Surviving an Emotional Crisis
that Threatens Your Life Gains

People have times in their lives when their emotions are in turmoil or in crisis. An emotional crisis is often precipitated by any difficult situation that can present itself in various forms, ranging from the death of a loved one, a failed relationship, the loss of a job, bankruptcy, relocation, or changing schools. An emotional crisis may also be caused by any number of unforeseen events, including an accident, a natural disaster, or a physical assault. During any of these situations, it is one’s reaction, rather than the event itself, that characterizes it as a crisis.

It is common to sometimes experience that proverbial “bad day”, or perhaps some rough-sailing weeks that can bring you down with anxiety and stress; and it may seem you are about to snap. Experts say it is part of the human condition. After all, emotions lie at the center of how you respond to a difficult situation or event. Emotions are the initial reaction to the fight or flight response embedded in you. If, however, living emotionally overloaded has become your way of life, it might be time to be evaluated by a professional.

Classes of Emotional Crisis

A number of triggers can take you over the edge and can lead to a wide-ranging symptoms and consequences with both emotional and physical changes in yourself. Listed below are the six classes of emotional crisis that may affect you in various degrees of severity, depending on the type of potential sources of stressor.

  • Dispositional: An acute response to an ordinary situation that may include workplace conflict or a domestic argument.
  • Anticipated Life Transitions: An individual may feel a lack of emotional well-being during expected life changes. An example would be a spouse who may feel emotionally overwhelmed due to an increase in responsibility while taking care of a sick partner.
  • Traumatic Stress: The inability to feel emotionally well after an unexpected event of which there is little or no control over, such as an abduction or physical assault.
  • Maturational/Developmental: An emotional crisis may be brought up by situations with unresolved conflicts in life, including sexual identity or dependency.
  • Psychopathology: The presence of any behavioral or emotional health condition, such as borderline personality or schizophrenia which may cause emotional distress to the person after experiencing a difficult event or situation.
  • Psychiatric Emergencies: Conditions impaired by some substance, or those requiring immediate medical attention may render an individual emotionally incompetent.

To Be In Emotional Distress

It is true, life can throw a curveball that may overwhelm you. Sometimes, your depression and anxiety can be more than what you can face on your own. At times, these feelings can be difficult to bear, and you want an escape from your hurt, agony, misery, and hopelessness. Sometimes that desire for relief may impel you to harm yourself or someone else.

When you are hit by an emotional crisis, you may feel as if you are flooded by a storm of strong thoughts and feelings. During an emotional crisis, your coping resources are temporarily paralyzed, and you tend to react in a number of ways. When this happens, you may be impelled to do things you think will help alleviate the intense emotions in the shortest possible time, but only to continue struggling with some long-term negative consequences.

A lot of people are reeling from a painful life experience and you may be one of them. The ability to identify your own self being in an emotional crisis is vital in making a good decision regarding what steps to take. With that you can effectively regulate your response and survive the difficult situation, so you can protect what you have gained throughout your life. Like some people, you are lucky if you have the skill to bounce back from an emotional crisis, or have the support of family and friends. Otherwise, you may need professional intervention. The options to consider depend on how severe you perceive your emotional crisis to be.

Spotting The Signs

The outward manifestations indicate how acute the crisis is and will test an individual’s capacity to meet their personal difficulties head on. It is important not to trivialize crisis-related behaviors or assume they can be easily corrected. Often, when emotional crisis hits the emotional first aid will come from a qualified practitioner.

With thinking patterns that include confusion, disbelief and rumination, the emotional symptoms of a personal crisis range from depression to anxiety, self-doubt, irritability, paranoia, pronounced mood changes, lack of concentration or focus, and loss of motivation. A person in emotional crisis may also feel sadness, anger, or self-reproach.

The physical symptoms usually involve clear and abrupt changes in behavior. The one having difficulty tends to neglect personal hygiene and show dramatic changes in sleeping patterns.  There is also a significant weight loss gain, withdrawal from routine activities and relationships, and a decline in performance, whether at school or work. The crisis-related symptoms also include physical infirmities, such as headaches, digestive upset, fatigue, and other somatic symptoms attributed to depression.

In some cases, emotional crisis may involve self-harming thoughts, feelings and behavior. The following warning signs require immediate help: feeling of hopelessness, aggressiveness or violence, engaging in risky activities, increased alcohol or substance abuse, preoccupation with death, self-destructive behavior, etc.

The emotional and physical changes obviously manifest suddenly after the triggering situation or event, while the behavioral changes follow gradually. The physical, emotional and behavioral signs may last a few days or longer, depending on the severity of your emotional reaction. Whatever the case may be, do not wait too long to bring up your concerns when the signs of change become noticeable. If you sense something is wrong, whether with yourself or your loved one, you are most likely right.

Resolving Your Emotions with Professional Help

Your life gains are very likely the fruit of your perseverance, resilience and resourcefulness. As therapists explain, successful people are capable of excepting their emotions as they emerge. Some people are quicker to “bounce back” from negative events that hit them, while others remain in a rut and trapped in their negative emotions.

If you are experiencing an emotional crisis, it may seem impossible to carry on with your usual functioning level. At the same time, it may be difficult to maintain a semblance of balance if you are hindered by negative emotions that influence your thoughts and behavior. How do you maintain success in the important areas of your life when a life-changing situation or event suddenly rocks your world? You know you need to find the right balance to protect and keep everything you have worked so hard for in the many of life’s aspects.

Everyone has a share of dark times in life, and there is no shame in asking for help. While family and friends can be supportive and provide guidance to you, your experience may be causing you a level of pain or stress that professional assistance may be necessary. It takes a professional to fully address and help you resolve your negative emotions. Your emotional condition is considered one of the 9 reasons to seek counseling now. At Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC, an independently contracted counselor may be the right fit professional who can work with you in treating your emotional disorder.

Even though the event may long be over, or if you were not directly involved, you may be experiencing emotional aftershocks that interfere with your ability to function. All you need is to find a place of safety and assurance to begin your recovery. That place is CCS – Sanford, NC. Call now to request an appointment so you can start your emotional recovery.

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