Text: Wounded

from Finland, 26.02.09

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From time to time as part of my job I administer minor first aid, nothing too disconcerting usually cuts and grazes.I follow a straight forward procedure, gloves on, wound cleaned and disinfected then bandaid on. I am left feeling confident that I have met the needs of my patient and all will be well. Ocassionally there are wounds that require more attention. I wonder about which bandage I should use and I warn the patient to monitor the wound for infection.

This got me thinking about the wounds that we can not see, the internal ones, the wounds of the heart and the mind. Are there straight forward procedures, some basic first aid for the psyche? I guess there are; surround yourself with caring family and friends, who will listen and console you.

Take it easy, give yourself time to process the initial blow and the wound might heal. Or it might persist, infection takes hold and extra time is needed. This prolonged time of healing can be likened to a course of antibiotics for a physical infection.Yet some infections persist and surgical removal is required; a separation of flesh and a scar is left.

A wound of the psyche may require intervention to prevent permanent damage. This requires one to consciously tackle problems and make significant changes. Even if the wound heals the psyche is altered just as skin is by a scar.