What is Crisis?
In the course of an individual’s life, it is necessary and inevitable for hardship and turmoil to strike. While one may believe that a crisis is simply experiencing these hardships and turmoils, this is not the case. Indeed, a crisis is generally defined as “the breakdown of coping behavior that may have been adequate in the past” (National Interagency Fire Center [NIFC], 2014). In other words, a crisis is more than just facing difficulties; it is when the strategies normally used to cope with or overcome said difficulties fail. Moreover, this sense of crisis is worsened into a severe state when new methods of coping are developed, yet also fail in restoring the individual to the status quo ante. NIFC (2014) adds that crises can manifest into dangerous consequences when this failure to adapt to hardship becomes so overwhelming as to instead lead the individual to adapt negatively. This would entail a complete and utter rejection of life as previously lived; in place of positive efforts to restore a semblance of emotional balance to the individual, a person in crisis tends toward destructive tendencies including suicide attempts. Expectedly, it is of utmost importance that the individual, either through self-reflection or peer support, extricates themself from a state of crisis to a state of adaptation.
Furthermore, it is imperative that different types of crises be defined and established if the nature of a crisis is to be understood adequately. Firstly, NIFC (2014) asserts that a developmental crisis is that type of crisis such as puberty or marriage that results from a normal life change. Generally, these kinds of crises are demonstrably rites of passage and simply expected. It is evident that in these cases, returning to the status quo is not exactly possible as said changes are monumental in re-ordering nearly every aspect of the individual’s life. For example, the individual who is experiencing a developmental crisis from marriage cannot return to a state of non-marriage or act as if their marriage is not going to be a part of their life any longer. This is why developmental crises force the individual to adapt to their new environment with new coping skills, which will be expressed in greater detail in Section III.
Secondly, the situational crisis is what most people may envision when hearing of the word “crisis” in general; a terrible experience such as illness or loss instills unnerving trauma into the suffering individual (NIFC, 2014). Unlike the developmental crisis, situational crises are not expected whatsoever and hit the individual like a truck. This explains why these crises are generally seen as more stressful and more difficult to escape from. Also unlike developmental crises, it is technically possible for a person to return to the status quo and recover completely from an illness such as cancer. This can be attributed in large part to medical procedures, but coping mechanisms that the individual held before can be utilized to great effect in overcoming the hardships expectedly experienced in a cancer battle. However, some situational crises such as the loss of a beloved wife or friend can be so debilitating and jarring in its implications and actual effects that recovery is simply not possible. In this latter scenario, adaptation to new coping mechanisms and a new status quo are effectively the only options left.
Given that a crisis appears to generally require the adaptation to new coping mechanisms in an attempt to overcome debilitating hardships, it is necessary to outline promising prevention and preparation measures. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association [CMHA] (2014), crisis prevention can include simple processes such as monitoring individual symptoms for any notable changes in behavior or mood, learning stress-management skills, planning ahead for upcoming stressful events, and finally going to a mental health professional when individual changes are eventually noticed. It is crucial to note that these processes do not fit all sizes of crises; as stated prior, an individual experiencing a severe situational crisis cannot plan ahead for upcoming stressors, but they can always resort to self-monitoring and eventual checkup with mental health professionals when they consistently fail in addressing the crisis at hand.
With these prevention measures in mind, it is now possible to take on the preparation measures that are required to actually take the steps necessary to overcome crises and return to a normal life, even if the individual must now live in a “new normal”. CMHA (2014) acknowledges that an action plan is a voluntary agreement, between the individual in crisis and their mental healthcare provider or loved ones, that expresses to others what the individual desires before another crisis occurs; such an agreement may include the following components: signs the individual is not feeling well, warning signs and treatment preferences, list of medications or alternative treatments, and contact information for health professionals. The action plan attempts to prepare for crises before they occur, and it is an intuitive method to do so. This is because crises often leave the individual “not thinking in the right mind” and cognitively distorted as a result of trauma or other serious impacts on their mental wellbeing, which is why the action plan is crucial to express to the proper observers that the individual requires treatment and where they can get said treatment from.
- Written by David
How to Deal With a Crisis
1) Understand normal reactions: the feelings of shock, fear, disbelief, and sadness can affect all areas of our lives. All of these reactions are normal to abnormal situations.
2) Be intentional in self-care: Be patient! However, you also want to be deliberate in daily choices that can bring healing and health. Take care of yourself!
Spend time with friends and family.
Go for a walk.
Take a bubble bath
Read a good book.
These and other activities of self-care can go a long way to balance the trauma of events outside our control. They bring emotional and physical relief and are necessary for preventing further strife and turmoil.
3) Recognize the need for help: It is important to reach out when you are struggling and not keep it all inside. Seek help early on and do not wait until it is too late.
- Written by Hang
Crisis Alert - Helping Someone Who May Need It
For the person who may be in a crisis and for those who aim to support them, the situation proves to be quite terrifying. However, not to fear, WISE is here! Although being a supporter of an individual undergoing a crisis poses some challenges and difficulty, a support system is vital and can make a world of a difference.
It is key to note the signs that may point to an ongoing crisis in order to indicate any silent suffering that may or may not be explicit as full support is critical in a crisis situation.
