Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Psychological first aid (PFA) is a supportive response to individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. Its primary goal is to reduce initial distress and support the coping abilities of the individual.
While PFA is not a form of mental health treatment, it can play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being by offering immediate support and promoting resilience in the aftermath of a crisis.
By addressing immediate emotional needs and enhancing coping strategies, PFA can potentially help prevent the development of more severe mental health issues following a traumatic event. It is important to note that PFA is not a substitute for professional mental health care, but it can be an important early intervention.
Mindfulness of the breath, sounds and thoughts can be considered as forms of psychological first aid due to their ability to help people regulate their emotions and manage stress in challenging situations.
By focusing on the breath, sounds and thoughts, people can develop a greater awareness of their internal experiences and cultivate a sense of calm and perspective. This offers a straightforward yet powerful tool for self-soothing and emotional control, which can be especially helpful during difficult or crisis situations.
Practicing mindfulness of the breath involves paying attention to the sensations of breathing, such as the rise and fall of the abdomen or the flow of air through the nostrils.
This can help to anchor people in the present moment and provide a sense of stability and grounding, which can be especially beneficial when dealing with overwhelming emotions or anxiety.
Similarly, mindfulness of sounds encourages people to simply notice and acknowledge the sounds in their environment without getting caught up in judgments or interpretations. This practice can help to redirect attention away from internal rumination or distressing thoughts, and towards the present moment, fostering a sense of openness and receptivity to one’s surroundings.
Finally, mindfulness of thoughts involves observing the stream of thoughts and mental processes without becoming entangled in their content. This can help people to develop a more detached and non-reactive relationship with their thoughts, reducing the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed by negative or distressing rumination.
By incorporating these mindfulness practices, people can develop a greater capacity for self-awareness, emotional regulation and resilience in the face of adversity. Research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve overall psychological well-being, and enhance adaptive coping strategies.
In essence, the practice of mindfulness of the breath, sounds and thoughts can be considered a form of psychological first aid due to its potential to provide immediate relief from emotional distress, promote self-regulation, and build psychological resilience in the face of adversity.
By cultivating a present-centered awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of internal experiences, people can develop valuable skills for coping with challenging circumstances and promoting their mental well-being. — Erick P. Cañaveral
*****
Credit belongs to: www.philstar.com
