Crisis Fatigue: When Reality Overwhelms Us

Crisis fatigue is a reality. In addition to being the new fashion term or the classic label that circulates on social networks, we are facing an obvious fact. It is a feeling that a large part of the population lives in a context of uncertainty, change, pressure and fear. Exhaustion, undetermined physical pain, apathy…

Psychiatrists and psychologists make it clear that while  we cannot define it as a clinical disorder at the moment, we should take some time to see how it evolves. We are clearly facing a new global situation: health crisis, social crisis… Waiting for new psychological manifestations in the face of these events is understandable and even expected.

We are exposed to unpredictable, demanding and often adverse events that make us feel overwhelmed. However, this fact becomes more complex when it comes to people with previous mental health problems. Let’s look deeper.

What is crisis fatigue?

Arianna Galligher, director of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program at Ohio State University, points out something interesting. We are used to facing crises, but the current situation is very different. In short: it is a major crisis that leads, in turn, to multiple related crises. This kaleidoscope of challenges puts us in a present and a future that sometimes oppresses us, overloads us and immobilizes us.

Crisis fatigue is defined as a phenomenon in which the mind and body try to adapt to an environmental event that disproportionately accelerates the natural response to stress. The release of adrenaline and cortisol is continuous and excessive, that is, it is not limited to a specific moment, to a specific threat against which we must defend ourselves. Reality is full of small (or big) threats, and this results in a series of manifestations.

What are the symptoms of crisis fatigue?

One thing we must understand is that  the signs and symptoms of this condition can vary greatly from person to person. However, there are some common elements that we can highlight. They are as follows:

• Hyperstimulation. There is a marked nervousness, an anxiety that activates us more than usual. Irritability, bad temper and the need to do things, act and respond (but not knowing how) arise.
• Abstinence. In a second phase, we stop experiencing this hyperactivity to culminate in apathy, reluctance, and a state in which our surroundings are perceived as a kind of unreality. Mental blocks also appear, such as not knowing how to react to things, suffering from concentration problems, not finding the courage to solve everyday problems…

• Persistent physical exhaustion.
• Fear, constant negativity, anguish…
• Sleep disturbances: either you cannot rest or, on the contrary, you experience excessive sleepiness.
• Changes in food. The person eats poorly and may even resort to excessive consumption of alcohol or unhealthy foods, etc.
• In the most extreme cases of crisis fatigue, dramatic changes in behavior can appear. An example would be setting aside work responsibilities, neglecting family, etc.

What would be the cause of this state?

There are several reasons that can explain crisis fatigue. The first one has already been mentioned: we live in an immediate reality in which there is not just a threat or a challenge, but a multitude of uncertainties in front of which we can feel oppressed. Added to this, we do not know when this situation will be resolved.

• On the other hand, we can also refer to psychological mechanisms. Many of these coping resources are exhausted, that is, we often get tired of being strong, we reach a limit where we no longer know how to react or what to do.
• Likewise, another fact must be highlighted. The continuous release of cortisol, the stress hormone, causes numerous and dangerous effects : tachycardia, muscle pain, tiredness, headaches, hypertension…
• Furthermore, from an emotional point of view, it can be said that in today’s reality, fear and negativity are contagious. At times, continued exposure to the media or pressure from the immediate environment can intensify the feeling of exhaustion and helplessness.

Strategies we can apply

Something that we make clear in the field of psychology is that, when the current situation stabilizes and we recover (in a way) the necessary normality, the next step will be to flatten the mental health curve. The increase in depression and anxiety disorders will be huge.

We also cannot neglect patients with previous problems in this area : borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder… We are living in a reality of great harshness and need in this area. With that, the only thing that serves us now are real and close strategies, and that community services know how to respond, detect and prevent problems.

On the other hand, with regard to crisis fatigue, it would be appropriate to consider the following tips:

• Let’s try to take care of our life habits : follow healthy routines, take care of safety and hygiene measures, take care of food and know how to prioritize. All of this is essential.

• Let us always have our support network close,  whether friends or family. It is vital not to feel alone, to have someone to share and talk to.
• Let us seek  expert help when we need it.

Maintaining hope,  developing new coping strategies to deal with stress and controlling emotions would be other basic nutrients to be worked on. In any case, it is good to remember that these series of reactions are completely normal. Feeling discomfort, fear and impotence is something to be expected at this time.

We should not hesitate to seek help to navigate a little better amidst this complex reality.