• Ask the person to consider how they coped with difficult situations in the past, and affirm their ability to cope with the current situation; and • Ask the person what helps them to feel better. Encourage them to use positive coping strategies and avoid negative coping strategies. Coping Everyone has natural ways of coping. Encourage people to use their own positive coping strategies, while avoiding negative strategies. This will help them feel stronger and regain a sense of control. You will need to adapt the following suggestions to take account of the person’s culture and what is possible in the particular crisis situation. Encourage positive coping strategies • Get enough rest. • Eat as regularly as possible and drink water. • Talk and spend time with family and friends. • Discuss problems with someone you trust. • Do activities that help you relax (walk, sing, pray, play with children). • Do physical exercise. • Find safe ways to help others in the crisis and get involved in community activities. Discourage negative coping strategies Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) explain how the person can register to receive food aid or material assistance); • Don’t take drugs, smoke, or drink alcohol. • Don’t sleep all day. • Don’t work all the time without any rest or relaxation. • Don’t isolate yourself from friends and loved ones. • Don’t neglect basic personal hygiene. • Don’t be violent. Give information People affected by a crisis event will want accurate information about: • The event • Loved ones or others who are impacted • Their safety • Their rights • How to access the services and things they need 16