Teens struggle with mental health all the time, and it can often lead to having undesired thoughts about oneself or others. Due to this, they often confide in others to help them when they are at their breaking point and can’t do it anymore.
Mental health within teens is more often severe and it always causes teens to see the worst in themselves or others. With help from professionals, they can have a healthy mindset and go on with their lives. However, some are not able to move on and it can be a severe case; this is when a 5150 can be put into action.
5150 is the number section of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and it allows someone who is having a mental health crisis to be detained involuntarily for a 72-hour psychiatric hospitalization and then be evaluated to confirm if one is either a danger to themselves, to others, or if they are gravely disabled. 5150 cases vary, but a commonality of teens who were detained for this are going in for suicidal ideation or attempt. Many suicide attempts within minors have increased over the course of the years, and has increased even more within young girls from ages 10 to 14.
A 5150 can seem harsh and scary to the patient, but it is only there to help someone who needs that assistance. If a teen is in a state where they need to be admitted to a hospital, a police officer, a mental health professional, or other mandated reporter, such as a teacher or school administrator, will then call to have one admitted. The purpose of it is to help stabilize the person and help them regulate how they’re feeling.
Fortunately, there are ways to help teens cope with being 5150d. Parents can help teens feel heard and validate the feelings they’re feeling. They might feel ashamed or embarrassed about having to have been put in this situation. But helping teens feel at ease will help them understand that the people around them are only trying to help. It’s best if one’s parents keep a hopeful attitude throughout the situation.
A 5150 is here to help those who truly need help and it is not meant to make one feel badly about the situation they are in. We can’t change what happens in life, so the people who help others are here to assist them and find a way to make things better once again.
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Cover photo courtesy of Nicole Burson
Mia Torres is a staff writer for The Lion's Roar. You can learn more information about the writer by clicking here.
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