Philipsburg:--- At the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), a great deal of effort is put into safety yet Staff members are mindful of how quickly a crisis could arise. Therefore, MHF have implemented preventative measures to ensure that we operate in a safe and friendly environmentPrevention:
The Faraja Center's goal is to motivate the clients to achieve the self-confidence they need to actively participate in society regardless of their personal challenges.
Presently the Faraja Center is the only division of the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) that accommodates clients on a daily basis, thus creating more personal interactions between the clients, psychiatric aids (psych aids) and volunteers.
Therefore, Psychic aids and volunteers follow safe guidelines and are always attentive in an attempt to avert the chance of any behavior escalating into physical violence.
Assigning personal lockers to clients is Faraja's first approach to safety. If a crisis should arise, the locked lockers would delay the client from searching for an object to use as a weapon and allow psych aids and volunteers to act quickly.
Secondly, observing behavioural and mood patterns is essential. Certain "Red Flags" are carefully watched for, they include: uncombed hair, skin blemishes, isolation, Irritability, outbursts, severe mood swings, refusal to eat.
When these signs appear, Psych aids take quick action to get to the root of the problem by allowing clients to freely express what they are feeling and experiencing. Clients are invited to sit in the quiet therapy room, to have some alone time if need be.
Crisis:
However, if a crisis does occur on the premises, whether it is a disturbance or suicide attempt, the client will be cautiously contained to prevent further danger to himself/herself and to others; after that a doctor will immediately be contacted.
The doctor and nurse will then assess the situation and administer appropriate treatment.
As protocol, family members are informed immediately and are provided counseling and
Psycho-education from a qualified Crisis Intervention nurse and Psychologist
As a result of not having a functioning Psychiatric ward to house severe cases, clients must fly to Curacao if they require more attention and treatment than what is available on Sint Maarten.
Crisis at Home:
It is important to note that one should not attempt to manage a disorderly person or loved one by oneself instead one should get help as soon as possible
While it is evident that mental treatment is necessary, if you have a loved one at home who is demonstrating disruptive behaviours, the police should be contacted first.
Shaniela Jonge, MHF's social psychiatric nurse explains that "Many people come to the Mental Health Foundation first before calling the Police...it is only after the police are called that we can smoothly and efficiently accomplish what we love and do best, to give treatment".
Subsequently, MHF will then be informed after which the aforementioned protocol would take place.
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) aims to provide preventative care by raising awareness of Mental Health issues in our community with the purpose of reducing problems before they turn into illnesses. However if there is an illness, the community can find support and acceptance from staff and volunteers who are always ready to assist.
