ABSTRACT
Many have said that if their health is intact, they can endure almost anything else. This is because a change in health status is not only hazardous in itself and potentially life threatening, but poor health status leaves one more vulnerable than otherwise to hazardous events. To avoid a crisis state, all of us need to have
A sense of physical and emotional well-being ◾ An image of self that flows from general well-being and acceptance of ◾ one’s physical attributes Some control in everyday life functions and the activities of daily living ◾
These aspects of life are acutely threatened by illness, accidents, surgery, physical or mental handicap, and the uncontrolled use of alcohol and other drugs. Several of our basic needs are in jeopardy when events that are hazardous to health occur. A full crisis experience can be avoided if the threatened person is supported by family, friends, and health workers and receives necessary treatment regardless of financial status. Self-defeating outcomes such as suicide, assault or homicide, mental illness, and depression can also be avoided if appropriate treatment and emotional support are available when threats to health status occur.
