Crisis
If you have an immediate crisis that is endangering you or someone else, please call 9-1-1 or the appropriate emergency numbers in your area.
What is a Crisis?
Each of us will have difficult experiences at some point in our lives; for example, the loss of a loved one, an emergency situation, divorce, or the loss of a job. Many times we are prepared to handle these events, with support from family and friends.
Sometimes these events are beyond our strength or ability to cope. Sometimes one stressful event after another occurs without a break. We simply can't respond to the ongoing cumulative stress in our lives. A crisis occurs when we feel unable to manage different aspects of our lives amidst these difficult events. This point of crisis can be very different for each of us depending on our personal resources and how much support we have available from family, friends, church, etc.
Most often we expect ourselves to handle things and move on. If we don't expect it of ourselves, many times our family, friends, or employers will. Or even worse, we feel embarrassed that we are not "handling things better" and put on a front, leaving family, friends or employers with the impression that we're functioning well when we're not.
When a crisis occurs, it is more difficult to think and problem-solve. One or more aspects of our lives may become problematic: work, school, relationships, finances, or routine daily tasks. Feelings of being overwhelmed, hopeless, and out of control often result. These feelings are very uncomfortable; it is normal to begin to look for a "way out." This may be the point where we make a call to a counselor to seek help and begin the road to healing.
If we don't get adequate help, the pain of feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, and out of control can lead us to seek ways to "end the pain" which is sometimes translated into thoughts and/or plans of hurting oneself or someone else. If a crisis situation escalates to this point, you must call for help immediately. If you are concerned that harm to yourself or harm to someone else is imminent, please contact emergency services 9-1-1.
Sometimes when we have endured too much, we don't have the energy or desire to call for help. It can be hard to believe that the pain could ever go away or get better…but it can. If you feel unable to call for help, it is important to let a loved one know how you are feeling so they can help you. You, your family member or a friend can call St. Vincent Stress Center Crisis and Assessment services at (317) 338-4800 or (800) 872-2210. You can discuss your situation with a caring, professional counselor, who knows the many resources that are available to help. The counselor may talk with you in person for further support and evaluation when needed.
If you are a friend or loved one of someone experiencing a crisis, you can:
ASK-If you are concerned that your friend or family member is in crisis, don't be afraid to ask them about their feelings. Offer support and express your care and concern for them.
LISTEN-Really listen to the person openly. Take the person seriously and be supportive. Avoid giving advice, explaining away their feelings, or getting into a debate.
SEEK HELP-Don't do more than you can handle.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND COST-The confidentiality of clinical information is highly regarded. The counselor will help you find resources you can afford.
