'Psychological first aid' offers guidance to persons facing crisis, disaster

The Health Ministry has launched a book titled 'Psychological First Aid' (PFA) as a basic psychological guide to give immediate relief to individuals facing a crisis or disaster.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said PFA was not only to give psychological support, but also social support to individuals experiencing acute stress so as to reduce the suffering or misery experienced.

"PFA also aims at ensuring that any individual who experiences acute pressure due to a crisis or disaster gets early psychological assistance and also identifying those who require further treatment for a quick reference."

Dr Subramaniam said this in his speech at the opening of the national-level World Mental Health Day 2016, at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Broadcasting Complex, here, Monday.

His speech text was read by the ministry's deputy director of Disease Control (Communicable Diseases), Dr Sha'ari Ngadiman.

"The PFA is also a reference for medical personnel, security personnel, teachers and social workers as it is important for them to have basic assistance and psychological support," Dr Subramaniam said.

"Anyone can experience acute stress. It can happen at home, at work, while travelling, at shopping centres, hospitals and others places. Therefore, it is a skill that needs to be available to us, potentially saving lives.

"Individuals suffering from mental health problems often rarely receive attention compared to those who suffer from physical illnesses. This is due to lack of knowledge, ignorance, stigma and discrimination.

"I urge people to be caring and help family members or friends who are suffering from mental health problems by getting help at the health facilities."

He said the ministry was targeting to set up at least one mental health and psychosocial response team for each district to improve the existing facilities, namely the four mental institutions and 48 government hospitals.

There were also 700 primary-level health clinics and 22 community mental health centres offering mental health services covering the aspects of promotion, screening, early detection and treatment, he added. -- Bernama