Situational Life Crisis

Situational life crisis can be defined as an acute, time-limited phenomenon experienced as an overwhelming emotional reaction to a variety of events that can range from an accumulation of events to a single episode.

Examples:
• Passing from school-age to adolescence. • Financial Change
• Passing from adolescent to adult. • Pregnancy
• Leaving home • Abortion
• Getting married • Severe Illness
• Divorce • Presence of unresolved loses
• Having a baby • Excessive fatigue or pain
• Job Loss • Person's usual coping skills are not working for them in
• Beginning a career finding some resolve
• Death Of Loved One • A series of stressful life events


In addition, an unplanned, accidental event that is not part of everyday life can cause a life crisis.
  • Natural disaster
  • National disaster
  • Crime of violence
  • Spousal or child abuse
One person may perceive a stressful event as disastrous while another may view the same event as a challenge. Crisis is not a pathological state, but instead is a struggle for equilibrium and an adjustment to problems that are perceived as insolvable. It can be self-limiting and can result in personality disorganization or blocks in personality growth. Acute grief can be a normal reaction to distressing situations and getting help can eliminate devastating psychological consequences from sustained exposure and the effects can result in severe anxiety, depression and hopelessness. In addition, the use of drugs, alcohol and certain medications can amplify the symptoms and prohibit the abilty to move through the crisis.

If the crisis is unresolved anxiety can continue to severe or panic level, serious personality disorganization occurs (confusion, immobilization, relationship problems, work-related issues, violence against others, and suicide attempts). When this occurs sometimes therapy is just not enough and the only way to find relief is to take some time out for true healing at the root cause of the problem. There is hope, even though it might not feel that way.

Please call 866.922.1350 to find out what the best course of care is for you.