Connect with Loved Ones and Social Support Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) It has been shown that people who feel they had good social support after a crisis cope better than those who feel they were not well supported. Because of this, linking people with loved ones and social support is an important part of PFA. • Help keep families together, and keep children with their parents and/or guardians and loved ones. • Help people to contact friends and relatives so they can get support; for example, provide a way for them to call loved ones. • If a person lets you know that prayer, religious practice, or support from religious leaders might be helpful for them, try to connect them with their spiritual community. See the following section for suggestions on crisis situations and spirituality. • Help bring affected people together to help each other. For example, ask people to help care for the elderly, or link individuals without family to other community members. Crisis and Spirituality In crisis situations, a person’s spiritual or religious beliefs may be very important in helping them through pain and suffering, providing meaning, and giving a sense of hope. Being able to pray and practice rituals can be a great comfort. However, the experience of crisis – particularly in the face of terrible loss – can also cause people to question their beliefs. People’s faith may be challenged, made stronger, or somehow changed by this experience. Here are some suggestions about the spiritual aspects of providing care and comfort after a distressing event: • Be aware of and respect the person’s religious background. • Ask the person what generally helps them to feel better. Encourage them to do things that help them cope, including spiritual routines if they mention these. • Listen respectfully and without judgment to spiritual beliefs or questions the person may have. • Don’t impose your beliefs or spiritual or religious interpretations of the crisis on the person. • Don’t agree with or reject a spiritual belief or interpretation of the crisis, even if the person asks you to do so. Ending Your Help What happens next? When and how you stop providing help will depend on the context of the crisis, your role and situation, and the needs of the people you are helping. Use your best judgment of the situation, the person’s needs and your own needs. 17