EXPERT TALK

 

On March 17, 2023, at 2.30 PM, the Govt. College of Teacher Education, Thycaud, Jeevani centre for student well-being hosted a professional seminar on the subject of "Psychological first aid." Mr. Abhishek M.S, a clinical psychologist at the Mindport Psychiatric Clinic in Trivandrum, served as the resource person. Jithin Prem, Psychology apprentice , Rahul sir and Santhosh sir, college principal gave their thoughts on the necessity and value of the issue in the post covid era.

Based on the idea of human resilience, psychological first aid (PFA) is a method based on solid research. In the aftermath of a traumatic incident, natural catastrophe, public health emergency, or simply a personal crisis, PFA tries to lessen stress symptoms and aid in a healthy recovery. While not necessarily as obvious as a physical ailment, emotional discomfort may be just as agonising and crippling. It is typical for us to be emotionally affected after going through a life-changing incident.Everybody is affected by a calamity in some way. Different reactions appear at various times both during and after the encounter. Confusion, dread, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, insomnia, physical discomfort, worry, wrath, sadness, shock, aggression, withdrawal, remorse, and a loss of trust in oneself or others are a few frequent reactions. Psychological first aid is a technique to lessen the uncomfortable range of emotions and responses experienced by persons subjected to high stress, whereas Physical first aid is intended to lessen physical suffering as a result of a physiological injury.

Psychological First Aid aims to create a safe, calm, connected, empowered, and hopeful environment to reduce psychological distress and enhance resilience. It is a strategy to provide additional support to those affected by traumatic or emergency incidents, and can be used by anyone to reduce their stress levels. PFA for children and adolescents uses the same core strategies but with age-appropriate modifications. If in doubt, consult a supervisor or mental health professional for further support.morrow," said Audrey Azoulay, director general of UNESCO, in her statement for the occasion.