Having access to accurate information is a fundamental stress reliever especially after a disaster or crisis, according to Dr. Naomi Paget of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
“Many times people in the crisis have more stress in their lives simply because they don’t know what’s going on,” she said during a three-day Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Course now taking place at the Princess Magaret Hospital. “Why do you think every time there is some big event going on we all turn on the news, we are looking at the internet? We want to know what’s going on. It is information that people need …when people get accurate information, they actually do better. So sometimes the very fact that we can give people accurate information would be the most helpful, stress reducer that we can provide.”
Paget mentioned that simple things such as knowing what is going to happen next could greatly reduce levels of stress.
“Most people do better if they have an idea of what the future looks like … you do better if you know what’s going to be happening,” she pointed out, adding that having a hobby, socializing, exercising, are also stress reducers.
Paget is in Dominica through an initiative of the Deliverance Baptist Church.
Pastor of the church, David Serrant, explained that about three years ago, David Holmes of the Arizona Baptist Convention, asked how they could be of assistance to Dominica.
“And I said, among other things, counselling especially after a disaster,” he stated.
According to Serrant, the country is lacking in that area.
“We do not have enough people to really counsel people effectively and they said they would help and so he knew Dr. Paget and asked her if she could come to Dominica,” he noted.
Serrant explained further that because of Paget’s wealth of knowledge, it was decided to partner with the Ministry of Health.
“We felt that it could be done on a larger scale,” he noted.
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This is an excellent initiative. Partnerships like this one is needed as we tackle the skills gaps in our society. Pastor Serrant must be complimented for his continued efforts in making the Gospel real to every day life. The Gospel must transcend from Air Conditioned Auditoriums to reaching people in the trenches. Excellent Work!