PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID NECESSARY FOR FLOOD VICTIMS - EXPERTS光华日报

PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID NECESSARY FOR FLOOD VICTIMS - EXPERTS

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2017年2月09日

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) — Floods can impact victims’ physical as well as phychological health said Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) Counseling Phychology Unit Head, Hairol Kamal Ab. Rahman.

As such he said, apart from physical and logistical assistance, post flood victims require counseling and psychological support to prevent psychological effects such as trauma, stress disorder and depression.

He said during the crisis phase those responsible must be proactive. “For psychological recovery, psychological first aid (PFA) and psychoeducation are important to reduce stress symptoms and assist in healthy recovery following a flood disaster.

“If there is no support for recovery, a person may suffer post traumatic stress disorder and depression,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said in view of this situation the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre which was estabished by the Ministry of Health (MOH) is at the forefront to provide psychological help.

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Meanwhile, KPJ Sentosa Hospital consultant clinical psychologist Loheswary Arumugam said psychological first aid is an important factor in helping victims cope with stress effectively.

“Educational psychology can help identify early symptoms of trauma in the elderly, adults, children and persons with disabilities and ways in dealing with their stress effectively.

“This is very important because victims will suffer from anxiety and depression because of the damage and loss of property,” she said.

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She said if the matter was not dealt with accordingly, the phychological trauma could contribute to an increase in mental health issues.

Meanwhile National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) psychological counselling expert Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din said psychological support and psychosocial rehabilitation were important in terms of motivating victims to help them resume with normal life.

“Rehabilitation after the floods is very important because victims are under great stress, are tired and have lost a sense of direction,” he added.