Crisis facts for kids

A crisis is a really tough situation. It's often unexpected and feels like an emergency. Think of it as a big "turning point" where important decisions need to be made quickly. These decisions can affect many people. The word "crisis" comes from the Greek word κρίσις (krisis).

What is a Crisis?

A crisis is a moment of great difficulty or danger. It's a time when things are uncertain and a big change is happening. For example, a sudden threat of war is a crisis. A natural disaster like a big earthquake or flood is also a crisis.

Key Features of a Crisis

A crisis often has certain features. According to Steven Fink, who helps manage crises, these situations can be:

• Hard to control.
• The main focus of news and even the government.
• Able to stop normal activities or business.

Different Kinds of Crises

Crises can happen in many different areas. They can be personal, affecting just one person or family. They can also be much larger, affecting a whole country or even the world.

Personal Crises

A personal crisis might be a sudden big change in someone's life. This could be something like losing a job or a major health issue. These situations can be very stressful.

Community Crises

A community crisis affects a group of people or a town. This could be a local natural disaster or a problem that affects many people in the area.

National and Global Crises

Larger crises can affect entire countries or even the whole world. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 was a global crisis. It was a very tense time between the United States and the Soviet Union over missiles in Cuba. This event showed how quickly a crisis can develop and how important quick decisions are.

How Crises Affect People

Dealing with a crisis can be very hard. Sometimes, people might feel overwhelmed. They might develop something called post-traumatic stress disorder. This happens when someone has trouble dealing with a very stressful or scary event.

Getting Help During a Crisis

It's important to know that help is available during a crisis. Many countries and groups offer help lines. These are phone numbers you can call to talk to someone who can help you deal with a difficult situation. They offer support and guidance when you feel like you can't cope alone.

Images for kids

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  An EXCOMM meeting during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a crisis between the United States and Soviet Union over ballistic missiles in Cuba.

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  Messengers going to Job, each with bad news, 1860 woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld.

See also

In Spanish: Crisis para niños