Life crises require sensitive and timely intervention if the individual is to show some improvement. This article lists some of the major areas in which a family physician can assist a patient through a crisis, using it as a positive occasion causing the individual or family to be more receptive to change. Other support systems and the patient's family must be involved. 'Magic by mouth' should be minimized. Prevention can be practiced by recognizing stressful situations which usually occur before a crisis.
