The five stages of crisis management include: 1. Precontemplation Stage During this stage, it’s often characterized by defensiveness and endless justification of the crisis. There is a clear lack of insight into what impact the crisis is having, and a strong focus in needed to provide positive effects. If someone is stuck in this phase, it is often due to the lack of information about the behaviours that lead to the crisis, disappointment due to the multiple failed attempts at getting or receiving help, or thinking that nothing positive is available for them. 2. Contemplation Stage Contemplation stage is based off the readiness of the individual, are they ready to make a change for their future now or in the near future. Unlike the previous stage, the individual sees the potential and positives they can reach. While they may see the benefits of getting help, they may still have issues they need help dealing with, and their influences around them will help them to decide which way to turn. 3. Preparation Stage During preparation, there is not a sense of urgency that wasn’t previously there. This step leads into the taking action step which can include talking to someone, getting help, or going somewhere to reinforce positives to a crisis. It’s often normal for anyone in this phase for people to jump back into the previous phases, and come back to this stage again. 4. Action Stage During the action stage, the individual dealing with a crisis has made significant improvements and changes to their life to ensure they commit to a change and deal with the crisis. 5. Maintenance Stage The final stage is the maintenance stage, where the individual is progressing and working hard to make changes in their life to ensure they make positive lifestyle changes that will create a continued path of success for them.