Every family has a family crisis now and then, sometimes, at the most unexpected times. One of the biggest secrets to crisis intervention has to do with the reality that anyone can intervene in a family crisis, simply by being there for them.
Crisis counselors are people trained in crisis intervention, but many times, there are no trained counselors available when a family crisis occurs. A family member or a friend can be effective in bringing about effective resolution in a family crisis.
Here is fictional, case study showing an example of crisis intervention, where a friend intervenes and helps to avert what could otherwise become a major crisis.
Maria, a single mother with two young children, is depressed. She is having difficulty coping with the possibility of having to raise two young children alone. She feels like she does not want to live any longer.
Serena, her best friend from high school, unexpectedly drops by and is shocked to learn that Maria is seriously thinking about taking her own life. The only thing preventing her from doing that at this time is her children. Serena is not a trained crisis counselor.
What are some of the things that Serena does to intervene in this family crisis?
Serena listens carefully to Maria.
Serena quietly listens to what Maria is stating about not being able to cope and wanting to end her own life. She immediately recognizes the reality that Maria needs to talk to someone other than just her two young children. With Maria’s permission, Serena makes a cup of coffee for the both of them and they sit down at the kitchen table together. Maria is on the verge of tears and not very talkative, but Serena recognizes that is a sign of depression.
Serena talks pro-actively to Maria.
Serena takes a pro-active approach to the potential crisis. She talks to Maria gently and kindly, in a positive, constructive manner. She quietly recounts some of their earlier, high school experiences to which Maria can relate. They have hopes and dreams that they shared in the past. While there are long periods of silence in their conversation,
Maria gradually begins to tell her where the family problem lies. Gene, her husband has recently left home, because he has been unable to find work and thus, advised her that she will have to raise the children alone. Maria does not know if or when he will return.
Serena helps Maria with the children.
Serena recognizes the fact that Maria is very tired and is aware that fatigue is part of depression. She realizes that Maria’s children sense her state of depression, as they are too quiet. Serena quietly assists her to bathe and dress the children and gives them breakfast. She also makes breakfast for Maria, who might not eat otherwise. She sees that there is some food in the refrigerator and the cupboards, but not a lot. She makes a mental note of the things that Maria needs.
Serena gives Maria some time to take care of herself.
Serena realizes that Maria needs personal time for herself, too, so she plays with the children, laughing and chatting with them, while at the same time, allowing Maria to bathe, shampoo her hair, get dressed and do some of the things that she needs or wants to do. In other words, she is there for Maria, simply as a friend and a helper.
Serena obtains contact information from Maria.
Serena recognizes the reality that in the future, Maria will need ongoing assistance with the children and discusses several, possible options, including babysitting for her. After a while, Maria gives her the telephone number for her husband, in case of an emergency.
Maria discloses the reality that she has other family members in the area, including her stepmother and her mother-in-law. Maria tells Serena that she is too embarrassed to ask them for help. They do not know that Maria’s husband has left and she does not want to tell them yet. In the past, their relationship has been strained and they have never attempted to get to know the grandchildren. Maria gives Serena their telephone numbers, even though she is still hesitant to do so.
Serena learns that Maria has a family doctor.
Serena recognizes there is a dysfunctional family relationship and turning to the family for help, at this time, might not prove to be effective intervention. She knows that Maria needs medical help for her depression. She obtains the telephone number for Maria’s doctor and encourages her to book an appointment for later that day. She offers to stay and take care of the children, so that Maria can go to her doctor’s appointment. Finally, Serena decides to take her there instead.
This story ends happily, but not all family crises end like this. Maria realizes that she really does not want to commit suicide, as her children need her and that she will be able to manage on her own, as long as she obtains some assistance.
The secret to the success in this kind of a scenario has to do with the fact that someone cared and was able to get through to her in time. Other secrets to family intervention are scattered throughout the account of Serena’s visit to Maria at this critical time. These include the following. Serena listens, talks proactively to her, helps Maria with her children and allows Maria time for herself. She obtains husband and family contact information, just in case and takes her to see the family doctor.
Taking this further, Serena could also encourage Maria to apply for financial assistance as a single mother. Maria could inquire into local childcare facilities, visit an employment center, draw up a resume, submit applications for employment and find a local food bank, as well as a clothing outlet where she can obtain inexpensive clothing for herself and her children.
In an emergency, she can take her children to a women’s shelter, where she may be able to obtain free, professional counseling with respect to her recurrent bouts of depression. Note that they will likely suggest that advising Maria’s husband and family of the situation immediately, is vital for the sake of the family.
In a family crisis, there are always options with respect to intervention, whether you are a counselor or not. Sometimes all it takes is a friend like Serena to help discover them. For example, maybe in the near future, Serena will be able to help Maria with respect to letting the grandmothers get to know, as well as participate in the care of their grandchildren. Maybe her husband will be able to re-assume his right role as husband and father, in their family, too.
Crisis intervention works.
No comments:
Post a Comment