The devastation caused by the recent storm DANA in several Spanish autonomous communities has left thousands of people affected, with irreparable material losses and, in some cases, the unfortunate loss of loved ones. Faced with this situation, the Association of Adventist Mental Health Professionals (APA Salud Mental) has decided to mobilize its resources to offer emotional and psychological support to the victims, promoting resilience and offering tools to help them overcome this difficult time.
APA Salud Mental has expressed its willingness to provide psychological first aid services to all those in need. These are moments in which psychological help is vital. We know that the catastrophe's emotional impact can be as devastating as the material losses. For this reason, APA Salud Mental has launched an initial network of ten online psychologists, to increase this number as more volunteers join the initiative.
Psychologists and social workers specialized in crisis care will provide the services, providing support and active listening to those affected. This support network aims to create a safe space where people can express their emotions. We want them to be able to sort out their feelings and receive guidance in making the decisions they face amid adversity.
A sensitive and respectful intervention
The aim of APA Mental Health is to offer a sensitive and respectful intervention, based on basic psychological support principles that help reduce the suffering, anxiety and stress caused by isolation in emergency situations. With this, APA Salud Mental seeks to stabilize those affected, helping them to focus on the present, normalize their emotions and strengthen their hope.
The APA Salud Mental team wants to be present, providing immediate support and fostering hope. Our mission is to serve and accompany each affected person, offering professional and human intervention in these moments of pain.
Authors: Lola Fenor, president of APA Mental Health (Association of Adventist Mental Health Professionals) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain and Maryan Sanchez, psychologist and member of APA Mental Health.
https://revista.adventista.es/apa-salud-mental-ofrece-apoyo-psicologico-a-los-afectados-de-la-dana/