Dignity Health provides some signs that someone may be in a crisis:
Speaking of self-harm or a wish to die
A recent traumatic experience
Mood swings
A change in personality
Withdrawing from life
Expressing a feeling of hopelessness
Sleeping too much or not enough
Seeing things that are not there or hearing voices
Reckless behavior
Exhibiting extreme anxiety or paranoia
Regardless of whether you indicate the person having any of the signs above or if the person comes directly to you, it is important to plan how you will help. In particular, Healthline mentions that if a person may be in a crisis, your support in addition to long-term support (such as through professional help) may occur. If there seems to be not enough of a support system, you could help them find what resources are out there (such as affordable therapy possibilities). It is essential that you encourage the individual to get help. The person also should be reassured that help is available and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A light in which they will one day heal and recover from the crisis. In addition, an important way to help is to listen without judging the person. At times, the best thing to say is to say nothing at all. A person undergoing a crisis may just need someone to confide in, someone to listen to them pour out the emotional turmoil they are undergoing. One must never express criticism about the individual’s state of mind nor the choices they want to make in order to heal.
Furthermore, self-care is important for the individual experiencing the crisis and the supporter. You should encourage the individual undergoing a crisis to take care of themselves during their troubling times.
In terms of what individuals should not do, even if a person may be in a crisis, they should still be treated as autonomous individuals and have decisions over their mental health. No decision should be taken from them nor made for them.
It is also important to note that it is preferable to disclose your boundaries (such as mentioning topics triggering to you, when you are available to talk, etc.) as your mental health is also important, so it is okay if you want to withdraw a bit from them. However, please note that one must consider TACT (Healthline.com), One must consider Timing (does the individual have other support systems, can they reach out to them?), Accountability (be apologetic if your boundaries were not clearly communicated or established, do not blame the person or yourself), Check-in (make sure to check-in with them and set a date along with a time to see how they are doing and to show they still matter), and Transparency (expectations should be communicated about boundaries for time apart). Although it is a possibility to backpedal a bit from the situation, please do not ignore or “ghost” the individual, the individual is already in a vulnerable position so care must be taken. Communication is key, so make sure to communicate any next steps. If, however, you find that you must completely exit from the situation, please keep in mind TACT to ensure the person will not be further disrupted while already vulnerable. Do not also invalidate their feelings or thoughts as they are valid.
A crisis is never easy for any party involved, but continuous and unconditional support and love is key to helping the individual heal.
- Written by Christina
Resources
Please know, you are never alone. Below are a few of many resources that are able to help you reach out to talk your feelings through confidentiality or learn about topics of the sort.
Do not hesitate to reach out and call 911 for help if you feel that you may be in danger of a crisis or harming yourself.
The NAMI HelpLine—800-950-6264 is also available to be called to offer sympathy and support and provide you information about resources within your area and community. You may also email them a info@nami.org. Getting support from friends, family and support groups are necessary and beneficial to feel encouraged and supported.
You are also able to call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Here, there are trained crisis workers available 24/7 who will speak to you about necessary support as well as your feelings and developing a plan to keep you safe.
Yet, you're also able to text if that is a much more comfortable option. The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 in the United States and able to be reached by texting NAMI to 741741 where a trained crisis worker is able to respond and speak to you. This communication is free and a confidential service.
There are also sites and programs that offer extensive information on resources for help:
Speaking of Suicide.com: Where you’re able to get infromatin on resources for help espeically for those who need support in learning how to talk and help someone who may be having suicidal thoughts. This is a great resource for individuals who are going through a crisis, survivors and their loved ones.
American Association of Suicidology: Also known as the AAS includes all information included for those who have interest in suicide prevention.
My 3: is a downloadable app suggested and advised to use by the National Suicide Prevemntion Lifeline which creates a safety plan for those who may be expereincing suicidal thoughts and infromation on suicide prevention.
Now Matters Now: Provides information and support for coping with suicidal thoughts through videos and personal stories in a teaching perspective.
The Buddy Project: Raises awareness for mental health by pairing teens through social media to prevent suicide and give self-harm alternatives.
- Written by Hannah
REFERENCES
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2014). Coping with Mental Health Crises and
Emergencies. HeretoHelp.
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/sites/default/files/coping-with-mental-health-crises-and-e
ergencies.pdf
Finch, S.D. (2020, July 27). The Do’s and Don’ts of Supporting Someone in a Mental Health
Crisis. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/supporting-someone-in-a-mental-health
-crisis.
Haley, J.S. (2018, April 29). Mental Health First Aid: How to Help Someone in Crisis.
DignityHealth. https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/mental-health-first-aid-how-to-
Help-someone-in-crisis.
National Interagency Fire Center. (2014, July 7). What is Crisis?
9 best tips to deal with a crisis. Essential Life Skills.net. (n.d.). From
https://www.essentiallifeskills.net/9-best-tips-to-deal-with-crisis.html
Crisis Services and response. NAMI California. (2021, June 3). From
What you can do to prevent suicide: Warning signs, risk factors, support in a crisis. NAMI
California. (2021, July 20). From
t-in-a-crisis/
Comentarios