Mental Health Care Information Session Held for Ukrainian Red Cross Volunteers and Staff in Kropyvnytskyi

An information session titled ″Distress: Self-Help″ was conducted for the team of the Kirovohrad regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross. The primary objective of the event was to show volunteers how to use self-help methods during periods of stress. It emphasised the importance of prioritising our own well-being, as our ability to manage our own state and provide self-support directly impacts our capacity to assist others. 

Volunteers and staff members may encounter challenges such as risks and fatigue in their activities, as they invest not only their time and resources but also provide emotional support to those in need. 

During the session, participants: 

• Explored the concepts of ‘stress’ and ‘distress’ and their effects on individuals. 
• Learned to recognise their own body reactions to stress. 
• Engaged in discussions on self-help methods. 

Participants were actively involved in discussing the reactions that occur under stress. The session addressed various levels of self-help, including basic grounding, calming techniques, and regulation strategies. Practical exercises corresponding to each level were also explored.