Activity 2. Psychological First Aid To discuss the effects of an untoward event on a student Materials: Cartolina, pentel pen, masking Time: 30 minutes Instruction: Ask the students to identify a recent unexpected event and how they felt during the time they experienced it and what they did about it. Teachers play an important role in helping students after a disaster, school crisis, or an emergency. Apart from helping students with academic and counseling concerns under normal circumstances, educators can also help students return to school, stay in school, continue to learn, and return to their usual school-based activities. After a traumatic event, changes can occur in a student’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They may feel worried about the welfare of family, friends, or pets. Common reactions include difficulty sleeping, problems at school, trouble concentrating, and inability to submit assignments. Recognize risk factors when listening to students sharing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings about the event. Risk factors that may indicate a counseling referral is needed for students include: Training Module on the Right to Mental Health in the Academe Purpose: • Loss of a family member, schoolmate, or friend • Observing serious injury or the death of another person • Family members or friends missing after the event • Getting hurt or becoming sick due to the event • Home loss, family moves, changes in neighborhood, changes in school, and/or loss of belongings • Being unable to evacuate quickly • Past traumatic experiences or losses • Pet loss If the student has undergone any of these experiences, you can consider referring them to a mental health practitioner. A. LISTEN The primary step to helping students is to LISTEN and pay attention to what they say and how they act. Pay attention to nonverbal cues, such as withdrawal and behavioral problems. Let the student know you are willing to listen. Things to consider would be the following: 22