March, 2020. - Cuban psychologists and psychiatrists have started a series of virtual psychotherapy groups, called “PsicoGrupos”, to reach patients who could not otherwise access psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This initiative has proved particularly timely, as social support is a key component of mental health.
The Cuban PsychoGroups provide therapy via WhatsApp using written and verbal messages, as well as stickers, GIFs and emojis, to allow for diverse expressions. These PsychoGroups began on 26 March 2020, following the onset of the public health emergency in Cuba.
Through the WhatsApp chats, participants receive professional counselling and ask about how to handle new and difficult situations occurring due to the pandemic, how to get children to take appropriate precautions to protect their safety, and how to help young people combat social isolation.
Therapists teach coping skills that can be used both, during and after the pandemic, including developing and using a positive state of mind, thinking strategically about how to complete work or school, recognizing and expressing emotions, and being aware of the importance of not discriminating against others.
Participants have found the initiative useful; one of them noted that "This group is a good idea. The middle generation is the one that carries the heaviest burden while taking care of their elders and children.
The other groups tell us about caring for others. "I'm glad we have a group to take care of us."
Researchers continue to examine ways to improve the groups, and we look forward to seeing what PsychoGroups, and similar groups, are able to achieve in the future as a result of their creativity.
