First aid for mental health
Throughout this unprecedented COVID event, we can find ourselves somewhat depressed, afraid, isolated and generally out of sorts. A recent article in Scientific American (February 2021 – A Psychological First Aid Kit) posits that the use of some very simple skills might help all of us ease the effects of this crisis on ourselves, as well as to help us ease the effects of this crisis on others.
Likened to a first aid kit as opposed to surgery, the strategy understands that there are many times in life when just a Band-Aid will do. And there are times when major medical help is called for. Many of us would offer medical first aid to anyone in an instant — probably because we have taken first aid classes and know what to do. However, most of us would be very unsure about what to do and how to address COVID-related mental health first aid issues.