Family crisis: how to tell?

How do you tell a crisis from a conflict in a family?

A conflict is a disagreement or dispute over specific issues. A crisis is a larger phenomenon that affects several levels of the relationship at once.

Noticing in time that a family is in a crisis is already a big step towards resolving it. If you feel that tension is building and not easing, don't wait for the “last stop” — it's better to seek support sooner.