Do you have a family member or friend who is dealing with an emotional crisis? Are you suffering through a particularly devastating time yourself? This type of challenge can be caused by many things, including loss, extreme life changes, health issues, severe stress, anxiety, or depression.
An emotional crisis shouldn’t be ignored, and you can get help to make it through to the other side.
Learn about these crises and treatment options:
1. Understanding an emotional crisis. An emotional crisis can be defined as a breakdown or other issue that occurs after serious events.
- An emotional crisis can occur because you lose a friend, family member, or pet.
- A crisis can also occur from a buildup of stress and anxiety that comes from work, family, or others. Health issues can also lead to an emotional crisis. Natural disasters, unemployment, divorce, separation, and other life events can lead to a crisis.
- A person in crisis can suffer from multiple symptoms that include anxiety, depression, paranoia, irritability, and more. They may not be able to work or handle family duties.
2. Physical issues associated with an emotional crisis. The mind isn’t the only part of the body that is affected by an emotional crisis. You can suffer physical symptoms related to the crisis too.
- Headaches, insomnia, fatigue, pain and other symptoms are common.
3. Consequences of an emotional crisis. During an emotional crisis you may not be able to think or plan properly. You may have suicidal thoughts and severe depression.
- The consequences of this type of crisis can range from loss of work to loss of life.
- You may feel isolated and lose relationships. You may also suffer financial issues and setbacks.
4. Medications as a treatment option. Medications are frequently used to help a person who is going through an emotional crisis. Depression is common, so antidepressants and other drugs may be prescribed.
5. Support groups as a treatment option. You may benefit from a support group that helps you deal with the crisis.
- Support groups vary, but they include groups for those who have lost family and friends. There are also groups for people dealing with depression, anxiety, and other disorders. Groups for people who have survived natural disasters also exist.
6. Therapy as a treatment option. Therapy is another option that can help you get through an emotional crisis.
- Therapists can help you find coping strategies and work with you during a crisis.
- They may prescribe medications to help you deal with the stresses of day-to-day life during your crisis.
7. A vacation may even help you handle an emotional crisis. It will at least allow you to temporarily escape the daily issues that are creating the crisis and give you time to “regroup.”
- Stress is often a factor in an emotional crisis, so taking a vacation can help you reduce that stress and achieve a new clarity. It can also help you find a different perspective on the situation. On vacation, you can even meet new people that may help you move past the crisis.
8. Addressing individual needs. An emotional crisis can differ greatly from person to person. Each situation is unique and requires a special approach.
- A single approach may not fix an emotional crisis, so you may have to try more than one.
- It may take some time, resources and effort, possibly even on a long-term basis.
- Inpatient or outpatient care at treatment facilities may be necessary in serious cases of an emotional crisis.
An emotional crisis can be difficult to handle, but there’s help available. You or your loved ones shouldn’t suffer alone. Get the help you need to be able to overcome the crisis and move forward with a joyous and fulfilling life.