Family Crisis Parenting Unit 1

Crisis n A crucial time or event that causes a change in a person’s life.

Crisis comes in all sizes, shapes and forms n Violence n Abuse n Addiction n Death n Illness n Unemployment n Depression n Gambling n Suicide n Teenage Pregnancy n Criminal Attack n Divorce n Separation n Rape n Missing Children n Runaways

Violence n Violence- any harmful contact that results in injury or death. n Domestic violence- between family members –Spouse or partner abuse –Elder abuse –Child Abuse

Addiction n Addiction = The dependence on a particular substance or action. –Drugs –Alcohol n What does this do to families?

Death n Death of spouse/parent n Death of child n Death of caretaker/nurturer n Dealing with a loss is very difficult on families n Causes many emotions - sadness, anger, fear, guilt n Time usually eases the pain

Illness n Parent n Grandparent n Child

Unemployment n Occurs both in times of recession and times of prosperity n Can causes massive changes in family spending n Savings could be depleted n Feelings of security are replaced by fears and tension

Depression n It is a “whole-body” illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts. 1. Clinical Depression 2. Chronic Depression

Symptoms of Depression n Do they express feelings of –Sadness or “emptiness” –hopelessness, pessimism or guilt –helplessness or worthlessness n Do they seem –unable to make decisions –unable to concentrate and remember –lost interest in ordinary activities

Divorce n The legal dissolution of a marriage n Family structure is shaken n Arguments arise n Children are forced to choose sides n Lack of security

Suicide n Impulsive Suicides- hardest to comprehend n When deep feelings of loss (feeling worthless, loss of loved one) regarding some areas of their lives occur, suicides could result.

Suicide continued n Hints or open discussion about suicide have occurred, remarks should not be ignored! n Seek Professional help!

Reacting to Crisis 1. Impact 2. Withdrawal and Confusion 3. Focus 4. Adaptation

Coping in Stages n Denial and Isolation n Anger n Bargaining n Depression