A health crisis is an urgent situation affecting the health and well-being of people in an area. This can include disease outbreaks, environmental disasters and other humanitarian crises. The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a health disaster that left many homeless. In 2008, a melamine contamination scandal impacted food safety in China, leading to contaminated milk and infant formula that caused illnesses in many families.
Research has shown that mental health crises can cause long-term damage to individuals and their families. In the United States, these problems can include drug overdoses, suicide and other forms of self-inflicted harm. They can also contribute to a range of other problems, including poverty, incarceration and homelessness.
A public health approach can help to address these issues. This includes efforts to improve the environments where people live, work and learn, with a focus on addressing social determinants of health. It can also include education in coping skills, emotional resilience and early warning signs for distress. It can also support programs for children, young adults and communities of color, as well as training to address trauma and stress for teachers, law enforcement and others.
Despite this, a significant number of individuals face mental health crisis without access to care. This is especially true for youth. Providing resources, like teletherapy and psychiatric apps that can help in the moment, as well as crisis intervention services for those who do not seek out help, can provide a vital lifeline to those in need.