The document discusses how families are affected by crises. It defines a crisis as an experience or event that causes people to make major changes in their lives. When a crisis occurs, it can disrupt a family's normal functioning by preventing members from fulfilling their roles. This can unbalance the entire family system. Crises often involve some type of loss, such as the loss of a family member, income, or home, which hinders the family's ability to meet needs and perform functions. The grieving process family members experience after a loss is also discussed.
2. Define crisis.
What does it look like?
What causes it?
Have you experienced or witnessed crises?
How were the crises handled?
How did it affect you?
What do you want to learn about crises?
JOURNAL
3. 1) Crises—experiences or events that cause people
to make major changes in their lives
2) Stressors—life events that change or have the
potential to produce change in the family
3) Pileup Effect—stress from each event continues
to build
4) Alienated—alone, without hope, or cut off from
others
5) Adaptation—changes that are practical and
appropriate
VOCABULARY
4. 6) Attitude—learned behaviors that people develop
as they interact with their environment
7) Mental Health—describes the overall condition of
your attitude
8) Stress—your body’s response to the events of
your life
9) Normative Stressors—everyday events that cause
stress
10)Anxiety—uneasy feeling people experience when
they believe something terrible will happen.
VOCABULARY
5. 11) Depression—overwhelming attitude of sadness,
discouragement, and hopelessness
12) Crisis Events—these events are changes in your
life that require major changes in your behavior
13) Internal Stress—stress that comes from inside the
family from normal growth and development
issues or from unresolved conflicts that continue
14) External Stress—stress that is caused by factors
outside the family
VOCABULARY
6. 15)Coping Behavior—is planned behavior that helps
the family
16)Chronic Illness—a medical problem that cannot
be cured
17)Disability—describes an impairment that
interferes with certain abilities
18)Resource—assists in coping with a crisis—can be
friends, family, community, support groups, or
spiritual
VOCABULARY
8. An experience or event that causes people to make
major changes in their lives
A crucial time, decisive moment, or turning point
A crisis is a situation so critical, it overwhelms
usual coping methods
What are some examples of crises?
A CRISIS IS…
9. A stressor is different from a crisis
A stressor is…
A life event that changes or has the potential to
produce change in the family and causes stress
What are some examples of stressors?
Where does the difference between stressors and crises
lie?
STRESSORS
10. One’s perception of a crisis is influenced by your
past experiences
What may be a major crisis in one family may not
be perceived as a crisis in another
What are some experiences that can affect how you
handle crisis?
What are some examples of events that could be
crises in one family, but not another?
PERCEPTION OF A CRISIS
12. Comes without warning
We are often unable to be prepared for what’s
about to come
Give some examples of crises that come suddenly.
SUDDENLY
13. A crisis threatens our security and well-being
Physical
Psychological
Emotional
Economical
Social
Causes us to panic because we may lose something
very precious—something that has given structure,
meaning, and purpose in life
SECURITY
14. We simply do not know how crises are going to
turn out.
We may believe we can handle crises that come our
way, but until we experience it, we can’t know for
sure.
Crises can be
Short-term
Long-term
Last a lifetime
In general, do you like to know what to expect?
UNPREDICTABLE
15. A crisis presents major problem-solving questions
These arise because there are not clear-cut
solutions
Time heals best in a crisis
This is the time to consult with friends, loved ones, family
members, and others who can help
What are some questions that may present themselves
in a crisis?
QUESTIONS
16. Crises erode self-confidence
They remind us that life is fragile and
unpredictable; we are not invincible
This can leave us unsettled and anxious
In the end, we may be left feeling apprehensive
about life
How does dealing with something difficult and
tough, where the end result may be negative, make
you feel?
