What is a 'crisis' in mental health, and what are the key principles of crisis intervention?

A crisis is a state of disequilibrium caused by a stressor that overwhelms the person's usual coping abilities. Types of crisis: (1) Maturational/developmental — normal life transitions (marriage, parenthood, retirement) that overwhelm; (2) Situational — unexpected events (illness, loss, accident, divorce); (3) Adventitious — disaster, violence, public catastrophe affecting communities. Crisis intervention principles: (1) Short-term focus — typical resolution within 4-6 weeks; if not resolved, evolves into chronic dysfunction; (2) Present-focused — address the immediate problem rather than deep psychological issues; (3) Problem-solving approach — concrete steps to manage the crisis; (4) Mobilize resources — family, friends, community, professional services; (5) Restore previous level of functioning — not aim for transformation; (6) Active and directive — crisis worker takes more active role than typical therapy; (7) Build on strengths — identify and use the person's existing coping abilities. Phases: (1) Pre-crisis — usual functioning; (2) Vulnerable — stressor occurs, usual coping fails; (3) Active crisis — high anxiety, disorganization; (4) Reorganization — new equilibrium achieved (better, same, or worse than pre-crisis). Crisis intervention steps: (1) Assess — what is the precipitating event? safety? supports? coping methods used? (2) Plan — concrete actions to address the crisis; (3) Intervene — implement the plan; (4) Evaluate — was the crisis resolved? at what level? Resources: crisis hotlines, mobile crisis teams, emergency rooms, crisis stabilization units, suicide prevention services (988 in US — Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). Nursing role: assessment, presence, support, resource referral.