REGIONAL PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

INITIATIVE (REPSSI)
DIPLOMA PROGRAM – CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

NAME : Kabuku wamuneo

NRC NO. :

PHONE NO. :

STUDENT NO. :

NAME OF COURSE :. Psychosocial

NAME OF LECTURE :Gift Nyambe

COURSE CODE :

ASSIGNMENT NO. :

INTAKE :

DUE DATE :

DISTRICT : LIVINGSTONE

PROVINCE : SOUTHERN.
QUESTION :

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Psychosocial support plays a critical role in mitigating the impact of emergencies and crises on
affected individuals and communities. It encompasses a range of interventions aimed at
promoting mental well-being, fostering resilience, and addressing psychosocial vulnerabilities.
Let’s delve into the core principles that guide effective psychosocial support during challenging
times:
Furthermore, rights are at the heart of psychosocial support. Every affected person, regardless of
their background, deserves respect, dignity, and equitable access to assistance.Human Rights and
Equity.
However,equity ensures that vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and marginalized
populations, receive tailored support. Protection against human rights violations is paramount.
Participation. ,(Erikson,1999) .
In addition, Local affected populations must actively participate in all aspects of humanitarian
response. Their voices, needs, and preferences should guide psychosocial interventions.
Involving communities fosters ownership, cultural relevance, and sustainability. It empowers
individuals to take charge of their own well-being.(.McAdams, 2013)
However, no harm :Psychosocial interventions should never exacerbate existing distress or harm
individuals. Careful assessment and sensitivity are crucial. Avoid stigmatization,
retraumatization, or imposing external solutions. Instead, prioritize safety, confidentiality, and
informed consent.(.McAdams, 2013)
Furthermore, approach: Psychosocial support extends beyond mental health. It encompasses
emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Addressing practical needs ,shelter, food, safety
alongside emotional well-being is essential.
Furthermore, A holistic approach recognizes interconnectedness.Moreover ,Community-Based
and Culturally Sensitive:Community engagement is central. Local structures, leaders, and
traditional healers play vital roles.Cultural competence ensures that interventions align with
cultural norms, beliefs, and practices. Respect diverse coping mechanisms.

In addition, building Resilience: Psychosocial support aims to strengthen individual and

community resilience. It fosters adaptive coping strategies. Resilience enables people to bounce
back from adversity, maintain social connections, and find meaning even amidst
crisis. . (Bowlby,1980)

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On another hand , psychosocial support in emergencies goes beyond clinical interventions. It
embraces human rights, community participation, cultural sensitivity, and holistic well-being. By
adhering to these principles, we can promote healing, restore hope, and build stronger, more
resilient communities in times of crisis (Erikson, 1999)

However , time’s of emergencies or crises, the principles of psychosocial support play a crucial
role in assisting individuals affected by such situations. These principles are designed to help
individuals cope with stress, trauma, loss, and other emotional challenges that may arise during
testing times. Let's delve into some of the key principles of psychosocial support in emergencies
or crises: . (Bowlby,1980)

In addition, Safety and Security, Ensuring the safety and security of individuals is paramount in
any crisis situation. Providing a sense of physical and emotional safety can help in reducing
anxiety and fear, allowing individuals to better cope with the situation at hand. . (Bowlby,1980)
Furthermore ,Basic Needs and Support, Addressing basic needs such as shelter, food, water, and
medical care is essential in providing a foundation for psychosocial support. Meeting these needs
helps in restoring a sense of normalcy and stability in the lives of those affected.

Nevertheless, Empowerment and Participation. Involving individuals in decision-making

processes and empowering them to take an active role in their recovery can boost their sense of
control and agency. This can enhance resilience and foster a sense of community solidarity.

However ,Cultural Sensitivity and Respect,Recognizing and respecting the cultural backgrounds,
beliefs, and values of individuals affected by crises is critical in providing effective psychosocial
support. Cultural competence ensures that interventions are appropriate and respectful.
(Wood,2006).

Furthermore, Firsrespect, : PFA is a key principle of psychosocial support that involves

providing immediate, compassionate, and practical assistance to individuals in distress. It focuses

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on promoting safety, calmness, connectedness, self-efficacy, and hope in the immediate
aftermath of a crisis. (Wood,2006).

