{"id":221,"date":"2020-03-27T01:33:03","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T01:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/psychologytt.org\/blog\/?p=221"},"modified":"2022-05-07T14:37:15","modified_gmt":"2022-05-07T14:37:15","slug":"the-trinidad-and-tobago-association-of-psychologists-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/psychologytt.org\/blog\/archives\/221","title":{"rendered":"THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHOLOGISTS\u2019 RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SECTION\nA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free\nPublic Assistance: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Trinidad and Tobago\nAssociation of Psychologists has noted an increase in persons seeking advice on\nhow to cope with stress and anxiety and manage their mental well-being during\nthe pandemic. We deem it our responsibility to assist the society in maintaining\na level of calm, and to help others to take the necessary steps to protect\nthemselves and others around them.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday 24th March,\n2020, we launched an initiative to help people in Trinidad and Tobago who are\nstruggling with the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic<\/strong>. We put together a team of qualified volunteers\nfrom the Crisis Intervention team that had been started post-Social 2019, from\na list of members who were willing to volunteer when a crisis or disaster occurred,\nin addition to those persons who were called upon to give of their service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Initiative\nconsists of a HOTLINE of persons who would service callers from East, West,\nCentral and South Trinidad as well as in Tobago. This team of psychologists was\nput together with the specific goal of telephonically advising persons dealing\nwith overwhelming and persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression. To\ncater to our migrant neighbors currently residing on our shores, there is also\na special line dedicated to Spanish speaking callers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EAST:<\/strong>  Raymond \u2013 732-2702; Laura \u2013 474-2737; Margaret \u2013 342-1578; Greisy \u2013 769-8094
<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEST:<\/strong> Wendy-787-0975; Sally-730-7639; Michelle-469-9983; Patricia-386-2815; Vicky-366-0843<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CENTRAL:<\/strong> Deborah \u2013 757-9348; Kareen \u2013 731-2386; Jeff \u2013 689-1243; Luscia \u2013 784-6678 <\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SOUTH:<\/strong> J\u2019elle \u2013 727-6723; Leslie-Ann \u2013 754-0170; Arlene – 722-0188<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOBAGO:<\/strong> Stacy- 718-4387; Marion \u2013 485-7382<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPANISH callers:<\/strong> Greisy \u2013 769-8094<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Specifically for parents who are finding it difficult to cope during this time with very young children 0-5 years, call Karin \u2013 620-8783; and children with special needs, call Laura \u2013 474-2737)<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also have a hotline for nationals living in the United States.  Please call our TTAP member, Karine on 1(702) 528-1276<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLEASE SEE GRAPHIC BELOW FOR UP-TO-DATE CONTACT INFORMATION AND CALL TIMES.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SECTION B<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procedural\nGuidelines for TTAP Members<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TTAP also posted and\nsent out notices to all our members, stating recommended actions and WHO\nguidelines to help protect therapists and clients against the Covid-19 virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wash\nyour hands frequently<\/strong> (Regularly and thoroughly clean your\nhands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanitize\nyour therapy space after each client<\/strong> (Surfaces can be\nsprayed with disinfecting sprays like Lysol or wiped down with disposable wipes\nmoistened with alcohol. Wipes should be carefully discarded after use and hands\nsanitized)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer\nclients hand sanitizer upon arrival<\/strong> (Alcohol-based\nsanitizer upon entry can help stop potential Covid-19 carriers from infecting\nyour workspace, door knob etc)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain\nsocial distancing<\/strong> (Try to maintain at least 1 metre (3\nfeet) distance between yourself and clients)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid\ntouching your face<\/strong> (touching eyes, nose and mouth with\ncontaminated hands can help the virus to enter your body and make you sick)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice\nrespiratory hygiene<\/strong> (This means covering your mouth and\nnose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the\nused tissue immediately.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If\nyou have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, it is recommended that you seek\nearly medical assistance. Be wary of clients exhibiting these symptoms<\/strong>\n(Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty\nbreathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of\nyour local health authority)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try\nto avoid physical greetings and farewells where possible<\/strong>\n(Try not to engage in giving handshakes, hugs, kisses as may be your custom)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where possible, consider the option of giving e-therapy<\/strong> (If possible, explore telephone therapy, mobile video calls, online audio calls, online video calls, text therapy, and email therapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SECTION C<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TTAP Covid-19 Public Awareness Video<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In March 2020 TTAP created a document designed to help people (or their loved ones) cope the global crisis created by Covid-19. It gathered tremendous interest both from people aided by the document’s contents, and from people who saw an urgent need for the dissemination of such important information. An animated video quickly followed to get this crucial message out to even more people in a more practical medium. The short video touches on many pertinent topics including general coping, social distancing, young ones and teens, special needs children, crisis responders, persons with addictions, avenues for assistance and a host of other topics. Take a look below and feel free to share. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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