Coping in Today’s World Psychological First Aid and Resilience for Families, Friends and Neighbors Copyright © March 2010 by The American National Red Cross

SEGMENT ONE Introduction SEGMENT ONE Introduction

You Should Have:  Handbook: Coping in Today’s World: Psychological First Aid and Resilience for Families, Friends and Neighbors  Course evaluation sheet  Packet of page tabs or sticky notes 3

What This Course Is About This course aims to help you learn about:  Your strengths and how to enhance your own resilience and that of your children.  How to recognize stress in adults and children and how we react to it.  How you can support others during challenging life circumstances.  How to provide psychological first aid.  How to assist people in finding additional help from mental health professionals and other types of resources. 4

Psychological Resilience SEGMENT TWO Psychological Resilience

Psychological Resilience Psychological resilience is the ability to effectively “bounce back” from stressful situations, including crises and disasters.  Everyone has resilience.  Resilience is learned.  Resilience can be enhanced and strengthened.  It helps us adapt to changes and challenges in our lives. 6

Ways to Build Resilience 1. Make connections with others. 2. Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. 3. Accept that change is a part of living. 4. Move toward your goals. 5. Take decisive actions. 7

Ways to Build Resilience (Continued) 6. Look for opportunities for self-discovery. 7. Nurture a positive view of yourself. 8. Keep things in perspective. 9. Maintain a hopeful outlook. 10. Take care of yourself. 8

How Do You Build Resilience?  Which of these resilience-building strategies do you use?  Which of these resilience-building strategies would you like to use more often or improve upon?

Stress  Stress is a common and expected part of our lives.  When challenging, difficult or even dangerous situations arise, stress can motivate us to act.  When stress is extreme, or prolonged, people often have stress reactions. 10

Individual Stress Reactions  Feelings  Thoughts  Behaviors  Physical Conditions  Spiritual Life 11

Psychological First Aid SEGMENT THREE Psychological First Aid

“Every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another “Every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.” Thomas Jefferson “Every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.” Thomas Jefferson 13

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Psychological first aid (PFA) is a set of actions that can offer immediate support to people in need of help. 14

Why PFA? psychological first aid. PFA actions: There are many benefits to performing psychological first aid. PFA actions:  Create a compassionate environment for others during stressful situations.  Provide immediate support during times of stress.  Offer positive coping strategies in times of stress.  Are a means by which people can connect with others.  Help those who provide the aid to strengthen their own personal resilience.

The Limits of Psychological First Aid Psychological first aid is not:  A substitute for counseling or therapy.  A cure-all.  Treatment for serious conditions.  A guaranteed means for solving problems that cause distress.

Guidelines for Practicing PFA  Be Tolerant of Differences  Keep Boundaries  Respect People’s Privacy  Know When to Ask for Help  Take Care of Yourself

PFA Respects Boundaries We respect boundaries by:  Not pushing for more information than people wish to share.  Not becoming overly involved with other’s difficulties or responsibilities.  Allowing others to make choices that feel right for them.  Not imposing our own views, beliefs and values on others.

Connie and Bonnie or What Not To Say C: You look like you’ve had bad news. B: Um…., yes. C: Come on, you can tell me. B: Well, my last e-mail from Sam was very depressing! C: Really? What did he say exactly? B: Um…. C: That bad! Oh surely not! 19

PFA Actions 1. Observe and be aware. 2. Make a connection. 3. Help people feel comfortable and at ease. 4. Be kind, calm and compassionate. 20

PFA Actions (Continued) 5. Assist with basic needs. 6. Listen. 7. Give realistic reassurance. 8. Encourage positive coping. 21

What Is Your Strategy?  What other positive coping strategies can you think of, or do you use?  What coping strategies would you like to use more often? 22

PFA Actions (Continued) 9. Help people connect with others. 10. Give accurate and timely information. 11. Suggest a referral resource. 12. End the conversation. 23

Example Scenario Example Scenario

How could you provide PFA for this individual? What Would You Do? How could you provide PFA for this individual?

Break Please return in 20 minutes.

Resources and Making Referrals SEGMENT FIVE Resources and Making Referrals

“Half of knowledge is knowing where to find it.” Unknown Instructor: Read the quote: “Half of knowledge is knowing where to find it” –Goethe Ask participants why they think this is especially important to remember when providing PFA. Bring out if they do not: --People may need more than you have to give --There are many resources that can provide what they need, and meeting such needs reduces stress --There are some very serious circumstances under which it is critical that they get in touch with the appropriate resource 28

Resources and Making Referrals  General Information and Resources  Mental Health Information and Referrals  Mental Health Emergencies 29

American Red Cross Resources American Red Cross provides:  Local information and referral services.  Training in a variety of areas.  Volunteer opportunities (a way of making connections). Contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information. 30

Making Mental Health Referrals If you are considering recommending mental health services:  Suggest they contact their regular healthcare provider.  Recommend they contact their EAP program about covered referral resources.  Give them the contact information for the National Mental Health Information Center.  Contact the Information Center yourself and ask how best to proceed. 31

Additional Information About Mental Health Topics Consider:  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  American Psychological Association (APA).  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  State and local mental health associations.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 32

Mental Health Emergencies It is always okay to ask for help. 33

Local Resources What is available? 34

SEGMENT SIX Closing Matters

Next Steps  Build and use your resilience.  Practice psychological first aid.  Seek resources when needed.

Thank you for completing the evaluation! Course Evaluation Thank you for completing the evaluation! 37

Your Certificate Congratulations! 38