Greetings in the first session
It is an introduction to the major things we do at QRCS
In relation to mental health & psychosocial support
We will define mental health & psychosocial support
Show the importance of psychosocial support
To whom & how it is given
The guidelines for giving assistance
Definition of mental health & psychosocial support
Health is a state of physical, mental & social well-being
according to the definition of WHO
As we all know, health is a fundamental right for all peoples
regardless of race, religion, color,
nationality, sex, or even origin
The term Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Is used in the guidelines of Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)
Mental health & psychosocial support in emergency settings
refers to any kind of local or external support
aimed at enhancing or protecting psychosocial well-being
or protection & taking care of issues related to mental health
The global emergency system uses the term Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
to combine a wide range of active players
Responding to emergencies such as the Novel Coronavirus 2019 outbreak
Ths figure shows the types of interventions
that can be given for psychosocial support
Take into consideration that there are overlapping levels
based on the cases of persons receiving assistance
Psychosocial support is given at the two lower levels of the triangle
Activating social networks
& supportive child-friendly spaces
These are mutually supporting
The third level involves some degree of intensive & specialized health care
such as dealing with addicts or other unusual cases
The fourth level in the top of the triangle
is practiced by mental health specialists
It is called the Referral System
This will be discussed later
Here is where mental health & psychosocial support are important
The mental health & psychosocial support interventions
ensure good conditions for the affected people or those living with them
& seek to reduce risks related to public health & safety
such as fear, social stigma & wrong perceptions
All of these things will be discussed in the coming sessions
Also, they relate to how to get information about the disease & its means of spread
so that it is easy for the victims to feel supported, calm down & cooperate with the authorities
Psychosocial support is given to staff & volunteers
especially under very exhausting work conditions
It is true some of these fears & reactions come from real risks
but many reactions & behaviors result also from
lack of information as well as rumors & misinformation
So, it is important to correct wrong perceptions
The goals of psychosocial support can be specified as follows:
First: to alleviate the emotional & physical suffering (a direct goal)
Second: to increase adjustment (medium-term goal)
Third: to reduce negative long-term psychological impact of tension, fear & anxiety
To attain these goals, psychosocial support can be given
through specific programs or in combination with other activities
from all the sectors of services provided
The approach adopted by IFRC in terms of psychosocial support
is capitalizing on human powers & resources of society
in order for them to continue to face the challenge
We also utilize the support from staff & volunteers helping such affected groups
They are highlighted below, with further discussions in the coming sessions
They are highlighted below, with further discussions in the coming sessions
Remember:
1. Respect safety, dignity & rights
2. Adjust actions to match the cultures of the persons we are dealing with
3. Know the procedures of & coordinate with other organizations
4. (Most importantly) take care of yourself
Yes! Before taking care of others, we have to take care of ourselves first
Remember the flight safety instructions?
In the end of this session
remember that you have learnt about: the definition of psychosocial support
the intervention triangle & bases of giving assistance
The following session will discuss Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Be safe!
