The dictionary defines the word “crisis” as an unstable, traumatic situation in an individual’s life. The Bartholomew County Public Library offers a wealth of information on a wide variety of topics for those struggling to deal with a crisis.
Some examples of crisis topics are financial, death of a loved one, job loss, major illness/injury, divorce/infidelity and abuse/violence. The library makes every effort to keep our collection of crisis topics up to date. These resources may also be helpful in conjunction with receiving professional help or counseling.
Forbes reported earlier this year that more than half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck with 56 percent needing to borrow money to pay for an emergency expense. Sixty-three percent of Americans do not have enough money set aside for an emergency such as a $500 car repair or a $1,000 emergency room expense, according to BankRate.com.
For those who would like to improve their financial status, the library provides several books on the subject. “The Spender’s Guide to Debt-Free Living” by Anna Newell Jones and “The Debt-Free Spending Plan: An Amazingly Simple Way to Take Control of Your Finances Once and for All” by JoAnneh Nagler are just two titles.
Losing a loved one or ending a marriage or relationship can generate intense feelings of emotion and grief. Bartholomew County Public Library has resources to help individuals cope with grief or support others who are mourning a significant loss. Other examples of loss include miscarriage, loss of a pet, job loss, retirement and loss of health. One available title is “The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce and Other Losses” by John W. James and Russell Friedman.
In 2013, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 9.4 percent of Americans, age 12 and older, had used an illegal drug in the prior month. One out of every 12 Americans suffers from alcoholism. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the country.
“The Mindful Path to Addiction Recovery: A Practical Guide to Regaining Control Over Your Life” by Lawrence A. Peltz is available as a resource for substance abuse. “Addict In the House: A No-Nonsense Family Guide Through Addiction and Recovery” is for family members needing support while helping a loved one battle addiction.
Coping with a serious illness, injury or disability can be overwhelming to those affected along with their caregivers. Chronic illness can disrupt sleep, independence and physical abilities and cause pain. “How to Live Well With Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide” by Toni Bernhard is one book for support and information.
Facing a crisis can trigger stress, leading to various diseases and health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, depression, anxiety and insomnia. WebMD.com states that adverse health effects from stress have affected 43 percent of adults. Individuals may also rely on alcohol, drugs, tobacco and overeating to cope with stress, causing more health problems. Those seeking help may choose “The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-free Living” by Amit Sood and “The 10-Step Stress Solution: Live More, Relax More, Re-energize” by Neil Shah.
Bartholomew County Public Library also offers a free brochure, “Help is Just a Quick Call Away.” It lists phone numbers of social services agencies in Bartholomew County and the surrounding area providing support for crisis victims. Free brochures are also available listing various community resources provided by United Way 2-1-1, as well as Free Hot Meal Sites and Bartholomew County Housing List.
Kathy Campbell is a reference assistant at the Bartholomew County Public Library and can be reached at [email protected]
