..TO HELP WITHSTAND A CRISIS Resources

Why are they important? During a crisis, RESOURCES in our life help us cope with our crisis. Resources can include a person’s family and friends (Social) People also may use community resources available to them (Mental, Support, Spiritual)

Social Relationships Family is important in a crisis because:  Support in good times and bad.  Crisis is shared, so a better understanding exists  Love, care, trust already established  Family members able to swift roles without hesitation: Sibling will raise siblings if needed

Social Relationships Friends are important in a crisis because  Offer emotional support  Serve as a “break” from family  Give us unbiased view on situation  Know our personal struggles in life

Mental Resources Because crisis threatens our security and decisions must be made without much thought, we are often left feeling overwhelmed and need support from outside sources Mental Resources can help make a situation more tolerable and guide us to support needed Examples include:  Counselors and Therapists—lets us talk about our problem and offer solutions. Maybe provide sessions for the whole family  Psychiatrist—opportunity to talk but also can offer medication to get through difficult time

Support Resources Support groups give a person an opportunity to connect with others who are struggling with same issue (Alcoholics Anonymous) Hotlines are also a resource for people to call in time of need. Typically staffed 24/7 to help guide people to make the right choice (Runaway Hotline) Services in the community like shelters, food kitchens and pantries also help people in crisis.

Spiritual Resources Reaching out to spiritual leaders in a time of crisis can give great comfort to those struggling. Spirituality provides a sense of hope for many as well as gives a person relief from the situation (you can pray your “worries” and put it in a spiritual beings hands) Connecting with ministers, priests, spiritual advisors, rabbis can offer great comfort.