CBT techniques.6
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Underlying trauma has been connected to mental health issues such as depression. EMDR has been shown to be beneficial in helping manage mental health crises that stem from these issues. It changes how these memories are stored in the brain, helping a teen move past trauma and form more positive beliefs.7

Additionally, if a teenager is experiencing a mental health crisis, they may require intensive outpatient or residential treatment for their needs. Mission Prep can discuss these options with a teen and the adults in their life, making sure the right steps are taken for a fruitful and positive recovery. 

De-escalation Techniques for Crisis Situations

Seeking Support for a Mental Health Crisis

Knowing how to support a teen during a crisis situation, such as by using de-escalation techniques and non-violent communication skills, means that a teenager will know they can trust you and turn to you for support. However, if you’re concerned about a youth’s immediate safety or that of someone else, it may be important to turn to emergency services. 

If you’re not concerned about a teen’s immediate well-being, the information in this article can work as a useful guide during a mental health crisis. However, it doesn’t replace professional support. 

Mission Prep can help. We help schools, families, and communities understand the signs of mental health crises and how to manage them in empathetic, outcome-driven ways. Mental health crises can be frightening, but we can see beyond behaviors to a teen’s underlying needs. Our clinically proven treatment options are available in a variety of locations, and are tailored to each school’s and teenager’s unique needs. 

Whether you have questions about how to prepare for a mental health crisis or are currently trying to manage one, Mission Prep’s team is available 24/7 to answer any concerns. Contact us today to learn more.

 

References

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-nnr.pdf
  2. ​​American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023, September). Mental health emergencies: Improving care for kids. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/mental-health-emergencies-improving-care-for-kids.aspx
  3. Crisis Prevention Institute. (2022, June 28). CPI’s top 10 de-escalation tips revisited. https://www.crisisprevention.com/blog/general/cpi-s-top-10-de-escalation-tips-revisited/
  4. Adriani, P.A., Hino, P., Taminato, M. et al. Non-violent communication as a technology in interpersonal relationships in health work: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 24, 289 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10753-2
  5. Gardner, A. (2023). Non-violent communication [Video]. Dartington Trust. https://www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/content-pages/videos/non-violent-communication/
  6. Wood, L., Williams, C., Pinfold, V., Nolan, F., Morrison, A. P., Morant, N., Lloyd-Evans, B., Lewis, G., Lay, B., Jones, R., Greenwood, K., & Johnson, S. (2022). Crisis-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) in acute mental health inpatient settings (the CRISIS study): Protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8, 205. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-022-01160-7
  7. Proudlock, S., & Peris, J. (2020). Using EMDR therapy with patients in an acute mental health crisis. BMC Psychiatry, 20, Article 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2426-7

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