Moreover ,Social Support Networks**: Encouraging the involvement of social support networks
such as family, friends, and community groups can provide crucial emotional support to
individuals facing crises. These networks can offer comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging.
All healthcare workers involved in the response must have their needs at the ‘basic services and
security’ level addressed in order for them to have good psychosocial wellbeing, and to protect
them from developing mental health problems.. (Bowlby,1980)

Furthermore, this would include access to protective equipment and the other materials needed to
do their job effectively and safely; adequate pay and compensation; access to food, transport and
other necessities. It would normally include adequate rest days and reasonable working hours,
but this is unlikely to be possible at this stage in the outbreak.

However,thises it even more crucial that the other services are in place; if basic needs are not met
then levels of distress will increase and a greater proportion of healthcare workers are likely to
need emotional support. (.McAdams, 2013)

In addition, strong relationships both within work teams and with family and friends are also
essential; anything that can be done to ensure that responders are able to maintain good,
supportive relationships will contribute greatly towards good mental health.Even with these
systems and supports in place, there will be a proportion of healthcare workers who need
additional support.

For most, this can be provided by people with some training and supervision, but they do not
need to be mental health specialists. Ideally, this type of provision would be integrated into
healthcare workers’ daily lives rather than being a separate service which healthcare workers
have to make efforts to (.McAdams, 2013)

For instance ,Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the impact of trauma on individuals and
communities is essential in delivering psychosocial support. A trauma-informed approach

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focuses on creating safe environments, building trust, and promoting healing and recovery.
(Slavich,2009).

However, as already noted, the majority of a population affected by an emergency will

experience painful feelings but will cope and recover over time if these two types of service and
supports are in place. A small proportion will experience higher levels of emotional distress
which they cannot manage with the normal supports, although they are still able to more or less
function in their daily lives. (Bowlby,1980)

On another hand ,these people can benefit from emotional supports provided by those who are
not mental health specialists, but who have been trained and supervised to provide this kind of
support to individuals and groups. Then there is a smaller proportion the 5% with severe mental
disorders referred to above) who need specialist mental health care (Slavich,2009).

For instance,Self-Care and Resilience Building**: Promoting self-care practices and resilience-
building strategies can help individuals navigate the challenges of crises more effectively.
Encouraging coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices are
important aspects of psychosocial support.(Wood,2006).

On another hand ,Psychotic depression is when a person may have auditory hallucinations and
behavior is bizarre with irrational ideas. This is a subtype of major depression in which the
patient is totally detached from reality . In the case of Peter, it requires an immediate intervention
to stabilize his condition which is pretty much identical with psychotic depression as erratic
mood needs to be balanced and it may need a combination of antipsychotic and antidepressant
medications and crisis intervention is needed (Slavich,2009).

In conclusion, the principles of psychosocial support in emergencies or Remember, compassion

and empathy are our greatest tools in supporting those affected by emergencies. Him feel safe
and given the previous act of suicidal attempt, advocating for client’s safety is the main priority

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and ensuring that he is well-supported conveying empathy includes making the client feel the
“you truly care” by understanding feelings of pain and agony and recognizing the sensibility of
his suffering, this can diffuse feelings of self-punishment .

References
Slavich, G. M. (2009). Psychology and society: How society shapes science and science shapes
society. The Clinical Psychologist, 62(1), 9-10.

Wood, C.E. & Boyd D. (2006). Mastering the world of psychology. Boston, Mass: Allyn &
Bacon

Caplan, G. (1964) Principles of Preventive Psychiatry. Basic Books: New York.

Lazarus, R.S., & Folkman, S. (1984) Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. Springer Publishing
Company: New York.

Bowlby, J. (1980) Attachment and Loss: Volume 3. Loss, Sadness and Depression. Basic
Books: New York.

Antonovsky, A. (1987) Unraveling the Mystery of Health: How People Manage Stress and Stay
Well. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco.

Erikson, E.H. (1999) Identity and the Life Cycle. Norton & Company: New York.

Seligman, M.E.P. (1998) Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. Vintage
Books: New York.

McAdams, D.P. (2013) The Art and Science of Personality Development. Guilford Press: New
York.

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