Families & Crisis Miss Kenny CRISIS
Families & Crisis
Miss Kenny
CRISIS
Define ‘crisis’ and describe how people react.
JOURNAL
1) Crises—experiences or events that cause people to make major changes in their lives
2) Stressors—life events that change or have the potential to produce change in the family
3) Pileup Effect—stress from each event continues to build
4) Alienated—alone, without hope, or cut off from others
5) Adaptation—changes that are practical and appropriate
VOCABULARY
6) Attitude—learned behaviors that people develop as they interact with their environment
7) Mental Health—describes the overall condition of your attitude
8) Stress—your body’s response to the events of your life
9) Normative Stressors—everyday events that cause stress
10)Anxiety—uneasy feeling people experience when they believe something terrible will happen.
VOCABULARY
11)Depression—overwhelming attitude of sadness, discouragement, and hopelessness
12)Crisis Events—these events are changes in your life that require major changes in your behavior
13)Internal Stress—stress that comes from inside the family from normal growth and development issues or from unresolved conflicts that continue
14)External Stress—stress that is caused by factors outside the family
VOCABULARY
15)Coping Behavior—is planned behavior that helps the family
16)Chronic Illness—a medical problem that cannot be cured
17)Disability—describes an impairment that interferes with certain abilities
18)Resource—assists in coping with a crisis—can be friends, family, community, support groups, or spiritual
VOCABULARY
WHAT IS A CRISIS?
An experience or event that causes people to make major changes in their lives A crucial time, decisive moment, or turning point
A crisis is a situation so critical, it overwhelms usual coping methods
What are some examples of crises?
A CRISIS IS…
A stressor is different from a crisisA stressor is…
A life event that changes or has the potential to produce change in the family and causes stress
What are some examples of stressors?Where does the difference between stressors and crises lie?
STRESSORS
One’s perception of a crisis is influenced by your past experiences
What may be a major crisis in one family may not be perceived as a crisis in another
What are some experiences that can affect how you handle crisis?
What are some examples of events that could be crises in one family, but not another?
PERCEPTION OF A CRISIS
SuddenlySecurityUnpredictableQuestionsSelf-ConfidenceValues
SIX CHARACTERISTICS
Comes without warningWe are often unable to be prepared for what’s
about to come
Give some examples of crises that come suddenly.
SUDDENLY
A crisis threatens our security and well-being Physical Psychological Emotional Economical Social
Causes us to panic because we may lose something very precious—something that has given structure, meaning, and purpose in life
How does a loss of security make you feel?
SECURITY
We simply do not know how crises are going to turn out.
We may believe we can handle crises that come our way, but until we experience it, we can’t know for sure.
Crises can be Short-term Long-term Last a lifetime
In general, do you like to know what to expect?
UNPREDICTABLE
A crisis presents major problem-solving questions
These arise because there are not clear-cut solutions
Time heals best in a crisis This is the time to consult with friends, loved ones,
family members, and others who can help
What are some questions that may present themselves in a crisis?
QUESTIONS
Crises erode self-confidenceThey remind us that life is fragile and
unpredictable; we are not invincibleThis can leave us unsettled and anxiousIn the end, we may be left feeling
apprehensive about life
How does dealing with something diffi cult and tough, where the end result may be negative, make you feel?
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Crises help us redefine our valuesMost of the time, people can look back at
crises and admit that good came out of itSometimes new values can be better, but not
necessarily
VALUES
CATEGORIES, TYPES, REACTIONS, AND
OUTCOMES OF CRISES
Lifespan Crises—due to age Elderly people are more likely to experience a friend’s
death Older adults and teens are more likely to commit
suicide
Situational Crises—must be in the situation to experience a certain crisis You must be married to experience divorce You cannot be in a car accident if you are not around
or in a car
Do you think people tend to experience more lifespan or situational crises?
CATEGORIES OF CRISES
What does a crisis mean to you? Loss Threat Challenge
What factors might affect whether a crisis is a loss, threat or challenge?
