Psychologists of the Charitable Foundation "Rokada" held a class for students of the Khmelnytsky Institute of the IAPM on the topic "Self-help and helping others in crisis situations. Providing first psychological aid"
On February 28, 2024, a class “Self-help and helping others in crisis situations” was held for full-time psychology students at the Khmelnytsky Institute of the IAPM. The project is implemented by the Charitable Foundation "Rokada" with the support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ukraine.
In the modern world, where people face various challenges and stresses, it is important to develop self-help skills and readiness to help others in crisis situations. This is especially important in the context of supporting mental health, where providing first psychological aid can determine the further way out of difficulties.
Self-help is not only a set of methods and techniques, but also an attitude towards one's own emotional state. The ability to remain calm and rationally assess the situation is the first step to overcoming any crisis. Deep breathing, meditation, and regular rest can be effective tools for reducing stress and improving mental health.
The goal of the event was to familiarize participants with behavioral reactions to stress and the principles and main tasks of psychological first aid.
The objectives and purpose of the class were to teach students to provide psychological first aid; to practically apply the acquired skills.
The moderators were: Oleksandra Levytska, psychologist of the Rokada Charitable Foundation with the support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ukraine; Olena Shevchuk, psychologist of the Rokada Charitable Foundation with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ukraine.
During the event, students not only got acquainted with the main aspects of stress and the principles of psychological first aid (PFA), but also successfully studied and practiced the stages of providing PFA. The acquisition of self-help and stabilization techniques allowed students to interact effectively in crisis situations. In addition, the expansion of the methodological toolkit with techniques and exercises to support mental health was an important contribution to this class. Such a practical approach contributes to the development of skills and competencies in the field of psychology and mental well-being.
The knowledge and skills acquired by students at the class play a key role in shaping their professional potential. The ability to recognize and effectively influence reactions to stress allows students not only to better manage their emotional state, but also to help others in crisis situations.
An important aspect is also the acquisition of self-help and stabilization techniques, which can be useful not only in their own lives, but also in interactions with others. Expanding students' methodological tools with techniques and exercises to support mental health indicates their readiness for the challenges associated with psychological assistance and support at important moments.
The class became an important stage in the formation of students' competencies in the field of psychology and assistance in crisis situations, contributing to their professional and personal development.
We thank psychologists Oleksandra and Olena and the participants for their productive work!
