AFMC OBSERVES WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: FOCUS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID DURING 2016  

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Armed Forces Medical College, Pune observed World Mental Health Day 2016 through a week long programme aimed at increasing awareness about psychological first aid. The overall objective of World Health Organisation (WHO) behind observing this day, every year, is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal C K Ranjan AVSM, VSM, Director & Commandant, AFMC said that psychological first aid covers both psychological and social support. It aims to reduce initial distress, meet current needs, promote flexible coping and encourage adjustment.
 
According to Brig R C Das, Professor & Head, Dept of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune, psychological first aid is neither a new term nor a new practice. Psychological first aid is useful as the first response in aid of individuals or families following a disaster. It is most widely used in the first hours, days and weeks following an event. Psychological first aid is based on an understanding that people affected by disasters will experience a range of early reactions. There are special concerns for women, elderly and children during disaster.
 
Departments of Psychiatry AFMC, Command Hospital (SC) and MH Kirkee have jointly organized several events to spread awareness about the Psychological First Aid. Activities included organizing mobile mental health exhibitions, lectures in local armed forces establishments, practical demonstrations and poster presentations in schools, mental health rallies and panel discussions by experts in the presence of a large number of paramedical personnel and soldiers of Pune garrison.