Recognising Signs of an Emotional Crisis Before It Escalates to Violence
Recent violence cases have not arisen overnight. Psychologists say there are early signs of an emotional crisis that are often overlooked by families and close environments.
Clinical Psychologist Ratih Ibrahim explains that a person generally is not immediately in a dangerous emotional state, but progresses through a gradual process. According to her, it is important for the public to be more sensitive to changes in behaviour, however small.
Ratih reveals that an emotional crisis often begins with a consistent change in mood. “Usually there are signs such as becoming more easily offended, quick to anger, often feeling very sad, or feeling empty for long periods,” Ratih said when contacted on Thursday (5/3).
Furthermore, the psychologist who also serves as a member of the Expert Team for Mental Health of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia detailed several other symptoms to watch for:
In some people, the condition can develop into impulsive behaviour and even thoughts of harming oneself or others as a form of venting from a sense of powerlessness.
Meanwhile, Theresia Novi Poespita Candra, a lecturer in the Faculty of Psychology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), says that signs of an emotional crisis in the digital era are increasingly difficult to recognise. This is because many individuals choose to conceal their true feelings in the real world.
“Now many young people prefer to close themselves off or vent their emotions on social media accounts that are not known to people near them. As a result, the surrounding environment does not realise that they are under great pressure,” Novi said.
She adds that individuals who appear quiet and compliant are not necessarily in good condition. A lack of space for dialogue within the family or school can leave someone without a safe place to express their feelings in a healthy manner.
The sensitivity of the environment in recognising behavioural changes and the courage to open spaces for communication are the main preventive steps to ensure that emotional pressure does not develop into violent acts that harm others.
Experts emphasise that prevention is far more effective than post-incident management. By recognising signs of an emotional crisis earlier, professional assistance can be provided promptly before the individual reaches an emotional tipping point. (Ant/Z-10)
Copyright @ 2026 Media Group - mediaindonesia. All Rights Reserved