PULSE Psychology is launching a new “I-CARE” initiative.
Through this, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of mental health issues, learn to identify signs of emotional distress such as depression and anxiety, discover how to provide crucial emotional support to those in distress and hence, make a positive contribution to the well-being of those around you, including yourself.
What is I-CARE? What does it stand for?
I-CARE is a 5-step guide on how you can reach out to those in emotional distress around you. It stands for:
- The first step is to be informed of the common signs and symptoms of emotional distress so that you can easily pick up these cues among those around you.
- Our Allied Health website may be a good resource for you to start educating and familiarising yourself with signs and symptoms of emotional distress
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Read More- Express your care and concern towards the emotionally distressed person.
- Invite the person to have a chat with you. Be mindful that some people will prefer to resolve problems on their own first. Therefore, be prepared that it may take two or more invitations before the person is willing to open up to you.
- Active listening means giving the other person your undivided attention to listen and understand their problems, in a non-judgmental way.
- This is done through putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and seeing things from their perspective.
- Reassurance means giving or providing the other person with empathy, emotional support, words of comfort or encouragement to help them feel better.
Reassurance can also be communicated non-verbally, such as through a caring look, a pat on the shoulder or even a hug.
- Avoid offering quick solutions to the other person. Despite the best of intentions, this often leads to the other person feeling more upset or misunderstood. When upset, usually people just wished to be listened to.
- While you would like to help the person resolve his/her emotional issues, you may not be the best person to. Trying to play the therapist’s role without proper training and guidance can be especially stressful and emotionally draining for you.
- Instead, encourage the distressed person to seek professional help for a proper assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based intervention.