About Crisis
In disasters, the number of individuals affected psychologically is many times greater than the number of people sustaining physical injury, damage to their homes or the loss of possessions.
How Crisis Affects People
Crisis can affect anyone, and no two people experience it the same way. How an individual responds to a critical incident is a complex mix of life experiences and many other factors.
While some may become withdrawn or anxious, others may feel heightened stress, hyper-vigilance, or emotional exhaustion. Some may exhibit erratic behavior, endangering those around them. (This is one reason why we deploy only certified NATIONAL Crisis Response Canine teams, trained to deal with these situations.)
Compassion Fatigue
First responders see a lot of trauma. While professionals typically have a higher resistance to the effects of trauma and crisis, prolonged exposure can lead to compassion fatigue and feeling traumatized themselves.
Today most organizations recognize this and have their own Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) systems in place. These have proven effective in reducing depression, PTSD and other short- and long-term effects of traumatic events. NATIONAL Crisis Canines teams often integrate into local CISM systems to enhance and strengthen them.
Immediate Response is Essential to Recovery
Research shows that responding to the critical psychological needs of individuals in crisis as quickly as possible reduces long term dysfunctions such as unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness in both the individual and the community.
The Crisis Cycle
Understanding the crisis cycle helps frame how individuals, organizations, and communities move through difficult events. More here.