Psychological safety of a psychologist in a shock state of war

 

1. Keep the necessary water balance, drink plenty of fluids if possible, this is how we reduce the level of cortisol.

2. When providing psychological assistance, first consider your own condition, you should not agree if you do not have enough strength, physical exhaustion; ask colleagues who can help and take on a client.

3. If you are in your own trauma: not in a safe space, heard terrible news and it sticks in your head, something happened to your friends and relatives, do not help, the client will also be infected with your trauma.

4. Monitor your health, take the medicines you need, if possible vitamins and minerals.

5. Constantly edit your state: breathe, walk, jump, shake, draw, sing (buzz), do self-massage, be in safety cocoons, warm blankets.

6. Keep your feet warm, this makes it possible to at least slightly reduce the load on the vessels and avoid spasms.

7. Dress warmly: this is not noticeable under stress, but it can lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases.

8. If necessary, contact your colleagues for help and advice: military psychologists, psychiatrists.

9. Keep in touch with the professional community in accordance with your basic direction of psychological help. We have gathered art therapists together in telegrams.

10. Share the experience that you have worked with your clients, and record the successful experience of your colleagues, we are all now gaining new experience as military psychologists.

11. Take care of your families first, then the client. A psychologist whose head is close is not effective.

12. In the morning and in the evening, analyze your condition. Answer yourself the question “How am I? What exactly do I need now?”. Sleep 5 hours minimum.

🙏 God’s support and Guardian Angel to all of us.

Glory to Ukraine!
@ Nazarevich Victoria 2022