Definition: A time of danger or anxious waiting.
Crisis comes to most people at some time and we especially think of crisis experienced during times of family violence. November’s focus is on family violence and crisis. Crisis that is experienced is responded to differently by each person in their unique situation and with what coping skills they know.
Crisis brings forth various emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety helplessness and the natural “fight-flight” response. If experienced for an extended period of time, those emotions mentioned, affect our mental health and how we cope on a daily basis. As well as having mental health needs we all have physical needs as well; safety, food, shelter and we need love and a sense of belonging to counter the Crisis response in our lives.
Whenever we experience crisis we experience losses in our life, too. Crisis changes our lives, our trust, our security, and our world assumptions are challenged .What is afe and what is normal? We grieve normalcy, loss of relationships, safety and security and an overall life change.” When children observe or experience violence they are also affected in the areas of Brain Development, Emotional wellbeing, the ability to learn and ability to connect with others.” (website Child Trauma Academy –UN study on violence against children)
When experiencing crisis and living in a crisis state for an extended period of time, it is known to have effects to our mental health. When experiencing crisis it is important to reach out and seek support to develop strong coping skills and to build resilience that will help in day to day crisis we may be in. Skills that are important are as follows:
• Perceptiveness- You understand people and situations and are able to question what is happening in your family,school or community.
• Service- You give of yourself to others, or to a cause that you believe in.
• Independence- You can separate yourself from your family troubles, and are confident that you can make your own way in the world.
• Optimism- You have hope for a bright future for yourself and the world.
• Connection-You can seek out support from others and form caring and positive relationships.
• Self Motivation- You have the drive to fulfill your dreams and goals.
• Creativity – You can express your experiences in a constructive and helpful way.
• Spirituality – You have faith in someone greater than yourself.
• Sense of humour- You can see the funny side of the world and your circumstances, and use this ability to put things into perspective.
• Morality – When you make a decision, you use the information you have about the situation and you consult your own conscience (your sense of right and wrong)
Where do we find such help?
Seek out counsellors, Doctors, support groups or support persons in your life.
We at the Society do not forget to remember those who lived through and are living through the wars and battles. Men and women who experienced crisis daily and suffered emotional, mental and physical pain, ongoing and often suffered and still are suffering the results in silence.
We honour all our Veterans.
Submitted by Walking Through Grief Society – Shirley L Scott
Supported by FCSS –City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Villages of Kitscoty and Marwayne and County of Vermilion River.
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