During today's crisis caused by COVID19, it has had a major impact on health, economic and social aspects. Many individuals experience depression, fear and anxiety. Aside from the fact that this disease is deadly, it also causes great sadness to the loved ones left behind, as well as the fear that they too will be positive. Thinking of those who have lost or lost their jobs, where they will be able to support their daily expenses, is also an effect that must be addressed. The separation of families, friends and togetherness into associations or groups is also believed to cause a large proportion of depression, fortunately and with social media and there is profitable.
What more does our countrymen need in this day and age, apart from the aid they receive from the Comune which includes, the much-awaited help from the Philippine government agency here in Italy and the groceries provided by the charitable groups of Filipinos? Based on studies, there is a great need today because of the impact of the crisis on human thinking and emotions. So Psycho-social counseling support is needed .
Psycho-social support is a psychological and social resource provision to a person from a supporter whose intention is for well-being to deal with problems and thoughts.
And also give the person courage and revive the hope in his heart to overcome the problem he is facing. Common problems are rooted in being the victim of an illness, the death of a loved one, disaster, war, unrest, experiencing violence or oppression at the hands of others. Even impatience due to prolonged stay indoors can also cause severe stress and panic anxiety.
How important is it? Apart from helping the person to open up his emotions and confused thoughts, it also examines the right condition and state and provides the right solution so as not to worsen other symptoms of psychological status.
Counseling also discusses a person's ability to control his emotions and make a balanced decision for his own good. Particular attention is given to emotional, social, vocational, educational, health, developmental and organizational concerns.
Psycho-social support also includes services for mental health counseling, education, spiritual support, group solidarity and other services. It can be provided by mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, counselors, specialized nurses, priests, pastoral counselors and others. If there is a specific diagnosis can be referred to another specialized.
According to MARIA MAYA APO , a registered social worker in the Philippines, and a member of the organization PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT / PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID by REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS (PSS / PFA by RSWs), they provide free PSS / PFA Counseling to the Filipino community in Italy. Sessions will be conducted online (Skype, Viber or Facebook). You can also send an email or wireless communication. All information will be treated privately or confidentially. They contacted the Philippine Embassy in Rome because everyone knew that Italy was one of the largest victims of COVID 19 and that the lockdown was still ongoing and that there were also families of the dead and sick inside quarantine.
According to RAINELDA QUETUA CONTADO , a registered social worker from Malolos, Bulacan, our frontliners also need to deal directly with the victims of the disease, those who also perform their duties as health and sanitary workers and volunteers, even the family who mourns the loss of a relative and even the community leaders who are often overwhelmed by the grief of those who have feelings or who are overwhelmed by the anger of others who do not understand the value of what they are doing. The Department of Social Welfare and Develoment (DSWD) has also appointed social workers in every region, province and city in the Philippines, to facilitate the referral of those with problems similar to those already mentioned.
For overseas Filipinos in Italy, who want to consult with social workers, can contact the Philippine Embassy in Rome or the Consulate in Milan, or OFW Watch Italy through Task Force Covid19 and they can be approached to social workers or direct to those assigned for overseas counseling, such as MARIA MAY APO. There are also some Filipinos who have been helped and their attitudes have been relieved.