The Impact of Different Life Crises
Stress and everyday annoyances are not crises. Situations that interfere with normal activity, inspire feelings of panic or defeat, and bring about deep emotional reactions are crises. A crisis is a 'turning point'; or a crucial time that will make a difference for better or worse. The Chinese word for 'crisis'; is made up of two characters -- one means despair and the other means opportunity. When a person experiences crisis, there will either be a negative outcome or a positive one. The direction of the outcome depends on a number of factors such as -- physical and emotional health of the individual, support from others, childhood upbringing, past experience with similar situations, and the duration of the crisis situation. I propose to focus specifically on the life crises with which the elderly population faces, notably the loss of a spouse or companion, retirement, and contending with a terminal illness. Through examining the latter crises and their potential to influence the health of an elderly individual, I expect to learn of means by which the elderly may give way to in order not to become overwhelmed with the changes.
Different life crises have different impacts. In many cases, however, it may be possible to anticipate crises and prepare for them. It may also be useful to recognize the impact of crises that have occurred so that one can take account of them appropriately. Holmes and Rahe with the Social Readjustment Scale have done some very interesting work in this area. This allocates a number of 'Life Crisis Units'; to different events, so that one can evaluate them and take action accordingly (Niven 99). While this approach is obviously a simplification of complex situations, using LCUs can give one a useful start in adjusting to life crises. With regards to the elderly population, namely the events 'death of a spouse';, 'personal illness or injury';, and 'retirement'; rate 100, 53, and 45 LCUs respectively. One of the most powerful stressors in one's life, particularly in the elderly population, is the loss of a loved one or a close relationship through the death of a spouse or companion. In the two years following bereavement, widowed people are more susceptible to illness and physical ailments, and their mortality rate is higher than expected. Bereaved people may be vulnerable to illness in part because, feeling unhappy, they do not sleep well, they stop eating properly, and they consume more drugs and cigarettes.
Aging and old age for a long time presented as dominated by negative traits and states such as sickness, depression and isolation. The aging process is not simply senescence most people over the age of 65 are not Senile, bedridden, isolated, or suicidal (Aldwin & Levenson, 1994). This change in perspective led the investigation of the other side of the coin. Ageing is seen as health, maturity and personal Royal growth, self-acceptance, happiness, generatively, coping and acceptance of age-related constraints (Birren & Fisher, 1995). Psychological und...
The denial of child care for her two children’s has added fear, helplessness, hopelessness, loss, of control and guilt which impacts Katy health and contributed to worsening of her health. Katy was experiencing a situational crisis because of her medical condition and her concern to provide for her children. It occurs when an individual produces an overwhelming response as they confronted with a stressful event. Factors that contribute to Katy crisis are high demand to provide for her children, denial of child care services, medical condition, and a single parent. These factors play a critical role in her health outcome and progression of her disease and psychological state. Therefore, prolonged stress included adverse psychological and physical health effects as well as the increased risk of premature death (Denollet, J., et al.
The ABC model of crisis intervention refers to the conduction of very brief mental health interviews with clients whose functioning level has decreased following a psychosocial stressor also known as a crisis (Kanel, 2007). This method was first introduced by Gerald Caplan and Eric Lindemann in the 1940s, other variations of this model have developed over the years. The ABC model is a 3 step problem-focused approach used to provide temporary and immediate relief that has been known to work best when applied within 4 to 6 weeks of the precipitating event (Kaplan, 2007). The focus of the ABC model is to identify the aspects of a crisis or precipitating event, the client 's perceptions about the event, personal anguish, failed internal coping
Family is the fundamental group of people that hones each individual into a social being and trains each person into a being that complies with various changes that may occur in one’s life. It aids in developing a person’s skills and attitude in relating to other people. If not for the family, growing and developing one’s self is a difficult and an almost impossible task to accomplish. In the article by Joan Patterson, known as Understanding Family Resilience, it had highlighted various information and explanations of how a family responds and should opt to act during times of adversity, or also known as family resilience. It is defined by McCubin, H and McCubin, M. as “characteristics, dimensions, and properties which help families to be resistant to disruption in the face of change and adaptive in the face of crisis situations.” Since change occurs on a daily basis and is entirely inevitable, the trait of a family to be flexible in adjusting is necessary. Events that may trigger changes are various crises and challenges or internal and external forces. Such occurrences that arise and are experienced by the family may draw most families to become hopeless and disoriented. In Patterson’s work, a clear explanation and citation of various instances to prove that such misfortunate events that could lead to the disorganization of a family can be avoided and be used as an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship founded in the family.
