Psychological First Aid: Overview Helping Others in Times of Stress

Transcription

1 Welcome Psychological First Aid: Overview Helping Others in Times of Stress February 2012

2 Instructor Anita Laffey, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, retired Red Cross disaster volunteer since 2005 Deployed to 24 disasters to date, sometimes in RV Contact information: (Please turn off cell phones) 2

3 Purpose of PFA: Overview PFA: Overview is a brief summary of a 4-hour class called Psychological First Aid, which is offered by the Red Cross to all disaster responders. Participants in PFA: Overview are encouraged to enroll in the 4-hour class by contacting their local Red Cross chapter or going to 3

4 Psychological First Aid What is Psychological First Aid? It is information about practical ways to recognize and respond to disaster-related stress in ourselves and others. Who is it for? ourselves our clients our co-workers anyone affected by a disaster Why should anyone take the class? What s the benefit? Learning to recognize and respond to disaster stress will increase our self-confidence and our ability to reduce the suffering that is caused by emergencies so we can more effectively fulfill our mission. 4

5 Common Stressors of NASAAEP members Examples of disaster/job stress experienced by NASAAEP members: Injured animals Dead animals Cruelty/neglect situations (see comment from Dick Green, below) Seeing an issue they can't fix and feel for that animal Situations that relate to personal issues or events Long work days and short restless nights, fatigue Staying mentally strong when they don't have the tools to do it* Take the 4-hour PFA class! Working closely with strong egos and difficult supervisors Finding ways to communicate without hurting feelings Debriefing with the acceptance of being vulnerable Dealing with self-involved people or insecure people that make everything about themselves Death threats and threats of violence Being away from family and feeling guilty, or selfish for being away Dealing with a spouse or significant other that doesn't see animal issues as important Comment from Dick Green, California ASPCA There are some significant differences between disaster response and cruelty response in terms of responder psychological and emotional well-being. And unfortunately, cruelty cases make up nearly 70% of the overall responses we do. Dog and cock-fighting cases comprise at least 50% of our cruelty load at the ASPCA and in that realm, there is always some tough decisions on euthanasia. 5

6 Impact of disaster stress Disasters and emergencies can affect Our feeling Our thoughts How we act Our health Our beliefs 6

7 STEPS TO STRESS MANAGEMENT: 1 STEP 1: Recognize the signs of stress Reactions vary from person to person What is abnormal in ordinary times may be normal in disasters 7

8 Signs of Stress in Adults: feelings Rage, anger, irritability Resentment Anxiety, fear Despair, hopelessness Numb Terrified Guilty Sad Helpless, loss of control Uninterested Overwhelmed 8

9 Signs of Stress In Adults: Thoughts Difficulty concentrating and thinking Difficulty making decisions Forgetful Confused Distortion of sense of time Lowered self-esteem Self-blame Intrusive thoughts, memories, flashbacks Worry A sense of being cut off from reality Self-harm 9

10 Signs of Stress in Adults: Physical Effects Fatigue, difficulty sleeping Agitation Physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach problems), increase in illnesses Decreased or increased appetite Decreased or increased sex drive Easily startled Increased cravings for and use of caffeine, nicotine, sweets, alcohol, illicit substances Lightheaded Weak 10

11 Signs of Stress In Adults: Behaviors Crying spells Angry outbursts Avoiding people, places, and situations Argumentative School and work problems Risky behaviors (driving erratically, multiple sexual partners, unsafe sex) Inattention to appearance, personal hygiene, self-care 11

12 Signs of Stress In Adults: Spiritual Change in relationship with or belief about God/Higher Power Abandonment of prayer, ritual, scripture, devotions, sacraments Questioning the beliefs of their faith Rejection of spiritual care providers Struggle with questions about the meaning of life, justice, fairness, afterlife Loss of familiar spiritual supports Loss of faith Increase of faith Increased gratitude, humility, and trust in God 12

13 Stress Reactions of Children Stress reactions in children can vary by child and age. Children are particularly sensitive to: Separation from familiar surroundings, people, and possessions Disruption of routines More information about helping children with stress is available in the full PFA class or from an instructor. 13

14 Steps in Stress Management: 2 STEP 1: Recognize signs of stress. STEP 2: Take action. Choose 2-3 action options from the list on the next page. Taking action empowers us and others. We will only focus on 2-3 action options today. The 4-hour class will cover the list more fully. 14

15 Psychological First Aid Actions Making a connection Helping people be safe Being kind, calm, and compassionate Meeting people s basic needs Listening Giving realistic assurance Encouraging good coping Helping people connect Giving accurate and timely information Making a referral to a disaster mental health resource or supervisor Ending the conversation Taking care of yourself 15

16 PERSONAL PREFERENCES: ACTION STEPS Which 2-3 action steps do you think are the most critical? Making a connection Helping people be safe Being kind, calm, and compassionate Meeting people s basic needs Why? Listening Giving realistic assurance The following actions are my top priorities today they may change tomorrow. Encouraging good coping Helping people connect Giving accurate and timely information Making a referral to a disaster mental health resource or supervisor Ending the conversation Taking care of yourself 16

17 Meet People s Basic Needs Anita s first preferred PFA action today: Meeting people s basic needs: Offer or direct distressed individuals to food and water. Assure that we helpers also are eating and drinking appropriately. Provide or direct disaster clients to a safe place or shelter. Check to see if they are with family or friends and have medical needs taken care of. Encourage them (and ourselves) to sleep and get rest. For example, suggest Take a break, take a walk. Direct them to a disaster mental health resource or to a supervisor when needed. 17

18 Encourage Good Coping Anita s second preferred PFA action today: Encourage good coping We all know the negative coping skills that can make our stress worse, such as getting drunk or smoking or hurting ourselves or others. What are some of the things we may do that may help us to cope with or endure stressful situations? 18

19 Examples of Good Coping Good coping activities include: Going for a walk being physically active Eating for health Resting, sleeping Talking about our experiences Writing Spending time with loved ones Playing Other: 19

20 Help People Connect Anita s third preferred PFA action today: Help people connect Connect people to others who can help them long-term. Get them access to a phone so they can contact their loved ones. Suggest other methods of communication such as . Facilitate access to the Safe and Well website so they can reconnect with their loved ones at or

21 Step 1: Recognize signs of disaster stress Step 2: Take action Step 3: Make a referral Steps in Stress Management: 3 Carry a list of referral resources at all times. Consult supervisors and team members frequently. Celebrate giving only a drop in the bucket. Each drop we contribute makes a difference to someone. Keep focused on the mission 21

22 Reminder MODEL THE BEHAVIORS WE TEACH TO OTHERS. QUESTIONS? Comments? 22

23 THANK YOU On behalf of the American Red Cross Thank you for attending today s presentation and thank you for your love of animals and people and your willingness to protect all living things Anita Laffey, LCSW Anita.Laffey@redcross.org For additional information about Psychological First Aid and other Red Cross disaster classes, call your local Red Cross chapter or go to 23