Will they always be the same for everyone?
TYPES OF CRISES
Loss of something or someoneYou can also lose something intangible, such
as your self-esteem or lifelong dream.
Phoenix Factor Example:Bill and Helen’s daughter’s death
LOSS
The established order, or “normalness” in our lives is threatened
Phoenix Factor Example:Being denied a promotion was a threat to Bob’s dream.
THREAT
An event for which you are unprepared forThis may be something you’re unable to do at
this time
Phoenix Factor Example:Sally was not ready to take the responsibilities of being a manager at the bank.
CHALLENGE
I can’t cope: Failure to have normal coping methods. (If you can’t handle the problem by talking, counseling, etc.)
I’m going crazy: The crisis unleashes new emotions, upsets normal routine, produces physical symptoms or illness. Causes problems in relationships; you feel like you’re going crazy. A lot of crying.
How would you support a friend or family member who reacts to a crisis in each of these ways?
REACTIONS TO A CRISIS
I’m falling apart: Horrible feeling that you’re losing control of your life. Defenses are down. (A friend may help!)
Will it ever end?: It doesn’t last forever, you will get over it!
How would you support a friend or family member who reacts to a crisis in each of these ways?
REACTIONS TO A CRISIS
Debility: can’t get over the bitterness, anger, and hurt. Can’t work or have relationships, your mental ability slips away.
Death: action of desperate and hurting person who is not working through a crisis
Growing Through a Crisis: growth in coping skills, more mature attitudes about life, improved interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and greater independence. You are more sensitive of other people and develop strong ties with loved ones.
THREE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
STAGES OF A CRISIS
Definition: Initial reaction to a crisis
Description: Puts most victims in a daze; hits hard and unexpectedly.
Reaction: Anxious, not oneself, has trouble making decisions
1. OUTCRY/SHOCK (BOMBSHELL)
Definition: Don’t react or act as if nothing happened
Description: Deny the reality of what is happening; put aside your reaction to help others
Reaction: Helps other (natural disaster), keeps self busy with routine
2. DENIAL
Definition: Overburdened with thoughts about what happened
Description: Crisis take over your mind; disorganized; life won’t be the same
Reaction: Can’t sleep, eat, or concentrate; friction with friends and family
3. HIT ROCK BOTTOM (INTRUSIVENESS)
Definition: Rediscover the meaning in life
Description: Dealing with thoughts and feelings associated with getting through the crisis
Reaction: Move past the crisis, look to the future
4. WORKING THROUGH THE CRISIS
Definition: Refers to the time when crisis is woven into the fabric of life
Description: Accept the fact of a major loss, won’t forget but will move on
Reaction: Learn to live with it, grateful for comfort, celebrate anything that brings hope.
5. COMPLETION
What did you find an article on?How was the event a crisis?On what level did the crisis take place (personal,
community, state-wide, national, international, worldwide, etc.)? How did you determine this?
How did/do people react to the crisis?
ARTICLE SEARCH
Stressful Events & Coping
THE PILEUP EFFECT
Sometimes crises result when several changes occur at the same time, or one after another
Each even is too small to cause significant change resulting in crisis
Yet, the stress from each event builds, ending in a crisis
How do you feel when you experience change?
Do you feel differently when you experience several changes versus one?
THE PILEUP EFFECT
Starting a new job/businessFamily goes on welfareFamily member makes a major purchaseSpouse spends more time away from homeConflicts between husband and wife increaseArguments between parents and children
increaseConflicts between siblings increase
STRESSFUL EVENTS
Death of a parent, spouse, or childDivorce in the familyViolence or abuse in the homeSpouse/parent has an affairFamily member gets arrested or sent to jailFamily member becomes disabled or suffers from
chronic illnessFamily member becomes dependent on drugs or
alcoholUnmarried family member becomes pregnantFamily moves to a new cityFamily member loses a job
EXTREMELY STRESSFUL EVENTS
Why do you think it’s important to know the difference?
