o Try to protect the person from exposure to the media for their privacy and dignity. o If the person is very distressed, try to make sure they are not alone. How to ask about people’s needs and concerns: • Although some needs may be obvious, such as a blanket or covering for someone whose clothing is torn, always ask what people need and what their concerns are. • Find out what is most important to them at this moment, and help them work out what their priorities are. How to listen to people and help them to feel calm: • Stay close to the person. • Do not pressure the person to talk. • Listen in case they want to talk about what happened. • If they are very distressed, help them to feel calm and try to make sure they are not alone. Help People Feel Calm Some people who experience a crisis situation may be very anxious or upset. They may feel confused or overwhelmed and may have some physical reactions such as shaking or trembling, difficulty breathing, or feeling their heart pounding. The following are some techniques to help very distressed people to feel calm in their mind and body: Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) • Try to keep the person safe. o Remove the person from immediate danger, if it is safe to do so. • Keep your tone of voice calm and soft. • If culturally appropriate, try to maintain some eye contact with the person as you talk with them. • Remind the person that you are there to help them. Remind them that they are safe, if that is true. • If someone feels unreal or disconnected from their surroundings, it may help them to make contact with their current environment and themselves. You can do this by asking them to: o Place and feel their feet on the floor. o Tap their fingers or hands on their lap. o Notice some non-distressing things in their environment, such as things they can see, hear, or feel. Have them tell you what they see and hear. o Encourage the person to focus on their breathing, and to breathe slowly. 14