SELF-CONFIDENCE
17. Crises help us redefine our values
Most of the time, people can look back at crises
and admit that good came out of it
Sometimes new values can be better, but not
necessarily
VALUES
19. Lifespan Crises—due to age
Elderly people are more likely to experience a friend’s death
Older adults and teens are more likely to commit suicide
Situational Crises—must be in the situation to
experience a certain crisis
You must be married to experience divorce
You cannot be in a car accident if you are not around or in a
car
CATEGORIES OF CRISES
20. What does a crisis mean to you?
Loss
Threat
Challenge
TYPES OF CRISES
21. Loss of something or someone
You can also lose something intangible, such as
your self-esteem or lifelong dream.
Phoenix Factor Example:
Bill and Helen’s daughter’s death
LOSS
22. The established order, or “normalness” in our lives
is threatened
Phoenix Factor Example:
Being denied a promotion was a threat to Bob’s
dream.
THREAT
23. An event for which you are unprepared for
This may be something you’re unable to do at this
time
Phoenix Factor Example:
Sally was not ready to take the responsibilities of
being a manager at the bank.
CHALLENGE
24. I can’t cope: Failure to have normal coping
methods. (If you can’t handle the problem by
talking, counseling, etc.)
I’m going crazy: The crisis unleashes new
emotions, upsets normal routine, produces physical
symptoms or illness. Causes problems in
relationships; you feel like you’re going crazy. A lot
of crying.
REACTIONS TO A CRISIS
25. I’m falling apart: Horrible feeling that you’re losing
control of your life. Defenses are down. (A friend
may help!)
Will it ever end?: It doesn’t last forever, you will
get over it!
REACTIONS TO A CRISIS
26. Debility: can’t get over the bitterness, anger, and
hurt. Can’t work or have relationships, your mental
ability slips away.
Death: action of desperate and hurting person who
is not working through a crisis
Growing Through a Crisis: growth in coping skills,
more mature attitudes about life, improved
interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and
greater independence. You are more sensitive of
other people and develop strong ties with loved
ones.
THREE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
28. Definition: Initial reaction to a crisis
Description: Puts most victims in a daze; hits hard
and unexpectedly.
Reaction: Anxious, not oneself, has trouble making
decisions
1. OUTCRY/SHOCK (BOMBSHELL)
29. Definition: Don’t react or act as if nothing happened
Description: Deny the reality of what is happening;
put aside your reaction to help others
Reaction: Helps other (natural disaster), keeps self
busy with routine
2. DENIAL
30. Definition: Overburdened with thoughts about what
happened
Description: Crisis take over your mind; disorganized;
life won’t be the same
Reaction: Can’t sleep, eat, or concentrate; friction
with friends and family
3. HIT ROCK BOTTOM
(INTRUSIVENESS)
31. Definition: Rediscover the meaning in life
Description: Dealing with thoughts and feelings
associated with getting through the crisis
Reaction: Move past the crisis, look to the future
4. WORKING THROUGH THE CRISIS
32. Definition: Refers to the time when crisis is woven
into the fabric of life
Description: Accept the fact of a major loss, won’t
forget but will move on
Reaction: Learn to live with it, grateful for comfort,
celebrate anything that brings hope.
5. COMPLETION
33. What did you find an article on?
How was the event a crisis?
On what level did the crisis take place (personal, community,
state-wide, national, international, worldwide, etc.)? How
did you determine this?
How did/do people react to the crisis?
ARTICLE SEARCH
35. Sometimes crises result when several changes occur
at the same time, or one after another
Each even is too small to cause significant change
resulting in crisis
Yet, the stress from each event builds, ending in a
crisis
THE PILEUP EFFECT
36. Starting a new job/business
Family goes on welfare
Family member makes a major purchase
Spouse spends more time away from home
Conflicts between husband and wife increase
Arguments between parents and children increase
Conflicts between siblings increase
STRESSFUL EVENTS
37. Death of a parent, spouse, or child
Divorce in the family
Violence or abuse in the home
Spouse/parent has an affair
Family member gets arrested or sent to jail
Family member becomes disabled or suffers from
chronic illness
Family member becomes dependent on drugs or
alcohol
Unmarried family member becomes pregnant
Family moves to a new city
Family member loses a job
EXTREMELY STRESSFUL EVENTS
38. Why do you think it’s important to know the
difference?
