Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) • People may have many problems after a crisis event. You may feel inadequate or frustrated when you cannot help people with all of their problems. Remember that you are not responsible for solving everything. Do what you can to help people help themselves. • Minimize your intake of alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine and avoid nonprescription drugs. • Check in with fellow helpers to see how they are doing, and have them check in with you. Find ways to support each other. • Talk with friends, loved ones, or other people you trust for support. Rest and Reflection Taking time for rest and reflection is an important part of ending your helping role. The crisis situation and needs of people you have met may have been very challenging, and it can be difficult to bear their pain and suffering. After helping in a crisis situation, take time to reflect on the experience for yourself and to rest. The following suggestions may be helpful to your own recovery. • Talk about your experience of helping in the crisis situation with a supervisor, colleague, or someone else you trust. • Acknowledge what you were able to do to help others, even in small ways. • Learn to reflect and accept what you did well, what did not go very well, and the limits of what you could do in the circumstances. • Take some time, if possible, to rest and relax before beginning your work and life duties again. If you find yourself having upsetting thoughts or memories about the event, feeling very nervous or extremely sad, having trouble sleeping, or consuming a lot of alcohol or drugs, it is important to get support from someone you trust. Speak to a health care professional or, if available, a mental health specialist if these difficulties continue for more than one month. E. Practicing PFA Psychological First Aid (PFA) Case Scenarios Same Scenarios I. Large-Scale Natural Disasters (with many affected and high levels of suffering and despair) II. Violence and Displacement III. Accident IV. Unique Occupational Stressors a. Disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence b. Unaccompanied children or family 19