Going through some crisis? This might help you...

We live in a world that constantly gets bombarded with uncertainty. Every other year there is new insanity to deal with. There is a division in society, nations, cultures, gender, races, religion and the list goes on. The world is dealing with a virus for almost half a decade and it has invaded not only the body but also the psyche of all. On another front there is this war that is going on for months now. The chaos is taking over the mind space over rationality and understanding.

Different type of crisis events

1.) Natural crisis

• Floods
• Earthquake
• Cyclones
• Wildfires
• Extreme weather events
• Diseases and epidemics, etc.

2.) Man-made crisis

• Civil disorder
• Terrorism
• Sabotage
• Crime, etc.

3.) Mental Health crisis

• Failed relationship
• Loss of employment
• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Behavioral issues
• Severe mental disorders, etc.

4.) Physical Health crisis

• Accidents
• Bodily harm
• Onset of chronic diseases
• Organ failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke, etc.

The Effects of crisis events on human psyche (Psychological crisis)

We often see crisis as unexpected disasters but the effect of crisis can linger and manifest in a range of hidden crisis that often get over looked, such as;

• Developmental Crisis: Crisis that occurs during the process of growth and development, as an individual. Issues related but not limited to shame and doubts, guilt, inferiority, isolation, confusion, stagnation, and despair.

• Existential Crisis: Internal conflicts such as direction, purpose of life, spirituality.

Signs of mental and physical health crisis

a. Weight gain or weight loss.

b. Decreased productivity and low energy at work and home.

c. Altered sleep patterns.

d. Lack of personal hygiene.

e. Mood swings.

f. Withdrawal from normal activities.

In order to cope with sudden outbreak of crisis, be it natural, man-made, psychological or mental. You need to remind yourself not everything is in your hands. Life has its own ways, we can only find a way out of the adversities and move forward before spiral down even further.

Here are a few rational and logical ways to understand the impact of crisis in your life and get back on track;

• Time Priority

The time is the most valuable “asset” you have got. Focus on what’s important and what is consuming most of your time without a desirable and supportive outcome. Get out of conflicting and unsafe situations as fast as you can. Focus on the basic yet productive and important aspects of day to day living. Conserve your time and energy by limiting conversation to only a few friends and family members for the time being so that you can focus your energy on the solution of your current crisis.

• Care for yourself

Crisis is the time that wakes you right up and make you realize what is the most important things in your life and what matters most to you even though the world may or may not be falling apart around you.

During the time of crisis we often tend to undermine our own personal interests, day to day self-care and get obsessed with the crisis and building scenarios about the worst cases to make the situation even worse.

Look for the ways to reduce the stress, join yoga classes, gym, hobby classes and so on. Cut out the fast food, junk food and unhealthy eating patterns.

A healthy sleep is a necessity to have a healthy body and mind, do not neglect your sleep and formulate a healthy routine that allows you to sleep for at least 7-8 hours each night.

• Help others during the crisis

If the impact of crisis is so profound it’s also affecting people around you focus on supporting a few with their day to day grocery shopping, house work, errands and other possible practical needs.

• Be a good listener

During the time of crisis people often speak out of anxieties and worries. Be a good listener about the important needs of the people even though you can’t physically do anything about them. Emotional support really helps people to at least grow out of the trauma they are going through along with others.

Seek out for professional support and encourage others as well

If the struggle is too profound and you feel like you’re running out of options don’t hesitate to seek for professional support. If it’s your family and friend that need support encourage them as well to book an appointment with a professional.

Even if you are exhausted and burned out you should remember that there are still ways out that you may not be considering or are not aware of. A professional support system can scientifically help you out with your crisis in one way, for sure.