CIANJUR, WEST JAVA — Dompet Dhuafa’s Disaster Management Center (DMC) is intensifying Psychological First Aid (PFA) service actions targeting the elderly with the target of evacuation posts located in Cariu Field, Mangunkerta Village, Cugenang District, on Tuesday (29/11/2022).
The earthquake that hit the Cianjur region last Monday (21/11/2022) still brings sorrow to everyone. Some residents of Cianjur have to accept losses that are not small, both material and non-material. One of the non-material conditions is the psychological condition experienced by survivors. Ranging from worry and restlessness to anxiety sometimes haunts all survivors’ minds.
Seeing this fact is why Dompet Dhuafa presented Psychological First Aid (PFA) services targeting the elderly (elderly) group. Dr carried out this action. Astrina Yulda, who is usually called Bunda Ririn, as Senior Advisor to the Elderly Health Division of Dompet Dhuafa, and Evita Djamain is a PFA Volunteer. They listened to the survivors’ complaints, shared stories, and conducted fun games. All the activities hoped could relieve their anxiety from the changing conditions during an emergency response like this.
“We understand the characteristics of the elderly. That the elderly need attention and warmth. In a situation like this (emergency response), it is usually children who get more attention because it is for their growth and development, so they are not traumatized,” explained Evita.
But the case is different with the elderly despite receiving medical attention, food, and more. However, continued Evita, the psychological aspect is also essential for their health and well-being.
Mother Ririn also agreed that psychological conditions also need attention. Psychological disorder is one of the things that affect the performance of a person’s body. The more a person is happy, the better his body’s performance and health. The opposite will happen if their psychological condition is not good. That is, they will be susceptible to disease.
They need attention, a proper stimulus that can bring out all their feelings or feelings they have not been able to get out. So, they need consulting services so that all pent-up feelings (worries) can be expressed and not endanger their mental or physical health.
“So, we have to support them, be with them. The most important thing we must do for them is pay attention to them, take care of them, and give them hope, “continued Ririn.
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One of the survivors, Dewi Novianti, revealed that she had been thinking about her child’s condition all this time. When she heard the news that there was a young victim, she started to worry that her child could be the next victim. Night after night, day after day, the worry for the child grew more assertive. However, after receiving guidance from the PFA Dompet Dhuafa team. She felt relieved and released from the anxiety that haunted her.
“(Contents) of my heart and mind cannot get out. But after talking to the mothers and confiding in each other. My heart is so relieved, “said Dewi.
Dompet Dhuafa, with its organ units such as DMC, Free Health Services (LKC), Community Service Institutions (LPM), and Human Development Institutions (LPI), continues to provide the best services to meet the emergency needs of earthquake survivors in Cianjur.
Until now, Dompet Dhuafa has provided SAR & Evacuation services to find 15 victims buried under the rubble. Health Services were able to help 2,665 people. Food Logistics Distribution Services were able to cover 12,893 people, and Non-Food Logistics Distribution Services was able to help 617 people. The Barzah service was able to benefit 43 people, the Psychological Service was able to help 564 people, and the Clean Is Healthy Service was able to provide blessings to 1,983 people (data as of 28 November 2022). (Dompet Dhuafa / DMC / Fajar)