How is the amount of stress felt for an event
impacted?
How do we deal with these types of events?
STRESSFUL/EXTREMELY STRESSFUL
EVENTS
39. Four factors:
The event
Number of stressors experienced at the same time
How the event is identified and interpreted
Resources available to manage the stressful event
What are some examples or resources used to manage
stressful events?
How do people differ in identifying and interpreting
crisis?
WHEN DO STRESSORS LEAD TO
CRISIS?
40. We use coping behaviors to deal with stress
Everyone has coping behaviors
How do you handle stress?
Is your way of managing stress healthy or unhealthy?
Can your method of coping cause additional stress?
COPING
41. Identify the sources of stress
To find your true sources, look at your attitude, habits, and
excuses…
Do you say stress is temporary, even though you can’t remember
the last time you had a break?
Do you define stress as a simple part of your life?
Do you blame your stress on others?
Stress Journal—can help track stress and find patterns
What caused your stress?
How do you feel, physically & emotionally?
How did you act in response?
What did you do to feel better?
THE FIRST STEP…
42. Smoking
Drinking too much
Overeating/Under-Eating
Zoning out in front of the
TV or computer
Withdrawing from friends,
family, and activities
Using pills or drugs to
relax
Sleeping too much
Procrastinating
Filling up every minute of
every day to avoid the
problem
Taking out your stress on
others
HOW DO YOU COPE?
Many people use unhealthy coping behaviors,
causing more stress
43. Change the situation
Avoid the stressor
Alter the stressor
Change your reaction
Adapt to the stressor
Accept the stressor
FOUR A’S
44. Say “no”—have limits and stick to them
Avoid people who cause you stress
If something in your environment causes you stress,
change it
Avoid hot-button topics
Trim your “to-do” list
Focus on what needs to be done, not what should be
done
AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS
45. Express your feelings, don’t bottle them up
Be open to compromise
Be assertive
Manage your time better
ALTER THE SITUATION
46. Reframe problems
Look at the big picture
Adjust your standards
Focus on the positive
Adjust your attitude—get rid of the following
words: always, never, should, must. They often lead
to self-defeating thoughts
ADAPT TO THE STRESSOR
47. You can’t control the uncontrollable, so don’t try to
Look for the upside
Share your feelings
Learn to forgive
ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CANNOT
CHANGE
48. Go for a walk
Spend time outside
Call a friend
Sweat it out—exercise!
Keep a journal
Take a bath
Light candles
Enjoy a warm drink
Play with a pet
Work in your garden
Get a massage
Read a book
Listen to music
Watch a funny show or
movie
Connect with others
Do something you enjoy
every day
Keep your sense of humor
MAKE TIME FOR FUN & RELAXATION
49. Your physical health will improve your metal health
and help you become more resilient to stress
Exercise regularly
Eat a balanced, healthy diet
Reduce caffeine and sugar
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs
Get enough sleep
ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
50. Helps you reduce stress in that moment
Feel calmer and more at ease
Get more in sync with life
Experience a quick boost of clarity
QUICK COHERENCE TECHNIQUE
51. 1) Heart Focus
Focus your attention to the area around your heart, the area in
the center of your chest
2) Heart Breathing
Breathe normally and feel as if your breath is coming in and out
through your heart area
3) Heart Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing, activate a
positive feeling
QUICK COHERENCE TECHNIQUE
53. An individual’s crisis can be a crisis for the family
Ex: Alzheimer’s
Every member in the family affects another member
When a member is unable to function, the whole
family can be negatively affected.
