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As volunteers working with survivors, it’s important to remember that survivors are in a state of crisis, where basic needs are ignored and mental clarity is disrupted. Survivors may experience a diminished sense of safety, leading to heightened anxiety and confusion. Recognizing these effects is essential in providing effective support.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a compassionate approach designed to support individuals experiencing distress, anxiety, or fear. It emphasizes recognizing a person's inherent strengths and coping mechanisms to help them navigate challenging situations.
The Five Core Components of PFA
Establish Safety: Ensure the individual feels secure in their environment, reducing immediate threats to their physical and emotional well-being.
Create Sense of Calm: Assist the person in managing overwhelming emotions by employing calming techniques and providing reassurance.
Enhance Control: Empower individuals by involving them in decision-making processes to help restore a sense of autonomy.
Foster Social Connections: Encourage the individual to connect with supportive friends, family, or community members to alleviate feelings of isolation.
Instill Hope: Offer optimism and highlight the person's resilience, reinforcing the belief that recovery is attainable.
Implementing PFA:
Look: Observe for both overt and subtle signs of distress, such as social withdrawal or persistent low mood.
Listen: Engage in active listening, showing empathy and patience. Avoid offering unsolicited advice; instead, validate their feelings.
List: Identify actionable resources, including trusted individuals, beneficial activities, and supportive technological resources/apps.
Link: Facilitate connections to the listed resources, ensuring the individual feels supported in accessing them.
Live: Assist in establishing routines that promote well-being, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Encourage the use of personal strengths and the development of new coping skills.
Applicability of PFA
PFA is beneficial for anyone experiencing distress. However, it's crucial to recognize that individuals have diverse coping mechanisms. Some may seek external support, while others prefer solitude. Therefore, PFA should be offered to those who express a need for assistance.
Please note, this guide is only intended as a resource for volunteers to be better equipped in working with and understanding the needs of survivors. If a survivor is experiencing an emergency during your work with them, please dial 911 or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. This is not meant to be a replacement for formal mental health treatment that is provided by trained mental health professionals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Ahumada is our board secretary and one of the invaluable board members of SEWI. Christina has 20 years of clinical experience and holds a BA in Psychology from UCLA, along with Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She has worked in community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, and private practice, dedicating 10 years at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services as a program director for adults facing severe mental illness, addiction, and homelessness.
Over the past month, Christina has been actively supporting local organizations that are assisting those most affected by recent events in Los Angeles. She created a guide to help the volunteers of these organizations better understand and support those they serve. With her generosity, we can share this guide with our community members, hoping it will provide relief during this challenging time.
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