In recent years the development of science in the field of mental health and well-being has taken gigantic steps, literally quantum. What is not new is the resilience of our body both physically and mentally, only that we probably have not been able to fully appreciate it.

Without a doubt, stressful situations will happen to us along the way in our lives and those of our loved ones. The question is, can we predict them, avoid them, or even prevent them? How can we prepare for moments of crisis? Let us understand the crisis for the purposes of this article as the moment of rupture in the balance of functionality of the human being, be it emotional, social, health, economic, work, etc. It is characterized by being unexpected, urgent or threatening and which in turn presents a danger and an opportunity that can lead to the improvement or setback of those who live it.

By definition a crisis is not foreseeable or preventable, but what can be is THE ANSWER we give to that crisis situation. For this, it will be necessary to go through several stations of self-knowledge and strengthening of our emotional resources. This means that as we get to know each other and develop resources for resilience and emotional balance, we can face, go through and recover from a stressful or critical situation, return to functionality as ecologically sound, reduce negative consequences as much as possible and draw positive learning and rebuilding resources from the experience.

It may probably seem very complicated or elaborate, but the truth is that all of us in one way or another have already developed several of these resources, we have experienced some kind of crisis and somehow we have been able to pass it, even more, some of us have been able to help others live and recover from critical moments. The next step is to recognize these qualities and turn them into useful resources. Knowing that we have the inner wisdom to use them in the future for our good and that of our loved ones.

Before moving on to our first intervention technique, we must remember that preparation is mitigation; In other words, to the extent that we are prepared, the effects of a crisis or stressful situation can be reduced. We have repeatedly seen how having an emergency kit or knowing a vital resuscitation technique can make the difference between life and death. Communities have seen a less severe impact on their economy or production if they previously implemented risk reduction plans, cities that now construct their buildings in a more geologically stable manner can rely on the minimal effects of a natural disaster. In the same way, emotional preparation and strength (including mental and spiritual) can provide less dangerous effects and with less harmful consequences to those experiencing emotional crises and those around them.

So now we are going to know one of the most important tools: First Aid for Emotional Balance (FAEB), they are a very useful tool that we can learn and develop to provide calm and tranquility, to try to connect the person with their network social support, encourage self-efficacy and effectiveness in recovery.

Inform, Contain, Connect, Implement and Accompany are the 5 phases of this tool.

When a crisis occurs it distorts the way things have been working up to now, therefore it is very important to INFORM, know, know, learn about what has happened and what is the scope of the situation. What does this crisis imply in people’s lives and how will their normality change in the future. The clearer, more concise we can be, the better it is for the person, even if the assimilation is slow or painful.

CONTAIN means surrounding the person with the most safe elements for him, it could be a hug for example if the situation allows it to be a safe place to stay, the goal of this phase is to avoid as much as possible a second or third crisis as a consequence from the first.

CONNECTin the most important phase, future decisions depend on it and he gradually went on to recover functionality. As social beings we have a support network that can make a difference. Depending on the circumstance, we speak of connection from a simple telephone call to the intervention of private or government entities that will act as a link for reconstruction and eventual recovery.

The next step is to IMPLEMENT action steps, of the size that the situation and the resilience of the affected person allow. According to the closeness to that person (including ourselves) we can implement constant and perhaps supervised steps, from a simple breakfast or hygiene routine, to time commitments with more permanence, such as therapy, medical treatments, community participation, etc. It will require constant ACCOMPANIMENT, perhaps distant, perhaps fully involved, that will depend on the person’s ability to cope and of course on who can give that emotional Accompaniment. We know of course that self-care for those who provide this type of emotional support is also very important and we will talk about it in the following episodes.

Implementing First Aid for Emotional Balance is as important as vital resuscitation or stress prevention techniques. We can implement them with our loved ones, in our work environment or community, and even with ourselves. Overcoming a crisis does not mean that it will be easy or that it will not hurt, but it does mean that at the time we may be able to describe the crisis how Albert Einstein did it, as a blessing, an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and improve.

Note to this edition: The First Aid for Emotional Balance includes content adapted and detailed at each stage and according to the individual situation of each person. I can gladly share more information about it if you request it.

Until next time

Sandra U. De la Fuente
Psychologist, Master in Human Rights and Peace Education, Neuro Coach, Epigenetics Specialist.
sandrau@vivirenplenitud.us
+1 385-286-9011