Emergency Psychology
What is emergency psychology?
Emergency psychology deals with the psychological care of people during and after extreme events. Support measures are put in place at an early stage after the stressful event in order to reduce the level of suffering. People react very differently after an "emergency". In all cases, these are normal reactions due to abnormal events.
Areas of application of emergency psychology
- Major incidents (natural disasters, bus accidents, plane crashes)
- Accidents
- Observing and experiencing terrible events (e.g. car accidents, rape)
- Experiences of violence
- Hostage-taking
- Death of a loved one
- Fatal disease
Possible reactions to extreme stresses
- Physical signs
Trembling, insomnia, high blood pressure, severe palpitations, headaches, dry mouth - Mental level
Memory impairment, confusion, drowsiness, slowed thinking, memory gaps, intrusive thoughts - Emotional level
Anxiety, anger, despair, dejection, indifference, pain, guilt, numbness - Behavior
Social withdrawal, crying, screaming, apathy, misbehavior with possible self-endangerment, suicidal intentions
These reactions can occur after an extraordinarily stressful event, but do not necessarily affect everyone and are not equally pronounced in everyone.
Emergency psychology helps with...
- Coping with psychological stress
- the fastest possible restoration of the ability to act
- the prevention of long-term psychological consequences
Emergency psychology recommends
- Try to return to normality (previous normal daily routine)!
- Allow yourself to relax!
- Deal with the thought of the stressful experience!
- Seek dialog with others!
- Keep your free time active (physical activities)!
- Do what you enjoyed doing before the event!
- Pay attention to your own needs and take time for them!
- Eat regularly!
- Do not hesitate to seek further assistance if required!
