Every time, everywhere, people face situations that place them in very stressed conditions which may increase the possibility of having them come down with a mental health disorder. These crises are not
The 2016 World Health Mental Day theme
is psychological first aid. The aim is to dignify mental health by equipping
everyone with the knowledge of psychological first aid. When there is a
physical injury or sudden illness, there is call for a physical first aid
before the arrival of an expert. This helps to save the life of the person
involved. In the same vein, rendering help to any traumatised fellow can go a
long way to preserve the mental health as well as overall health of such
person. Psychological
First Aid (PFA) is a humane, supportive and practical response to people
suffering exposure to serious stressors and who may need support. It is an
approach to help people recover by responding to their basic needs and showing
them concern and care, in a way that respects their wishes, culture, dignity
and capabilities (WHO).

- physical symptoms: headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, sad, aches and pains;
- Emotional symptoms: Such as irritability, anger, anxiety, fear or feeling jumpy, guilt, shame (so-called survivors guilt);
- Social symptoms: withdrawn, disoriented (not knowing their name or where they are from), not being able to care for themselves or their children
- insomnia, nightmares.
According
to the World Federation for Mental Health, ‘Every 40 seconds somebody somewhere in the world dies by suicide and the
young are disproportionately affected. Providing more people with basic
psychological and mental health first aid skills will help to decrease the rate
of suicide’. Therefore
with the growing crisis all over the world, acquiring skills in psychological
first aid could be a potential basic skill. These skills include ability to:
·
Give non-intrusive care and support.
·
Help people address basic needs (food, water).
·
Listen, but not pressure people to talk
·
Comfort people and help them feel calm
·
Help people connect to right form of information,
services and social support
·
Protect people from further harm
References
http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/PFA_pager.pdf?ua=1
By Ifeyinwa Ugo-Amadi
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