By Sheetal Bidkar, Psychologist
9160975248
Each one of us knows the importance of first aid. We do insist to have one at our home and office. The right help at the right time can prevent worsening stage.
In the demanding and stressful times like pandemic we now need to understand the PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID.
What is first aid?
First aid is the help given to a sick or injured person until Tull medical treatment is available. First aid is nothing but the first assistance given to the sufferer with the intention of preserve life, prevent the condition from getting it worst and promoting the recovery.
What is psychological bandage?
As similar to first aid for physical injuries, the psychological bandage can be defined as the supportive and compassionate small help to the individual in the emotional crisis or at the time of stress.
The provider of such help need not be an expert of psychological interventions, anyone parent, family member, friend, a teacher can help effectively if they follow specific 'psychological first aid' guidelines.
1. Help mitigate the stress:
Recognize that sometimes a person might reach you and sometimes he/she will not be willing to talk about it. Just heard do not hurry to resolve or provide the solutions to them. in many situations, people just want to vent, they simply want to be heard. for those who don't want to talk let them take their time to peak but just tell your observations and ensure that you will be there if they need to talk.
2. Connecting with mental health professionals: when people ask for help please do understand the seriousness and guide them to professionals, When one person is talking on another person's behalf then understand the concerns and try to provide the right information about mental health professionals. Reduce the stigma, accept the need and ease the process to reach out and call for help.
3. Preventing stress from getting worst: when someone wants to talk on others' behalf they are trying to help the suffering individual. At that point, they will suggest you talk with the third party as he/she is suffering or not ok. In this situation try to understand the concern of the caregiver and take a step to help. take the decision which can benefit the client. if you cannot resolve or understand the problem refer it to the professional.
Some do's and don'ts :
1. Be empathic and reassure while taking to person in distress, they will find hope and confidence from you.
2. Don't make any promises and give false hope.
3. Listen to them carefully, people many times don't expect any solution but they just want to vent. catharsis helps.
4. Don't interrupt and rush to give solutions.
5. Help them identify the 'worst part' and help to get an insight about their real problem.
6. Don't be dismissive in any way and don't try to minimize their concerns.
Help is just one call away!
Suasth One step Clinic
46 Avantika, Pedder road, Mumbai