Handling Crisis Balancing Work and Family Chapter 14 Balancing Work and Family Chapter 14.

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