Page 1 of 1

Psychological first aid in catastrophes

Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2025 9:48 am
by ayeshshiddika11
It is possible that every time an emergency, disaster or catastrophe occurs, there is a strong impact on society, both on the people who have lived through and survived the catastrophe, and on those who are following the event from a distance. The usual reaction to these situations is shock-inhibition-stupor.

There are different protection factors against catastrophes, which make us prepared, as far as possible, for these adverse situations. Two of them are training and education to help control our own emotions. But what situations should we avoid when faced with a catastrophe? The reaction of denying or downplaying the threat is a defense mechanism, as is the opposite option, that is, putting oneself in the worst light by exaggerating the possible effects of the catastrophe. At first, this allows the person who says it to release tension. However, in the long run, it will have a negative effect on the way of facing the situation because it can produce a contagion effect known as collective hysteria.

How can we provide psychological support in catastrophes? We must take into account both the stressors and the different situations in which the victim may find themselves. The aim of this support will be to alleviate psychological suffering, prevent it from becoming chronic and facilitate the reorganisation of the person's activity as ukraine phone data soon as possible.

Psychological support techniques for those involved
The objectives we seek within the strategies to help people psychologically are, on the one hand, to protect the professional from emotional problems related to the exercise of his profession and, on the other hand, to achieve a rapid and effective recovery if these problems have already appeared.

What techniques can we use?
The buddy-system technique refers to support between team members.
Emotional ventilation and coping techniques for critical situations (defusing or debriefing), the objective of which is to work on the event, the situation experienced and, above all, the emotions associated with these moments.
Stress management techniques
Healthy lifestyle.


Have you found everything you have read throughout this article interesting? If so, I am sure you will want to join me on the free course on “Psychological and social support in crisis situations”. Hurry up! There are limited places and one of them could be yours.

See you soon!