Mental health concerns in Yushu
- Source: Global Times
- [02:02 April 29 2010]
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By Fu Wen
Seven-year- old Sarannar Morello from the US, along with her classmates in Licheng Experimental Primary School in Ji'nan, Shandong Province, hold a candlelit vigil for the quake victims Wednesday morning. Mourning ceremonies were held across the country Wednesday. Photo: CFP
Victims of the deadly Yushu earthquake should have access to psychological intervention programs to help them cope with rebuilding their lives from scratch, experts who worry that severe psychological problems may trigger suicide said.
At least 2,220 people died as a result of the magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Yushu in Northwest China's Qinghai Province on April 14, which also left 200,000 survivors who were injured, emotionally hurt or reeling from the loss of family members and friends.
Liang Wannian, director of the emergency office at the Ministry of Health, told the Beijing-based Legal Daily Wednesday that a high suicide rate is possible in post-quake areas, as survivors feel helpless as they try to get over the terrifying experience.
"We have sent out psychological specialists to help with counseling in Yushu and trained 186 local consultants who are familiar with the Tibetan language and local customs," said Liang.
"Also, we will try to work out tailored psychological recovery plans for those who were seriously injured," Liang said.
Ji Quanjia, a local resident who lost his 4-year-old daughter in the earthquake, blames himself for not protecting his daughter.
"I could have saved her life but I made a mistake. It's my fault that my daughter died," Ji was quoted by Guangzhou Daily as saying on Tuesday.
Ji said he has dreams about his daughter opening her arms and running to him every night since the earthquake happened.
Hu Shenzhi, a Guangzhou-based psychology expert, told the paper that Ji's reaction is common in a crisis and he needs to forgive himself for his daughter's death.