How is the amount of stress felt for an event impacted?
How do we deal with these types of events?
STRESSFUL/EXTREMELY STRESSFUL EVENTS
Four factors: The event Number of stressors experienced at the same time How the event is identified and interpreted Resources available to manage the stressful event
What are some examples or resources used to manage stressful events?
How do people differ in identifying and interpreting crisis?
WHEN DO STRESSORS LEAD TO CRISIS?
We use coping behaviors to deal with stressEveryone has coping behaviors
How do you handle stress?
Is your way of managing stress healthy or unhealthy?
Can your method of coping cause additional stress?
COPING
Identify the sources of stressTo find your true sources, look at your attitude,
habits, and excuses… Do you say stress is temporary, even though you can’t
remember the last time you had a break? Do you define stress as a simple part of your life? Do you blame your stress on others?
Stress Journal—can help track stress and find patterns What caused your stress? How do you feel, physically & emotionally? How did you act in response? What did you do to feel better?
THE FIRST STEP…
Smoking Drinking too much Overeating/Under-
Eating Zoning out in front of
the TV or computer Withdrawing from
friends, family, and activities
Using pills or drugs to relax
Sleeping too much Procrastinating Filling up every minute
of every day to avoid the problem
Taking out your stress on others
HOW DO YOU COPE?
Many people use unhealthy coping behaviors, causing more stress
Change the situation Avoid the stressor Alter the stressor
Change your reaction Adapt to the stressor Accept the stressor
FOUR A’S
Say “no”—have limits and stick to themAvoid people who cause you stressIf something in your environment causes you
stress, change itAvoid hot-button topics Trim your “to-do” list
Focus on what needs to be done, not what should be done
What are other ways you work to avoid stress?
AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS
Express your feelings, don’t bottle them upBe open to compromiseBe assertiveManage your time better
ALTER THE SITUATION
Reframe problemsLook at the big pictureAdjust your standardsFocus on the positive
Adjust your attitude—get rid of the following words: always, never, should, must. They often lead to self-defeating thoughts
ADAPT TO THE STRESSOR
You can’t control the uncontrollable, so don’t try to
Look for the upsideShare your feelingsLearn to forgive
ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE
Go for a walkSpend time outsideCall a friendSweat it out—exercise!Keep a journalTake a bathLight candlesEnjoy a warm drinkPlay with a pet
Work in your gardenGet a massageRead a bookListen to musicWatch a funny show or
movieConnect with othersDo something you enjoy
every dayKeep your sense of humor
MAKE TIME FOR FUN & RELAXATION
Your physical health will improve your metal health and help you become more resilient to stress Exercise regularly Eat a balanced, healthy diet Reduce caffeine and sugar Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs Get enough sleep
ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Helps you reduce stress in that moment
Feel calmer and more at ease
Get more in sync with life
Experience a quick boost of clarity
QUICK COHERENCE TECHNIQUE
1) Heart Focus Focus your attention to the area around your heart, the
area in the center of your chest
2) Heart Breathing Breathe normally and feel as if your breath is coming in
and out through your heart area
3) Heart Feeling As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing,
activate a positive feeling
QUICK COHERENCE TECHNIQUE
HOW CRISIS AFFECTS THE FAMILY
An individual’s crisis can be a crisis for the family Ex: Alzheimer’s
Every member in the family affects another member
When a member is unable to function, the whole family can be negatively affected.
Why do you think one person can affect so many others?
HOW CRISES AFFECT THE FAMILY
Family is functioning smoothly = balanced Each member carries out his or her roles Family works together to meet the needs of each
member Family able to fulfill its function in each member’s life
In a crisis, one or more changes disrupt balance Individual family members are unable to fulfill their
functions Suddenly, family is not functioning smoothly as a unit Family needs time, resources, and support as it works
to adjust to the changes and restore balance
FAMILY SYSTEM BECOME UNBALANCED
Most crises situations, some type of loss has taken place: May involve a family member Skills or abilities Job Income Home
Loss hinders the family’s ability to fulfi ll its normal functions--at least for a period of time
Why do you think loss tends to affect families more than other crises?
