Mental Health Response Vital During Emergencies, Experts Emphasise
By Ahmed I Abba
Mr Ogenyi Isaac, a Clinical Psychologist, says Psychological First Aid (PFA) is critical in reducing the emotional, physical and social impact of crisis events on affected individuals.
Isaac, also a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist made this known at a six-day workshop on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, organised by Plan International with support from the Zurich Foundation on Monday in Damaturu.
He said crisis events ,whether large-scale like natural disasters, conflict, and disease outbreaks, or individual events such as accidents, robbery or assault, often have far-reaching consequences on communities and individuals.
“In the immediate aftermath of crisis events, those who often provide support are family members, neighbours, teachers, community members and first responders such as emergency medical teams, the police, Road Safety workers, and fire service personnel,” Isaac said.
He said PFA is the first line of psychosocial support provided to persons in distress, aimed at helping them feel safe, connected, calm, and hopeful.
“The goal of PFA is not to provide counselling but to offer non-intrusive practical care and support, assess needs, help people access basic services, and protect them from further harm,” he said.
According to him, effective PFA requires good communication, cultural sensitivity, respect for privacy, and the ability to remain calm and supportive under pressure.
He outlined seven core principles of PFA which include providing practical care, assessing immediate needs, comforting people, listening without pressure, and connecting them to needed services.
Isaac emphasised that PFA is not psychological debriefing, nor does it involve forcing people to relive or recount traumatic events.
“Rather, it encourages people to use their own positive coping strategies, identify support systems in their lives, and regain a sense of control,” he added.
He noted that special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as children separated from caregivers, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people at risk of discrimination or violence.
Isaac also stressed the need for caregivers to look after their own wellbeing to maintain the quality of care provided to others.
Our Correspondent reports that the workshop also covered topics such as psycho-education, the importance of accurate information sharing during emergencies, and respecting the rights, dignity and safety of affected individuals.
The training is part of Plan International’s Health Emergencies programme, aimed at building capacity on mental health and psychosocial support among humanitarian workers and community-based responders in crisis-affected regions.
Earlier, Dr. Zara Ahmad, one of the facilitators, presented a paper titled “Understanding the Importance of Psychological Safety in Crisis Situations.”
She emphasised that psychological safety is vital during crises, as it enables individuals to express their emotions without fear of judgment.
As part of a practical exercise, groups of participants dramatised key lessons on Psychological First Aid to reinforce and enhance their skills.
