Crisis management
What is a crisis or life crisis?
Have you experienced a difficult event, trauma, or loss? Crises can arise due to events such as the death of a loved one, illness, unemployment, divorce, or infidelity. If you feel like you have lost your footing in life, experiencing symptoms such as nightmares, apathy, panic attacks, or fear, these may be signs that you are going through a crisis. The sooner you address these issues through crisis management, the greater the chance of healing.
A crisis is an experience that makes us feel incapable of managing our lives. It can be a trauma – an event that triggers strong emotional reactions – or a significant life change, such as a divorce, bereavement, job loss, or a serious conflict that disrupts relationships.
Life crisis and psychological symptoms
Common psychological reactions to a crisis include:
Anxiety and worry
Increased sensitivity to stress and pressure
Memory difficulties
Feelings of unreality
Difficulty processing the event
Fatigue
Low mood and sadness
Emotional numbness
Low self-esteem
Overwhelming emotions
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty concentrating
A crisis can make it challenging to function at work, maintain social connections, or even manage daily life. If these difficulties persist, they can increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
That is why it is crucial to maintain daily routines and reconnect with activities that previously contributed to well-being.
Do you need crisis support?
We offer professional crisis support throughout all phases of a crisis. If you are currently experiencing a crisis or struggling with one from the past, contact World Psychologists for tailored crisis counselling.
What happens to people in crisis?
Individuals in crisis often go through different emotional phases, including:
Shock and denial
Feelings of unreality
Guilt
Anger
Grief
The order and intensity of these phases vary from person to person. Eventually, most individuals reach a phase of reorientation, where they begin to rebuild their lives despite the change caused by the crisis.
The time it takes to recover depends on:
The nature of the crisis
The level of support available
The individual’s vulnerability to mental health challenges
How to manage a crisis
People who experience a crisis need support.
Talking about the experience is essential – hearing oneself recount events is part of the processing and healing journey.
Psychotherapy can provide essential guidance, offering a structured approach to navigating the emotional impact of a crisis.
One of the most effective ways to process a crisis is through counselling and emotional support. The earlier support is sought, the greater the chance of recovery.
PTSD following a crisis
It is common for individuals in crisis to withdraw from the very support systems that could help them. Most crises and traumas do not result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
However, if a significant amount of time has passed and symptoms persist, such as:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Avoidance behaviours
Heightened alertness or jumpiness
It may be beneficial to seek further assessment and support. There are specific and effective treatments available for PTSD.
Book a free consultation
Crisis management for individuals
Counselling is one of the most effective approaches for coping with crises. Talking and receiving support are key elements of healing.
For some, a few sessions may be enough to restore a sense of control, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
During an initial session, we will:
Assess your needs
Match you with a suitable psychologist or therapist
Develop a structured support plan, including:
Frequency and duration of sessions
The goals of therapy
At World Psychologists, we have extensive experience in supporting individuals through all types of crises. You are never alone in your crisis when seeking help from us.
Crisis support in London
If you prefer in-person counseling, we offer sessions at our London clinic. However, we also provide remote support via phone and video consultations, meaning we can assist you wherever you are in the UK or internationally.
Additionally, we offer appointments outside regular working hours, including evenings and weekends.
Do not let the crisis take control – reach out today for support.