A LOSS AFFECTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS
Family function of reproducing and socializing children is hindered by Illness Divorce Hospitalization Loss of a family member
Job loss or a natural disaster could hinder the family’s ability to meet physical needs
LOSS AFFECTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS
Family function of assigning roles may slowed by any crisis that prevents members from carrying out their roles
Family’s ability to carry out the function of providing close relationships and intimacy may be hindered by Death Divorce Move away from relatives
What are some other family functions that might be affected?
LOSS AFFECTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS
When family members experience loss, even though small, they go through a grieving process
When they are able to identify and accept their feeling, they will be able to handle then and go on with their lives
What are the steps in the grieving process?
THE GRIEVING PROCESS
When loss occurs, family members pass through certain emotional stages: Denial—Is this really happening to me? Anger—Why is this happening to me?! Guilt—What did I do to deserve this? Blame/Bargaining/Depression
To try and get rid of these feelings, they may blame others for the problem
They may try to bargain to make themselves feel better They may feel sorry for themselves and become
depressed Acceptance
Do you think that these steps moving in a linear, timely order?
THE GRIEVING PROCESS
These feeling are NORMAL responses in the grieving process
It is important that family members move on and accept the reality of the loss
“This happened to our family and we are sad, but we can and will move on.”
ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance is needed so family members can take action and adjust to the changes brought about by the loss
They need to work together so the function of the family can be carried out
Roles may need to be adjusted
Financial resources or help from others may be needed
ACCEPTING A LOSS
If the family does not adjust, unhealthy patterns may develop
Feelings of anger, blame, and guilt will continue
Members may feel depressed, stop eating, withdraw from others, or fail to show up at work
They may abuse alcohol or other drugs to cover up their feelings
They may lash out and abuse other family members
What are some other unhealthy ways people adjust?
UNHEALTHY ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS
When family doesn’t function normally, the physical and mental health of members may suffer
Parents may ignore their parental responsibilities- as result children may be neglected, malnourished, or abused
Children’s emotional development will suffer if they do not experience love and acceptance
Children may feel ALIENATED- alone, without hope, or cut off from other who care
This feeling is listed as a major factor in teen suicide
UNHEALTHY ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS
Responding to crises with unhealthy behavior patterns may hinder the growth and development of family members and cause serious long-term results
Developing skills for preventing a family crisis is important for all family members
What kind of skills can prevent a family crisis?
UNHEALTHY ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS
RESOURCES
Resources in our life help us cope with our crisis.
Resources included are a person’s family, friends & relatives.
People also use community resources available to them.
WHY DO WE NEED RESOURCES?
Definition: Help with emotional well-being and offer support when we are having a hard time.
Crisis situations threatens security. Crises help/force us to make decisions.
Helps us to accept things we can’t change.
MENTAL RESOURCES
Helps us to make a situation tolerable. Examples: Counselors, teachers, ministers,
priest ..ect.Knowledge and religious belief.
MENTAL RESOURCES
The bodies ability to demonstrate enormous strength. Examples: People who are able to pick up a car in an
accident. The body produces adrenaline. The heart will
beat faster and the body can increase energy.
PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Crisis creates a need for money & finances. Family needs to have adequate income,
savings and insurance.Easily accessible savings.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
FamilyVows promise to support in good times and bad.
Crisis should never become more important than the family
Love & care for each other.Family members may change roles.
Example: Children may need to become a parent
Allow children to share and be part of the crisis.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Friends Offer emotional support Typically short term, due to obligation to own family.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm
Developed from PowerPoints created by Kate Pittack and Jessica Meyers
REFERENCES