A very honest post

A very honest post coming…

Last week whilst at work I had a very severe panic attack something which I have never experienced in my life and something I thought could never happen to me. I thought I was a tough a&e nurse who could brush a lot of things off! But I was triggered by a patient I had looked after from years ago. It sent me into an absolute panic and I spiralled so quickly.

The reason for the post is to talk about psychological first aid. My area of expertise is to teach baby and children’s first aid, I don’t profess to be an expert in psychological first aid by any means, but I feel it’s so important for people to be aware of and learn more about. So next month I will embark on a psychological first aid course in the hope I can teach some skills to parents, families, teachers and children.

We live in a world where our children will no doubt have to face the dramas of high school, friendship struggles, figuring out who they are , where they fit and all the negativity that can come with social media. This potentially causing them to suffer with anxiety, stress and possibly panic attacks.

I’m lucky my friends and husband rallied round and were able to deliver some elements of psychological first aid (whether they knew it or not) which really helped…

• They removed me from the situation

• They gave me permission to cry

• They actively listened and offered explanation

• They offered reassuring touch and comfort when appropriate

• They communicated in a calm, soothing tone that was not patronising and degrading

I really want to learn more about psychological first aid and help children/teenagers/young adults develop coping mechanisms to get them through. So keep your eyes peeled for more information!