It is important to seek help during a crisis both from someone you trust and a trusted professional. If you require more urgent assistance make sure to seek that out (see Tips and Tricks section). 

What can you do in a crisis? 

1. Seek professional support. This may be from your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. 

2. Seek social support. Talk to a friend, family, partner or loved one that you trust. 

3. Maintain your health. Try to eat well and maintain your previous level of exercise. It does not seem important when you are going through a crisis but it can be very helpful for your mental health. 

4. Draw your stress bucket. I think reviewing the stress bucket analogy and drawing or listing your your stressors and healthy coping mechanisms will help to identify them. From there you can try to increase your healthy coping mechanisms and see what can be done to minimise or modify your stressors. 

My Experience

I have had a few crises over the years and they are not pleasant experiences. Some crises I have experiences

• Crisis after two of my patients suicided in a short period of time.

• Crisis after my wife left for interstate during COVID and I was unable to see her for 8 months. Talking with my wife is one of my main coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and this caused the water to overflow from my stress bucket. 

• Crisis after my wife and I were experiencing significant marital difficulties and undertaking relationship counselling. 

These crises for me are accompanied by increased depressive and anxiety symptoms and suicidal ideation. 

Work also seems to play a large part in term of my stressors leading to my crises and having a break from work for 2-3 weeks, reviewing my medications with my psychiatrist and seeing my therapist has always proved helpful and allowed me to eventually return to my life.