Crisis situations are usually dealt with in phases, but each person reacts and deals with the situation in their own way.
In the initial shock phase, people are not yet able to understand what has happened on an emotional level. The shock is usually followed by emotional reactions and grieving. After that, you can slowly start to build your recovery and a new life. How the different phases will progress depends on the situation that caused the crisis. In a severe crisis, recovery can take several years and memories will continue to stir up emotions long after the crisis has passed.
Illness of a family member
A family member’s illness may arise unexpectedly or progress slowly in line with doctors’ prognoses. Even a gradually advancing long-term condition or mental health disorders can disrupt a family’s balance and sense of security much like a crisis.
The online service Health Village provides a reliable source of information for patients with, for example, cancer, heart, kidney and rheumatic diseases, as well as for their families. The content is mostly in Finnish, but Palliative Hub and Diabetes Hub are also available in English.
Go to Palliative Hub (Health Village)(Link leads to external service)
Go to Diabetes Hub (Health Village)(Link leads to external service)
See all Hubs at Health Village (in Finnish)(Link leads to external service)
Family member as a victim of crime
If someone in your family has been subjected to a crime or you suspect that a crime has been committed, you can report it to the police online or at a police station. In the event of an emergency, call 112.
Victim Support Finland (RIKU) provides advice and support services for victims and their relatives and witnesses of crime.
Read more about reporting a crime to the police (Poliisi.fi) (Link leads to external service)
Go to the Victim Support Finland website (Link leads to external service)
Death of a family member
You can never fully prepare for the death of your parent, child or partner, even if it follows a long illness. Even an expected death will cause a crisis in the family.
You will need help in the situation, which you can receive from sources such as your loved ones, your peers and specialists. The rituals related to death, such as saying goodbye at a funeral, may provide support in grief.
Crisis Helpline by Mieli ry(Link leads to external service)
Death of your partner
The death of your partner will cause great sorrow. You will have to deal not only with your own emotions, but also with the legal obligations related to your possible widowhood, and with caring for your children, who have also lost someone important to them.
For a child, the death of a parent or carer is a powerful and traumatic experience. The child’s sense of security is shaken. The child will require security, help and support from adults in order to process the death and the sorrow that it evokes.
Encourage your children to ask about what has happened, express their feelings and reminisce about the deceased parent or loved one. Even if the child does not immediately show any symptoms, it is a good idea to seek support to help them cope with the loss of their loved one.
A teenager may withdraw to be alone with their feelings, even if they need support. Make sure that they receive help, even if they do not realise that they need it.
The school’s pupil support services can provide conversational support for children and young people. You can turn to them and ask for support for your children.
You will also need help yourself. If the death was sudden, you can call the crisis emergency services. They will help you move forward. You can also turn to resources such as peer groups, mental health services and social counselling for families with children.
Find peer support via young widows' organisation (Nuoret lesket ry) (Link leads to external service)
Death of a child
The death of a child is a shocking event with a profound emotional impact. Miscarriage may also evoke the same type of emotions.
When affected by shock, you should ask for and accept support from your relatives, friends and peers. If there are other children in the family, they are also having a crisis and need help.
Everyone has the right to grieve the death of a family member in their own way. Everyone faces loss at their own pace. Missing the deceased person often becomes a permanent part of life.
Find peer support through Child Death Families Finland Käpy ry(Link leads to external service)
