Five Things You Can Do During A Life Crisis

We have all experienced being in crisis. Something unexpected happens that sets our world into disarray and we are forced to enter “crisis mode.” Rarely do we think to prepare for a life crisis - typically crisis appears out of nowhere: an illness, an accident, a family emergency, a loss. 

What can you do when you are in the middle of a crisis? Here are some places to start: 

1. Start with your physical needs: food, water, rest, exercise. It can be easy to ignore your physical needs when you feel overwhelmed. Meeting your physical needs can energize you and give you more focus to deal with the crisis at hand. 
2. Ask for help: who can you turn to for help? It may be friends, family, a pastor, a mentor or a counselor. You may not want to ask for help but this is the time you need it the most. 
3. Evaluate your situation: is your crisis so great that you need outside help? Are you experiencing mental or emotional distress that requires a professional to evaluate and treat you? If you feel unable to evaluate your situation, reach out and ask someone who can. 
4. Eliminate the unimportant: if you are in crisis, your mental and emotional energy is likely drained. This is not the time to make sure that your ceiling fans or dusted or to worry about whether you should do the extra volunteer shift at school. Eliminate what can be eliminated so that you can focus on what is at hand 
5. Discard guilt: allow yourself to do be imperfect. Discard guilty feelings about whether or not you are doing all of the things that you typically do when you are not in crisis. Simply survive the best way that you can and leave the rest for another day 

If you are experiencing a crisis and feel as if you can not do it on your own, Bethel Haven counselors are here to help. Call us at 706.310.9046 to schedule an appointment. 

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day at no cost. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.