3.4 Professionals involved in first aid to families

When a person disappears, the emotional impact on their family members can be overwhelming. In the first moments after the disappearance and during the search process, it is crucial to provide support and emotional first aid to the affected family members and that is why they are the main ones involved in providing the necessary support or that the families themselves deem appropriate.

• Psychologists and counselors: Psychologists and counselors specialized in trauma and grief can offer emotional support to families of missing people. They help family members understand and manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and find healthy ways to process their experience.
• Social workers: Social workers can provide practical and emotional support to affected families, helping them access community resources and services, manage stress and anxiety, and resolve any practical needs that may arise during the search process.
• Chaplains and religious leaders: For those families who find comfort in religious faith, chaplains and religious leaders can offer spiritual support and accompaniment during this difficult time. They may provide religious guidance, conduct prayer services, and offer comfort based on the family’s religious beliefs and practices.
• Volunteers from victim support organizations: Victim support organizations often have volunteers trained in emotional support for families in crisis. These volunteers can offer active listening, empathy and practical support to families of missing people, giving them a safe space to share their concerns and emotions.
• Peer Support Groups: Peer support groups bring together people who are going through similar experiences, providing a sense of community and solidarity. Participating in a support group can help family members of missing people feel understood, accepted, and less alone in their experience.
• Emergency Mental Health Professionals: In crisis situations, such as natural disasters or traumatic incidents, emergency mental health professionals can be deployed to provide immediate support to affected individuals. These professionals are trained to offer crisis interventions and emotional support in high-tension and stressful situations.

A variety of professionals may be involved in providing emotional first aid and support to families of missing people. Your presence and assistance are essential to help families cope with this difficult period and deal with the emotional challenges that arise during the search for their loved ones.