- PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID (PFA) – CALL TO ACTION
PFA is a compassionate and supportive presence designed to mitigate acute distress and asses the need for continued mental health care.
Sadly this month we have been involved in several issues where traumatic events have been experienced. It can take up to six months (or even longer) for psychological symptoms to arise in those affected. And like physical first-aid – the sooner PFA is applied – the more effective it is likely to be.
MHSS is establishing psychological first aid as a standard for the maritime industry. Just like a medical and safety officer is present on a vessel – there should be someone professionally trained to administer PFA.
MHSS offers a 1 or 2 day PFA course (developed and led by our professional psychologists) which teaches the principles of PFA and primary care PFA techniques. The first course is launched on March 10th. We’re offering 10 free places – if you would like one of these (or have any questions generally) please don’t hesitate to contact us by email to christian@mentalhealth-support.com.
- PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS SUPPORT LINE - OBSERVATIONS
MHSS offered its confidential crisis support line free of charge to members of several industry groups over the Christmas period.
The uptake in engagement (through whatsapp/email/call/text) was noticeable. MHSS’ professional psychologists diagnosed/stabilized/provided coping techniques for various issues – and followed-up interactions (normally twice) to ensure that the situation was under control.
Our view is that immediate access to professional mental health support is as serious as immediate access to professional physical medical support.
Every interaction should be treated as a psycho-medical emergency until a professional determination is made otherwise.
The sad incident of early January (when a crew member was killed in a fight off the coast of Taiwan – MHSS not involved) shows how situations onboard can rapidly escalate.
When support is sought, the facts will often be limited, there may be a language barrier and time-pressure and urgency are increasing. MHSS’ maritime psychologists are trained to handle these situations, extract the relevant information and respond effectively to events on the ground.
MHSS launches a new course each week. These can be taught to specific groups (i.e. shore staff, officers, ratings) and in various time-slots (days, hours, over a longer period). They are developed and presented by professional psychologists – who have spent time onboard vessels and bring years of practical experience:
- Resilience
- Communication and Motivation
- Mental Hygiene
- Understanding of Grief
- Mitigating Acute Stress and Disfunction
And many others. Contact us if you would like to discuss these (or have a specific issue / topic you would like our psychologists to address).
- MHSS’ call to “normalise” mental health onboard and onshore:
https://splash247.com/mental-health-and-honey-badgers-no-laughing-matter/
- Charles Watkin’s insight into PTSD following stressful events at sea:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/tragic-pirate-incident-in-turkey-leads-mhss-to-issue-warning-to-industry-that-urgent-psychological-first-aid-and-professional-mental-health-support-is-needed-for-seafarers/
- MHSS’ warning that rates of self-harm and suicide are increasing:
https://splash247.com/urgent-advice-as-cases-of-suicide-at-sea-continue-to-climb/
MHSS is driving long-term change in mental health and wellbeing in the maritime industry. If you have any questions – or would just like to know more – contact us and we’ll be happy to talk with you.
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