Undergoing a crisis is normal and part of being human, even though it may be painful and feel like you’re losing control of your life. In some cases, your crisis reaction can lead to mental health problems. If so, you may need help.
A crisis can be described as a problematic period in a person’s life triggered by one or more difficult events or problems. It may involve experiencing loss, a major change in life or extreme stress, such as due to serious illness, death or separation. It could also involve difficulties or changes affecting your finances, your work or your family.
Facing a situation that feels overwhelming, extremely demanding or disruptive – whether in a positive or negative way – can also result in a crisis. Such as when your last child leaves home or you retire, get married or become a parent.
You may experience strong, sweeping and long-lasting reactions when going through a life crisis or grief. You may feel anxious and down, and your emotions and behaviours can change in different ways. Together, these different symptoms can lead to an adjustment disorder diagnosis.
If your crisis reactions were triggered by a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, an assault, an accident or an act of terrorism, you may be suffering from acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can read more about PTSD here.
People react to crises differently. Your vulnerability and past experiences of facing and overcoming difficulties will influence how you react. You may feel anxious, worried and tired and have trouble sleeping. You may feel despondent, lonely, empty and abandoned. This is normal and not the same as having a mental illness.
Many people are resilient and can recover from a crisis, such as with the support of their social network. For some, a crisis may even bring with it something considered positive after the event. The experience may have resulted in personal development, insight or a more enriching way of looking at life. However, a crisis can also lead to serious mental health problems.
If you think you may be suffering from adjustment disorder or traumatic stress following a crisis or a difficult incident, you can contact your healthcare centre or a psychiatric clinic for additional guidance. Young people can also contact their student health service or a youth clinic. In the case of serious symptoms, such as suicidal impulses, immediately contact a psychiatric emergency clinic or call 112.
During the acute phase of a crisis, rapid interventions can prove helpful. You may need professional support. You may also have people around you who can help simply by offering a calm, reassuring presence. You may need help identifying and solving practical problems, as well as support and encouragement to help you get through this difficult time. Short-term medication can help with sleeping problems. If your symptoms still remain after a time, you may need psychological treatment.
Reviewed by: Marie Kanstrup, registered psychologist and doctor of medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Uppsala University.
Last edited 2024-02-28