HOW CRISES AFFECT THE FAMILY
54. Family is functioning smoothly = balanced
Each member carries out his or her roles
Family works together to meet the needs of each member
Family able to fulfill its function in each member’s life
In a crisis, one or more changes disrupt balance
Individual family members are unable to fulfill their functions
Suddenly, family is not functioning smoothly as a unit
Family needs time, resources, and support as it works to
adjust to the changes and restore balance
FAMILY SYSTEM BECOME
UNBALANCED
55. Most crises situations, some type of loss has taken
place:
May involve a family member
Skills or abilities
Job
Income
Home
Loss hinders the family’s ability to fulfill its normal
functions--at least for a period of time
A LOSS AFFECTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS
56. Family function of reproducing and socializing
children is hindered by
Illness
Divorce
Hospitalization
Loss of a family member
Job loss or a natural disaster could hinder the
family’s ability to meet physical needs
LOSS AFFECTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS
57. Family function of assigning roles may slowed by
any crisis that prevents members from carrying out
their roles
Family’s ability to carry out the function of
providing close relationships and intimacy may be
hindered by
Death
Divorce
Move away from relatives
LOSS AFFECTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS
58. When family members experience loss, even though
small, they go through a grieving process
When they are able to identify and accept their
feeling, they will be able to handle then and go on
with their lives
The Grieving Process
THE GRIEVING PROCESS
59. When loss occurs, family members pass through
certain emotional stages:
Denial—Is this really happening to me?
Anger—Why is this happening to me?!
Guilt—What did I do to deserve this?
Blame/Bargaining/Depression
To try and get rid of these feelings, they may blame others for
the problem
They may try to bargain to make themselves feel better
They may feel sorry for themselves and become depressed
Acceptance
THE GRIEVING PROCESS
60. These feeling are NORMAL responses in the
grieving process
It is important that family members move on and
accept the reality of the loss
“This happened to our family and we are sad, but
we can and will move on.”
ACCEPTANCE
61. Acceptance is needed so family members can take
action and adjust to the changes brought about by
the loss
They need to work together so the function of the
family can be carried out
Roles may need to be adjusted
Financial resources or help from others may be
needed
ACCEPTING A LOSS
62. If the family does not adjust, unhealthy patterns
may develop
Feelings of anger, blame, and guilt will continue
Members may feel depressed, stop eating, withdraw
from others, or fail to show up at work
They may abuse alcohol or other drugs to cover up
their feelings
They may lash out and abuse other family members
UNHEALTHY ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS
63. When family doesn’t function normally, the physical
and mental health of members may suffer
Parents may ignore their parental responsibilities-
as result children may be neglected, malnourished,
or abused
Children’s emotional development will suffer if they
do not experience love and acceptance
Children may feel ALIENATED- alone, without hope,
or cut off from other who care
This feeling is listed as a major factor in teen
suicide
UNHEALTHY ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS
64. Responding to crises with unhealthy behavior
patterns may hinder the growth and development
of family members and cause serious long-term
results
Developing skills for preventing a family crisis is
important for all family members
UNHEALTHY ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS
66. Resources in our life help us cope with our crisis.
Resources included are a person’s family, friends &
relatives.
People also use community resources available to
them.
WHY DO WE NEED RESOURCES?
67. Definition: Help with emotional well-being and
offer support when we are having a hard time.
Crisis situations threatens security. Crises
help/force us to make decisions.
Helps us to accept things we can’t change.
MENTAL RESOURCES
68. Helps us to make a situation tolerable.
Examples: Counselors, teachers, ministers, priest ..ect.
Knowledge and religious belief.
MENTAL RESOURCES
69. The bodies ability to demonstrate enormous
strength.
Examples: People who are able to pick up a car in an
accident.
The body produces adrenaline. The heart will beat
faster and the body can increase energy.
PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES
70. Crisis creates a need for money & finances.
Family needs to have adequate income, savings and
insurance.
Easily accessible savings.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
71. Family
Vows promise to support in good times and bad.
Crisis should never become more important than
the family
Love & care for each other.
Family members may change roles.
Example: Children may need to become a parent
Allow children to share and be part of the crisis.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
72. Friends
Offer emotional support
Typically short term, due to obligation to own family.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS