At least once in everyone’s life there comes a time when it seems that life has stopped, everything is meaningless, and it will never get better… To put it simply, a psychological crisis occurs. What leads to it? How not to confuse it with a bad mood and temporary difficulties? And how can it be overcome?
psychological crisis can be caused by natural reasons, such as growing up and changing one’s social role, or by events that disrupt one’s usual way of life – moving, changing jobs, having a baby, losing a loved one, or getting divorced . Whatever its nature, it provokes a feeling of helplessness and loss.
First of all, you should pay attention to the signs that indicate a violation of your emotional and psychological stability – these may be feelings of anxiety, fear, panic, despair or hopelessness, sleep and appetite disturbances, decreased self-esteem and self-respect. During such periods, it can be difficult to find a common language with loved ones, conflicts arise at work and there is an unwillingness to contact anyone in principle. Such behavior can also be accompanied by physical symptoms: headaches, digestive disorders, fatigue, apathy, decreased overall activity.
HOW TO ADAPT AT FIRST
There are several stages of adaptation:
- a state of shock and uncertainty about how to live on;
- resistance and unwillingness to admit that it happened;
- relief – if there is an understanding of what to do and what steps to take;
- loss of motivation – if there is no answer for a long time on how to cope with the situation.
To cope with a psychological crisis and not slip into depression and despair, you need to consciously work on yourself, and to find a way out of a critical situation, you need to mobilize internal and external resources. Since we can only make decisions from a point of emotional stability, first of all, pay attention to your physical activity, healthy nutrition and sleep, and also master practices to improve your level of psychological stability – for example, meditation and yoga. This will allow you to calm down and start acting.
HOW TO GET OUT OF THE CRISIS
Step 1: Recognize the problem
Being honest with yourself is an important element to begin working on your way out of a crisis. Allow yourself to acknowledge the problems and negative emotions that exist so that you can be prepared for change and growth.
Step 2: Analysis and self-reflection
Ask yourself what aspects of your life are causing you dissatisfaction or frustration. Identify your dreams, values , and goals, and compare them to your current situation. Consider what you want to change and in what direction you want to move.
Step 3: Goals and Plans
Identify specific goals that you want to achieve. Break them down into smaller, achievable subgoals. Develop an action plan that includes specific steps and deadlines for completing them. This will help you direct your efforts in the right direction and avoid feelings of hopelessness and aimlessness.
Step 4: Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support from loved ones, friends or professionals such as psychologists or coaches. Share your emotions, thoughts and fears with them . This will help you get an outside perspective, advice and support that will help you grow and overcome the crisis.
Step 5: Self-development
A personal crisis is a unique opportunity for growth. Use this period to pay attention to your interests and strengths. Through self-education, reading books, attending seminars and acquiring new skills, you can change your thinking and behavior.
If we perceive a crisis as a natural stage of development, it can contribute to the spontaneous resolution of emotional and psychological difficulties, personality changes and the way out of difficult life situations. If we ask ourselves the question “Why did this happen?” instead of “Why did I have to endure all this?”, it means that we are ready for change and growth, the path to which lies through a crisis.