STRESS & CRISIS

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.” 

― John F. Kennedy

First I should define Stress, stressor, and Crisis:

STRESS:  A state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life

STRESSOR:  The source of the stress (causing strain and stress)

CRISIS: A difficult or dangerous situation that causes changes within ones life

Many things can cause stress within a family.  

                         

 Birth of new baby                                           Loosing JOB

                                                                    Divorce                                                                    Death of loved one

       Abuse                     

                                 Alcohol abuse                             Illness                         AFFAIRS                                             

Drugs

         Disability                             DEBT                        Money                       Natural disasters

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS?

There are three different reactions a family has in times of a crisis or stress.

                               1. Higher maturity is gained, members have grown

                               2. Stay the same, members just have coped

                               3. Lower level, members have long term negative reactions

Often times many handle stress by using DENIAL, AVOIDING the issues, and SCAPEGOATING(blaming others or something else).  These are common reactions in families and individuals.  They are not the best ways to react and are ineffective to solving issues.  So what is the proper way to HANDLE problems that come our way?

According to the book "Marriage & Family: The Quest for Intimacy", there are a few effective tools for coping with our problems.  They suggest that the first step is to take RESPONSIBILITY(admit there is an issue...no denial...)  Next BELIEVE in your self!  You are stronger than you know.  In the words of Winnie the Pooh, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."  Also don't forget about those around you.  Sometimes when we are going through a crisis it's easy to become self absorbed.  I find that SERVICE can be the best way to help one forget about their own problems.  Another way to deal with stress is called "reframing".  This means that we should REDEFINE and CHANGE the way we think of our problem.  It doesn't take all the pain away...but helps ease a bit of it.  One family after the loss of their home from a wildfire(which distroyed hundereds of homes), made a homemade sign which was placed by the damaged home saying, "Termite Free at last".  We can choose how we react! Lastly one should make make sure they use all their RESOURCES!  Family, friends, books, church, therapy, etc.  You are not alone!  Don't give up hope! 

I found another article that hopefully will be helpful for those that are dealing with stress:

Dealing with Stress and Discouragement

AND if all else fails, use the diagram below! ;)