Contrary to the similarities of both models, The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention is used as an assessment consisting of three components: A- achieving contact, B-boiling the problem down to basics and C-coping (Kanel, 2010). Kanel (2010) suggest that the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention is designed for a client whose functioning level has decreased following a psychosocial stressor. It’s most effectively applied within 4 to 6 weeks of the crisis. The Seven Task of Assessment consists of the following seven tasks: (1) Initiating Contact, (2) Defining the Crisis, (3) Providing Support, (4) Examining Alternatives, (5) Re-establishing Control, (6) Obtaining Commitment, and (7) the Follow Up (James, 2013). The Seven Task Assessment is a more detailed assessment focusing solely on the difficulties faced by the client due to a severe crisis. It allows for a closer encounter with the client to evaluate the crisis’ severity, their current emotional status, alternative methods, support systems and coping
This stage involves an individual reflecting on themselves and their life in order to determine if they are content with the life they lived or if they have any regrets. If the young adult is unable to establish contentment and peace, then frustration and regret results because the individual becomes saddened they didn’t live a better life (Potter, Perry, et al. 2013). Unfortunately, this patient is experiencing despair because he is currently divorced living alone. Although his children visit him often, they live out of town and are busy with their own lives. Additionally, his present diagnosis of pneumonia and rhonchi facilitate the deterioration of his health as well as his past medical history (cataract and femoral surgery).
Davis-Laak, Paula. "7easy resilience strategies for busy, complicated lives." Phsycology today. N.P, 10 Jan. 2011. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.
O'Hara, R. (2006). Stress, aging, and mental health. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 14(4), 295-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/195991009?accountid=14214
The Davis family is facing multiple problems and has difficulties meeting the emotional needs of its family members. Recent events/crisis and the stresses associated with these events resulted in feelings of anxiety and poor communication between family members. This further impacts the family’s coping ability. An appropriate nursing diagnoses for this family is: Interrupted family processes related to vulnerability and dysfunctional behavior of family members. Setting mutual goals and proper interventions can help this family achieve a positive outcome and ensure the family’s wellbeing.
When people experience a traumatic event it normally will have an impact on every facet of their being. God created us as triune being made of a body, soul (mind, will, and emotions). Crisis immediately impacts a person physically, cognitively, and emotionally. After some time has passed you can expect to see symptoms of the effects of the critical incident in relationships horizontally with family and friends; as well as the person’s vertical relationship with God. It is critical in crisis intervention that all three parts of a person be assessed and cared for appropriately to aid victims of crisis in healing from the critical incident.
The purpose of this paper is for me to explore the ways I cope and deal with stressors in my life. I will be using multiple assessments such as a “Life Behavior Assessment” which helps me identify the healthy and unhealthy ways I cope when I am stress. I will also be using the “Self-care assessments” where I will assist multiple self-care areas in my life. After completing the “Self-care assessments worksheet” I will use the “My Maintenance Self-Care Worksheet” to go in depth about my current self care practices in the different areas and new practices that I can start doing.
This research is guided by two major theories. First, Transactional Theory, which is a widely accepted theory of coping developed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman. Second, the Control Theory developed by Charles Carver and Michael Scheier.
Although socio-economic status does not influence the degree of emotion experienced, the support system available to channel the emotions is affected. Financial resources – including insurance policies, pensions and saving may provide the dying individual with more options to deal with the death.
If we let our personal challenges destroy us, then we are nothing and have nothing to offer the world. It is important that we take control of our situation and use the personal hardship as an opportunity to better ourselves. It takes a keen eye and careful self-evaluation to remove any inclusions that will mar the beautiful diamond we possess in all of us. Each one of us is shaped into a distinctive cut of stone, giving way to different grades of clarity and color, making us rare, valuable, and uniquely our own. Frederick Douglass and Barbara Ehrenreich are two individuals who lived in different time periods; however, both individuals used their personal struggles to inspire change in the hearts of others. Just as I use my struggle as a tool to chip away the imperfections in my life, Frederick and Barbara used their experiences to chip away the fallacies of our nation. Personal challenges encourage me to grow as an individual and make better choices for a brighter future.