Life has a way of throwing us curveballs when we least expect it. From personal challenges to global crises, we all find ourselves navigating stormy seas at one point or another. Research findings tells us that, throughout our lives, we will encounter incredibly challenging and sometimes even traumatic situations. Dealing with these inevitable crises requires understanding the mechanisms and individual techniques to protect ourselves when faced with difficulty, as clinical issues necessitating professional help can emerge.
The Basics of Crisis
First things first, it’s crucial to understand what an emotional crisis really is. An emotional crisis isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a normal response to extraordinary circumstances. Think of it as a temporary disturbance in your mental balance triggered by a threat to your sense of purpose and values when facing life’s significant challenges.
In the psychological realm, a crisis occurs when challenging life situations overwhelm our coping resources and abilities. In simple terms, a crisis unfolds when our reaction to a situation leads to a noticeable internal imbalance, significantly affecting our everyday life due to elevated stress levels caused by the crisis.
Critical events are those extreme situations where intensity reaches its zenith, often described as traumatic. These events pose a threat to health or life, involve the risk of severe injury, and can even damage physical integrity. Catastrophes, accidents, and violent experiences fall under this category.
But crisis isn’t limited to traumatic situations. Our belief and value systems can also trigger crises. For instance, if we’ve always valued loyalty and suddenly experience betrayal or act against our principles, it can lead to a crisis.
Recognizing Crisis Symptoms
Emotional Crises can manifest itself in various ways. People experiencing a crisis may struggle with daily functioning, have difficulty comprehending and grasping reality, or find it hard to discover meaning and purpose in life. Common signs include restlessness, insomnia or interrupted sleep, intrusive thoughts, altered eating patterns, and neglecting everyday activities.
The effects can linger if left unattended, potentially leading to more profound mental &/or physical health struggles. If we don’t take appropriate action, the effects of a crisis can persist for a long time. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor our psychological condition and take steps towards seeking help when needed.
First Aid Tips
When the world feels heavy, and your mental health needs first aid, remember these crucial steps:
- Socialize: Reach out to a trusted friend or family member who can listen without judgment. You’re not alone. Connection is key. Even a short chat with someone you trust can provide relief.
- Psychoeducation: Learn more about what you’re going through. Verified sources like APA (American Psychology Association) can help.
- Go out: Spend time outdoors. Nature’s healing and grounding powers are remarkable.
- Stay Active: Movement is medicine. Even a short walk can brighten your mood and bring back that positive hormones boost.
- Prioritize Sleep: Quality rest is crucial. Create a sleep routine that works for you. Avoid blue light a minimum of 1 hour before bed!
- Limit Info Intake: Reduce your exposure to distressing news, especially before bedtime. Stay informed only by reading verified sources provided by journals of high publication standards (e.g., New York Times magazine or BBC NEWS, UN social media platforms). Avoid reading news from unverified sources on social media at all costs. And finally, limit the time of checking the news to one time per day or even per week!
- Seek Support: If you need help, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Contact a trustworthy mental health professional and share your thoughts instead of holding on to worries within.
During a crisis, it’s essential to understand that your feelings and reactions are entirely normal given the extraordinary circumstances. Be extremely gentle to yourself in your inner language. For example, repeat the phrase: ‘These are Normal Reactions to Abnormal Circumstances.’
When you see someone going through a crisis, remember that people react differently to objectively similar events. We don’t always know the battles others have fought or are currently facing. Therefore, it’s essential never to judge and to give people space to feel and experience their emotions. Who knows, perhaps someone acting out and behaving ‘weird’ at work lately is facing an emotional crisis due to difficult life events we have zero clue about?
A psychological crisis isn’t solely a threat; it can also be an opportunity. Successfully navigating a crisis can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and even a reevaluation of our value systems. It’s the ‘what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger’ concept in action.
Remember, you’re stronger than you think, and help is always within reach. These first aid steps will guide you through emotional storms, helping you emerge with newfound resilience. So, as you navigate life’s challenges, keep this emotional first aid kit close by, and you’ll find the strength to weather any storm that comes your way.
