At Somethings, we understand the importance of crisis management and prioritize the well-being of your teen during challenging situations. While our mentors are trained to provide support for the normal stressors of adolescent life, it is crucial to recognize when more serious issues arise. Here's how we address crisis management and intervention in our mentor training, ensuring the safety and appropriate handling of extreme emotional distress or complex situations:

Identifying Warning Signs

Our mentors are educated on recognizing warning signs that indicate a situation may be escalating into a crisis. These signs include heightened emotions such as prolonged crying, extreme anger or frustration, and the duration of distress lasting over multiple communication sessions.

They are also trained to be alert to the potential severity of the situation, including recognizing signs of highly sensitive topics like sexual assault, eating disorders, or major depressive episodes.

Role and Boundaries of Mentors

Our mentors understand that their role is not that of a care provider or therapist, but rather to provide support and guide teenagers through the challenges they face.

If a mentor feels that a mentee's disclosure falls into the categories mentioned above, they are encouraged to remind the mentee that they are not equipped to manage such situations and direct them to appropriate resources for specialized help.

Understanding Crisis Intervention

Crisis is defined as a state of acute emotional upset that disrupts a person's ability to cope using their usual problem-solving strategies.

Our mentors are trained to identify the precipitating factors that may convert a vulnerable state into a crisis and are familiar with the symptoms of psychological and physical agitation.

Providing Support and Resources

During a crisis, our mentors focus on relieving pain and providing active listening. They encourage mentees to express their feelings and help them identify the underlying causes of the crisis.

Mentors explore potential solutions and available options to assist mentees in problem-solving.

When necessary, mentors direct mentees to appropriate resources for further help, such as therapists, hotlines, or crisis centers.

Establishing Verbal Contracts

Mentors are trained to sustain and support mentees during a crisis by lowering anxiety, guilt, and tension.

They help mentees develop verbal contracts that reinforce a commitment to seek help, ensure safety, and follow through with action plans.

High-Level Procedure

If a mentee displays signs of crisis, mentors are trained to ask directly if they are feeling suicidal and assess the level of lethality.

If the situation is non-lethal, mentors establish verbal contracts with mentees, ensuring they promise not to attempt self-harm, provide essential resources, and schedule follow-up calls.

In cases where the situation appears lethal, mentors immediately message their supervisor for coordinated action, including contacting emergency services if necessary.

Promoting Safety and Compassion

During crisis situations, mentors emphasize the need for professional help and encourage mentees to stay connected with resources.

If paramedics are dispatched, mentors ensure the mentee understands the need for assistance and end the call promptly to allow medical professionals to take over.

Mentors validate mentees' emotions, even if they express anger or frustration, and emphasize their genuine concern for their well-being.

We are dedicated to training our mentors in crisis management, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle challenging situations while prioritizing the safety and support of your teen.