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 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, 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 a 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 world assumptions are challenged. What is not normal, and what is normal? We grieve normalcy, loss of relationships, safety and security and an overall life change. “When children observe or experience Crisis in their lives it affects them profoundly in the areas of 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, 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 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 can question what is happening in your family, school, or community.
· Service- You give of yourself to others, (reaching outside of self) 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. You are developing skills.
· 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 humor- You can see the funny side of the world and your circumstances and use this ability to put things into perspective.
· Morality – When you decide, you use the information you have about the situation, and you consult your own conscience (your sense of right and wrong)
(Alberta Mental Health Teacher Education Series: Resiliency and Resilience.)
Where do we find such help?
Seek out counsellors, Doctors, support groups or support persons in your life. Speak to the staff at the Interval Home in Lloydminster for support and guidance.
We at the Society do not forget to remember those who lived through and are living through the wars and battles. The men and women, who experienced crisis daily and suffered emotional, mental, and physical pain, and grieve so many losses. Those who have suffered and still are suffering the results trauma and crisis in their life, in silence.
We honor all our Veterans this month, also.
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, County of Vermilion River and personal donations.
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