7 Common Mental First-Aid Measures You Should Know About

Treating psychological injuries is just as important as physical injuries. However. we often undermine the impact mental health issues can have on our health. We show no urgency to repair the damage caused. In fact, not many of us are even aware of the extent of the mental health problems one can sustain.

To address the issue of psychological injuries, mental health professionals have come up with emotional first-aid which caters to some of the common injuries we sustain in our everyday life. It also helps us understand how to recognize those injuries and ways to minimize the damage caused by them.

1) Failure

Occurs due to the inability to achieve targets and goals.

EFFECTS-

• Makes us question our capabilities
• Increases feelings of worthlessness

But, REMEMBER-

Failure or success does not define a person.

2) Low Self-Image

Occurs when we often expect too much from ourselves.

EFFECTS-

• Leads to mismanagement of the tasks at hand.
• Makes us belittle ourselves.

But, REMEMBER

• It is important to realize and accept your capacity.
• Working on the short comings and playing up the strengths can boost
  self-esteem.

3) Rejection

Occurs when we are neglected or treated poorly by the people we love, and builds further if not guided on time.

EFFECTS-

We might end up behaving uncharacteristic to our nature.

But, REMEMBER

Rejection is not in our control. So, when it happens, it is best to practically evaluate the situation, and try to move on by engaging in other activities.

4) Loneliness

Occurs when we are constantly plagued by thoughts such as. ‘No one
understands me’ or ‘I'm all alone’ and, instead of sharing it with someone, we keep it to ourselves.

EFFECTS-

• Bottling up negative feelings can in make us feel lonelier. and soon a
  vicious cycle develops
• We often misjudge people

But, REMEMBER

Clarifying thoughts might clear misunderstanding. Joining clubs or
various social groups might also help to find people with matching interests.

5) Loss

Occurs due to profound sadness and the way we deal with loss determines our wellbeing.

EFFECTS-

• Feelings of abandonment and isolation and isolation.
• Guilt and sadness.

TRY

• Letting the phase pass.
• Talking things out or seeking professional may also prove beneficial.

6) Guilt

EFFECTS-

Occurs when we feel guilty for things that may necessarily not be under our control.

• We start blaming ourselves.
• Replay situations and think about how we could have done things.

TRY

Identifying the mistake and rectifying it, may also prove beneficial, as well as self-forgiveness is important.

7) Brooding

Occurs when we are always preoccupied with constant worry and thoughts and cannot give anything else our 100%.

EFFECTS-

• Makes us more prone to making errors.
• Could prove detrimental in the long run

TRY

Creating a deliberate distraction or willfully concentrating on a task to keep unwanted thoughts at bay.

In a Nutshell

One injury leads to the other. For instance, failure can lead to self-doubt, so much so that we start berating ourselves. This in turn can lead us to brood over the issue all the time and that can lead to more mistakes, which can induce guilt in us. All these, combined together can lead to major issues like insomnia, depression, anxiety, profound stress. eating disorders and so on.

Psychological injuries have the power to inflict physical injuries too, which is why early intervention is very important.