Exploring the Common Questions about Psychological First Aid 

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an important tool in mental health. It is about providing immediate emotional support to individuals during or just after a crisis situation. Moreover, Psychological First Aid is an area that can come handy to different professionals in the healthcare and allied healthcare system. Importantly, knowing the basics of PFA can help one assist someone in distress. Further, let us take a look at the common questions about PFA. 

What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)? 

PFA is an evidence-informed approach. It is designed to reduce initial distress in people who have just been through a traumatic event. Additionally, it focuses on creating a sense of safety, calm and connection. This is an important need. For instance, someone who has just been through something severe and uncertain, they feel pretty lost. In that case, it is important to get them grounded, feel supported and instill a sense of safety. 

Additionally, PFA is not the same a psychological therapy. To emphasize, it is a short term intervention. Also, it aims more at stabilizing emotions rather than dealing with psychological issues. 

When to provide Psychological First Aid? 

PFA is most effective when given immediately after a crisis situation. For example, natural disasters, accidents, or traumatic personal events can qualify as crisis situations. In addition, PFA is given within few hours or days of the event. 

Key Principles of Psychological First Aid 

Five core principles guide the concept of PFA. These are

Firstly, Safety. Safety ensures that the person is feeling physically and emotionally safe. 

Secondly, Calming. PFA helps individuals manage anxiety or fear. 

Next is makes the person have control of their situation and have self-efficacy. 

Further, PFA encourages connectedness. It instills a sense of social support and connection. 

Lastly, PFA instills optimism about future by raising hope. These principles stabilize emotions and prevent long term mental health issues. 

Difference between Therapy and PFA 

PFA is not a substitute for therapy. While therapy is long term intervention, PFA goes on for a brief time. Therapy aims to treat mental health conditions. In contrast, PFA focuses on providing emotional relief and helping someone gain control. 

How to Know if Someone Needs PFA

These are the common signs that demand for PFA: 

• Intense emotional distress. For example, crying, agitation or panic. 

• Confusion 

• Disorientation 

• Withdrawal 

• Emotional Numbness 

• Hypervigilance

Psychological First Aid plays a critical role in offering immediate emotional relief during crisis. PFA is not a replacement for professional therapy. However, it can provide essential aid in times of crisis. 

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References:

1. World Health Organization. (2011). Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers. Retrieved from WHO website

2. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2006). Psychological First Aid (PFA) Field Operations Guide. Retrieved from NCTSN website

3. Hobfoll, S. E., Watson, P., & Bell, C. C. (2007). Five Essential Elements of Immediate and Mid-Term Mass Trauma Intervention: Empirical Evidence. Psychiatry, 70(4), 283-315.