World Mental Health Day
Volunteer Behavioral Health, providing mental health services in 31 counties in Middle and Southeast Tennessee including the Cumberland Plateau is urging the public to recognize Monday, October 10, as the day set aside annually as World Mental Health Day.
According to Volunteer the theme for this year’s day of recognition is “Psychological First Aid.”The term “psychological first aid” is explained as the initial response and continuing aid provided by professionals or others to someone who has experienced a traumatic circumstance.
Examples of these circumstances may include a person who has been involved in a traffic accident that claimed the life of a friend or relative; being a witness to an incident that resulted in the death of another such as a violent crime; or being the victim of a home invasion or other similar act that placed one’s life in danger.
While frequently mental health professionals are the ones who are eventually engaged to provide services for those struggling in these situations, it is often individuals with no formal training who are the so called first responders in these instances.
It may be a friend, relative, an associate at work or someone else who shares a special relationship with one who is struggling mentally from what he or she has seen or has been a victim of.
It’s important for those identified as the first to provide mental health support to those affected by tragedy to know what to do and what to say so that their efforts will have positive results.
Volunteer encourages anyone who may be engaged in the role of trying to help someone deal with a devastating matter in their life to call toll free 1-877-567-6051 for more information and professional guidance.
