#combatstress #livegood_stressless

In January I was still working on translating the training materials into Georgian and researching the topic of suicide prevention, current situation and legal legislation in Georgia.

And from the beginning of February, supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and organised by the Association Merkuri, we started a series of training seminars and workshops for the law enforcement officers. The project was dedicated to the topic of stress management, psychological first aid, resilience building and suicide prevention, and it went on over the whole month of February.

Each trained group received one full and one half day training. The groups were of maximally 12 participants to ensure interactive facilitation, active dialog, direct feedback and exchange with the officers.

On the first day we focused on understanding stress and its specifics in the profession of a police officer. We aimed at identifying internal and external stressors. Later we discussed the effect of secondary trauma and civilian contact, we commented on the physiological and mental effects of stress on the organism, and how to recognise and differentiate long and short-term stress, and subsequently how to act on reducing it. We watched video cases on how to handle adrenaline response to stress. The topics of emotional and professional burnout were thoroughly discussed as well.

In the afternoons, the participants could discuss adaptive stress techniques, long term stress prophylaxis and also actively participated in the practical exercises to support them in stressful moments. We worked on the importance of building resilience and keeping mental hygiene.

Day two of the training, taking place one week later, was a follow up and discussion of work cases, and practical use of tools that were learnt the previous week. The basic psychological first aid steps were introduced, and the participants were able to practise and role-play.

The second part of the day was dedicated to the topic of suicide prevention. The current situation in Georgia and worldwide regarding this important topic was commented on. During the seminar we spoke about things to watch out for, the dos and don’ts while providing support and we spoke about the truths and the myths surrounding the topic of suicide.

The training received a very positive feedback and comments that more such seminars and workshops should take place, and it was considered of great value and importance to the law enforcement officers.

I sincerely do hope the gained knowledge will serve them in their daily work and will improve their quality of life.  #stresscombat #livegood_stressless

Workshop on resilience building

Our first group completed their training

Each participant received a certificate of participation and completion of the training.

Group picture.

Group picture. Nana Todua, head of Association Merkuri is in the first row to the right.
The translator Russian-Georgian, Kathia, is in the second row, to the left.