Emotional first aid can be very useful in the work context, that is why we explain what they are and what their function is.
There is more than one work situation that can put us in a situation where we can stress and fortunately psychological first aid is availablewhich allow us to channel emotional situations in a timely manner that happen in an office. These tools can be provided by any person who is qualified to do so.for they are the steps before there is an intervention by a professional.
What is emotional first aid and what are its objectives?
Emotional first aid is not a therapy provided by a specialist in psychology, it is a rapid intervention phase. that is given to someone who has just had an accident. stress episode or traumatic. They are based on the principles of observing, listening and connecting. This allows the affected person can calm down and feel more secure and stable.
Dr. Fany Lucero Gonzalez Carmona explained to the ComproDiverso team that there are four objectives:
- stabilizing psychological functioning through the investigation of the basic needs in order to satisfy them and gradually promote their autonomy;
- reduce stress by conveying security, calm and containment;
- recovering psychological, autonomous and adaptive functioning to the situation;
- facilitate the access to other levels of psychological careif necessary.
What to do and what not to do when providing psychological first aid?
When intervening, it is convenient:
- listen in the form of empathic;
- request permission to approach the other and accept him unconditionally;
- maintain a comfortable distance that you both feel good about;
- allow all emotions to be expressed;
- to know the details of the situation the affected person is going through.
On the other hand, in the intervention should not be:
- invading personal space and make physical contact;
- prepare pre-established answers that are not completely adapted to the situation the person is living in;
- minimize the emotions and questioning.
The 21st century is an era in which it is relevant that there are workplaces where mental health issues are not taken lightly.
There are some recommendations for preventing stress episodes in the work environment. According to Dr. González Carmona, some of them are:
- creating safe spaces dialogue;
- have a assertive communication;
- promote a empathetic leadership;
- identify areas of opportunity of the organization in the optimization of processes.
Likewise, Dr. González Carmona suggests that one way to provide emotional support in the work environment includes:
- to know breathing and relaxation strategies;
- modify the environment when necessary;
- follow up and link to cases where psychological support from a professional is required.
How does emotional first aid help us in the context of World Suicide Prevention Day?
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention DayThis date has been commemorated since 2003. At the present time is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO)..
This day serves to reduce the stigma and raise awareness that suicide is something that can be prevented. The slogan for this date in 2025 is "Changing the Narrative."with the objective of creating a culture of understanding and support.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), in Mexico, the suicide rate until the year 2023 was 6.8 persons per 100,000.. In addition, some of the most revealing data is that the 81% of these deaths were men.. On the other hand, the ages in which this situation occurred the most were the following age group 20 to 39 years old.
Before a person takes his or her own life, he or she may go through two phases: suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. It is important to bring this issue to the table, as it allows us to understand that it is necessary to listen without judging. Likewise, it is vital to promoting safe spaces where talking about mental health is not a taboo.
Lastly, In Mexico there is a life line where it is possible to receive initial psychological counseling, the telephone number is 800 911 2000. In the case of people living in Mexico Cityalso has the suicide prevention hotlineto communicate with it, you need to dial *0311 or 55 5658 1111.
Did you know that emotional first aid existed, which can be very useful in a moment of crisis?
Research and editing by José Manuel Ríos and Mildred Pérez de la Torre
With information from Pan American Health Organization, INEGI, Government of Mexico y Humanet
