Crisis Management

Aims of crisis intervention

• Resolve the crisis and restore physiological/psychological equilibrium as quickly and constructively as possible.
• Encourage the person in crisis to regain control and take appropriate action themselves.

Principles of management

• Intervene early — actively and directly.
• Establish an empathetic alliance.
• Be accessible.
• Attend to family and social supports.
• Be prepared for the difficult phase of the first 24–48 hours.
• Don’t carry the burden of the crisis alone.
• Aim for brief, time-limited intervention — no more than six interviews over 6 weeks.
• Short-term use of psychotropic drugs (e.g. a hypnotic for 2–3 nights’ sleep) may be appropriate when necessary.

Ten rules to help a patient in distress

1. Give expression to your emotions — try not to bottle things up.
2. Talk things over with friends.
3. Focus on things as they are now, in this moment.
4. Consider problems one at a time.
5. Act firmly and promptly to solve a problem.
6. Occupy yourself and your mind as much as possible.
7. Try not to nurse grudges or blame others.
8. Set aside time every day for physical relaxation.
9. Stick to your daily routine as much as possible.
10. Consult your family doctor when you need help.