Module 1 Psychological Support Module 1 Psychological Support

Module 1 Psychological Support Module 1 Psychological Support

Acknowledgements This training program is an adaptation of “Community-Based Psychological Support” developed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The following citation is recommended for this curriculum: Zagurski, R. , Bulling, D. , Chang, R. (2005). Nebraska Psychological First Aid Curriculum. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Public Policy Center. Special Acknowledgement is made to the reviewers: Anthony Ng, M. D. Gilbert Reyes, Ph. D. Module 1 Psychological Support 2

Learning Objectives · Describe the purpose of psychological support · Describe the role of community responders in the provision of psychological support · Describe the basic principles involved in the implementation of a psychological support program in a disaster situation Module 1 Psychological Support 3

Consequences of Critical Events like Disaster often include LOSS l l l l Loss of loved ones Loss of material goods Loss of employment/income Loss of social cohesion Loss of dignity, trust and safety Loss of positive self-image Loss of trust in the future Module 1 Psychological Support 4

Activity # 1 – What if I lost… l l Give out 3 blue, 3 green and 3 white index cards - each person will get 9 total cards. On each card: • Blue cards - write the name of a person close to you on each card • Green cards - write down one of your favorite belongings • White cards - write down something you enjoy, an activity, or hobby. After you have written on each card, place them face down on the table and shuffle them around. Close your eyes and pick three cards. These are three things you will have lost in a disaster. Discuss with the group how you feel about losing these things or people Module 1 Psychological Support 5

Role of Disaster Mental Health l l Primarily directed toward “normal” people who are responding normally to an abnormal situation Identifying those at risk for severe social or psychological impairment Module 1 Psychological Support 6

Community Responder Activities Provide Social support l Educate about normal and abnormal stress reactions l Train on Stress Management techniques l Mobilize Community Resources l Module 1 Psychological Support 7

Psychological Support l l l Relieve suffering, both emotional and physical Improve people’s short term functioning Accelerate the individual’s course of recovery Module 1 Psychological Support 8

Activity # 2 - Brainstorming l l What main attributes and skills should a volunteer have when offering psychological support? Spend 5 minutes brainstorming and writing down those characteristics which are likely to be required. Module 1 Psychological Support 9

Essential attributes and skills l l l l Good Listening skills Patient Caring attitude Trustworthy Approachable Culturally competent Empathetic Module 1 Psychological Support 10

Essential attributes and skills l l l Non-judgmental approach Kind Committed Flexible Able to tolerate chaos Module 1 Psychological Support 11

Basic principals of Psychological Support l l l Do no harm Community-based approach Recognizes and uses indigenous healing networks and practices Uses trained volunteers Empowers Module 1 l l l Encourages Community participation Exercises Care with terminology Encourages Active involvement Values Early intervention Uses Viable interventions Psychological Support 12

Community-based Approach l l Builds on local resources Allows for trained volunteers to mentor untrained volunteers Focuses on strengthening groups and networks Community involvement improves the response Module 1 Psychological Support 13

Indigenous Healing Networks and Practices l l l Provide education, support and a framework for customs and traditions in trauma and loss Understand that stress and grief are all expressed differently by different cultures Provide assistance in understanding what is sacred. Module 1 Psychological Support 14

Trained Community Responders l Trained Community Responders can provide: • Basic psychological skills to help victims of • crisis, shock and loss Ready cultural insights into the community Module 1 Psychological Support 15

Activity # 3 – Stranger in a Strange Land In order to get assistance from the relief agency, you must first read and sign this form: • Nuair a shroicheann tú imeall gach arbh eol duit, • Ní mór duit ceann de dhá rud a chreidiúint • Go mbeidh talamh ann le seasamh air • nó go mbronnfar sciatháin chun eitilte ort. Signature__________ Module 1 Psychological Support Date_______ 16

Empowerment l l Over-helping can be humiliating and/or create passivity Quality relief and assistance is based on helping others to gain self-respect and autonomy (empowerment) Abilities and strengths of the recipient are as important as their problems High degree of community participation enhances empowerment Module 1 Psychological Support 17

Community Participation l l Promotes empowerment and local ownership Helps restore control over their own lives as well as the life of the community Mobilizes collective strengths to restore natural community networks Helps reintegrate individuals and families within their communities Module 1 Psychological Support 18

Care with terminology l l Words can have a powerful effect on situations Blanket statements are often misleading or false “trauma” is a clinical term. It does not promote healing The concept of an “Active survivor” can enhance empowerment Module 1 Psychological Support 19

TRAUMA Module 1 Psychological Support 20

Active Involvement l l l Focus on strengths rather than symptoms and deficits Identify and strengthen coping mechanisms Actively involve the person in helping to sort out their problems Module 1 Psychological Support 21

Early intervention l l l May prevent future problems Helps people to handle problems in a way that does create MORE problems Promotes resiliency Module 1 Psychological Support 22

Translation of Activity # 3 When you come to the edge of all that you know, You must believe in one of two things; There will be earth on which to stand, Or you will be given wings. Anonymous Module 1 Psychological Support 23