Psychological First Aid 03: Observe Signs of Overwhelm

Observe Signs of Overwhelm

Look for signs that the person is disoriented or overwhelmed

Signs that a person may be disoriented or overwhelmed include a glassy-eyed or vacant expression, unresponsiveness to questions or commands, and aimless or disorganized behaviour

• Glassy-eyed or vacant expression
• Unresponsiveness to verbal questions or commands
• Aimless or disorganized behaviour
• Strong emotional responses (crying, hyperventilating, rocking)
• Uncontrollable physical reactions (shaking, trembling)
• Frantic searching behaviour
• Feeling incapacitated by worry
• Engaging in risky activities

Assess the Situation

Be warm and non-judgemental. Take concerns and feelings seriously without offering advice. Give your full attention and don’t interrupt when the person is speaking. During the conversation, give small sounds of understanding to demonstrate empathy.

• Is the person with family and friends? If so, involve them in comforting the distressed individual.
• If the person is too upset to talk, consider speaking quietly while family/friends are nearby.
• Address the person’s primary immediate concern or difficulty rather than simply telling them to “calm down” or “feel safe.”

For Children and Adolescents

When children are separated from parents or parents struggle, provide calm support, focus on stabilizing the child with grounding/comfort, and empower parents by guiding them to use consistent routines, setting firm but loving boundaries, and modeling calm leadership, avoiding undermining their authority through supportive coaching rather than taking over, and connecting them with resources like the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for deeper help.

• If separated from parents or if parents are not coping well, refer to options for stabilizing distressed persons.
• Empower parents in calming their children without undermining their authority.

Empowering Parents to Calm Their Children

Be a Supportive Coach: Let parents lead, but offer guidance on how to respond, validating their efforts.

• Model Calm & Confidence: Parents should radiate calm, showing children they can handle the situation.
• Set Consistent Boundaries: Create predictable routines and clear expectations to help children feel secure.
• Validate Feelings: Help parents acknowledge their child’s emotions without dismissing them, fostering emotional regulation.
• Avoid Conflict: Keep children separate from adult arguments, as parental conflict is confusing and frightening for them.

Focus on Connection: Encourage warm, consistent interactions, which build secure attachments

General Steps for Stabilization

These steps provide a clear framework for offering effective, compassionate support in a crisis or difficult situation:

• Respect privacy.
• Be available for further help.
• Focus on immediate needs.
• Provide practical assistance.
• Connect individuals with resources.
• Offer coping strategies.
• Link people to collaborative services.

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