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Crisis A crisis is a situation so critical that it overwhelms the usual coping methods and causes great emotional distress. Some crises such as a hurricane, hit quickly. Others, such as alcoholism build slowly. A crisis is a situation so critical that it overwhelms the usual coping methods and causes great emotional distress. Some crises such as a hurricane, hit quickly. Others, such as alcoholism build slowly.
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Handling Crisis
Balancing Work and FamilyChapter 14
Crisis
The word crisis is used a lot these days There are military crisis, crisis for first aid
workers (the Red Cross), social problems (welfare, violence) and heath crisis that we deal with every day
Crisis
A crisis is a situation so critical that it overwhelms the usual coping methods and causes great emotional distress.
Some crises such as a hurricane, hit quickly. Others, such as alcoholism build slowly.
Crisis
Experiencing crisis is like dancing to music that gets faster and faster
At first you can keep up but eventually you get short of breath, your legs feel rubbery and you trip yourself up.
You can always choose to sit out a dance but you can’t sit out life’s crises. They require action
When is it a Crisis?
Not every serious problem is a crisis Crises stand out by their overwhelming
nature The things you do to cope successfully with
other difficulties don’t work in a crisis.
Hardship
Certain events can create hardship. The greater the hardship, the more likely it
is to bring on a crisis A house fire is an example
Resources
Handling any problem effectively requires resources
If you don’t have the needed resources a problem may become a crisis
Attitude
It is normal to be jarred when trouble strikes If you give in to feeling of shock and
helplessness, a difficult situation can turn unmanageable.
If you can face the problem it is less likely to overwhelm you
Crisis
Some people seem to have many crises in their lives
Crisis prone families often have inadequate resources to solve their problems
A lack of self confidence makes people particularly anxious and fearful about life. They are more likely to define an event as a crisis
Causes of crisis
What kinds of events are likely to cause a crisis?
Outside events such as an accident, job loss, or natural disaster are candidates
These are things that are beyond your control
Causes of crisis
The loss of a family member through death or separation as by war or hospitalization
The unexpected addition of a family ember. Blended or baby
The loss of the family unit through non support, abuse, addictions, delinquency, or events that bring disgrace
Series of crisis
Some crisis result from a series of events. Emergency surgery, cancer, death, etc.
Reacting to Crisis
People typically react to crisis through a process that includes four stages.
1. Impact
In this first stage people experience shock and numbness
Whatever has happened hits them hard Fear and helplessness are common emotions During the impact stage (may last hours or
days) may cause a person to stop functioning.
2. Withdrawal and Confusion
In this stage people pull back from the crisis situation
Some people act emotionally cold and withdrawn
Confusion is the best word to describe this stage
3. Focus
They admit that a crisis has occurred and ask what action they must take to deal with it.
4. Adaptation
The final stage is actually dealing with it. The plans are to help people make changes that are practical and appropriate
Resources for crisis
Hotlines Support groups Agencies and organizations Health care professionals Shelters
Intervention
Means taking direct action to cause change when someone else is in crisis
Sometimes a crisis is beyond the ability of the person to handle or control
Intervening requires courage and resourcefulness
The Crises People Face
Learning about crises that challenge people will better prepare you to respond if needed.
Physical Health Problems
When illnesses, injuries, and disabilities are more serious the impact on families is much greater.
Some health problems can be prevented with safe and healthy habits plus good nutrition.
Effects on Family Life
Things run more smoothly and people tend to be most comfortable when the regular routine is followed.
Depending on family and health problems certain adjustments must be made
Communication and cooperation are key
Financial Effects
Medical bills, or disability come with some unbelievably high bills
If a family has no insurance they may have no way to pay
For people who face unmanageable medical bills, hospitals have personnel who counsel about $ problems and assistance
Emotional Effects
Everyone responds differently to events of crisis in their lives.
Strain, anger, regret, all members need to understand how to cope with all family members emotions
What to do…
Physical closeness is comforting to many people
Offer to take responsibility for what needs doing- share tasks
Explanations-explain with facts so everyone knows what is going on
Knowledge- this can lessen the fear by knowing what to expect
Mental Health Problems
Recognizing mental illness is not always easy
Mood swings are not mental problems 2 questions pint to possiblilities of mental
illness 1. Does the person function normally on a daily
basis? 2. Do the person’s actions routinely hurt or
trouble others?
Mental Illness
Someone with a mental illness needs professional help
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other sources of help- hot lines and counselors can assist people
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