by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC

Many times when you receive emails or questions from individuals they will be in crisis situations. Here is an overview of what a crisis is, what kinds of crises people encounter and how you can respond and refer these people to the appropriate resources.

1. What is a crisis? A situation, turning point or state occurring in a person’s life which destabilizes and interferes with their mental or physical health, relationships and/or functioning. There are different kinds of crises and levels of severity.

2. What kinds of Crises occur in people’s lives?

High level crisis situations: suicidal thoughts, plans and/or attempts; abuse of children, sexual or physical abuse, rape, domestic violence, threats to harm others, threats from others, etc.

The following situations or personal conditions can cause a Moderate to High level crisis: loss of loved one, job loss, divorce, eating disorders, addictions, physical illness/disability. Issues with depression, finances, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, rage, change in job, residence, etc.

3.  How to respond and refer to a crisis:

when someone is expressing feelings of hopelessness, depresison or other types of feelings, explore with further questions such as:

• “How long have you felt this way?”
• “Have you thought about harming yourself?”
• “Have you ever tried to take your life?”
• “Do you have a plan to end your life?”
• “What keeps you from running away or giving up on life?”

4. Be empathic and validate their emotional distress…. “I can see that this is difficult for you to deal with” “you seem to be feeling fearful, anxious, angry, hopeless, depressed, stressed out, overwhelmed”.

In your situation I recommend that……you call …Refer to the appropriate resources.

5. Integrating biblical examples and the gospel: When you provide an example from scripture for a person’s situation, preface it with: You may not be familiar with the Bible or maybe you have read it. Since the Bible is a book of hope and comfort providing understanding and insight about God, I would like to share this story……from the life of Job…Ruth… Jesus…or David….

These people suffered and endured many trials like you…. and found help and hope in their faith in God and Christ.

See: Sharing the Gospel for specific examples

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