Rescue and aid efforts initiated since the May 12th earthquake in Sichuan, both official and unofficial, have been impressive, and extensively covered by the media. A considerable amount of attention has also been dedicated to the need for psychological counseling for victims of the disaster, and efforts being made in that area (see links below).

 

The emphasis is beyond what some expected, as psychological counseling in China is still relatively young. According to an article from Scoop Independent News (see link below), China ¡°is home to just 14,000 psychiatrists and psychologists serving a population of 1.3 billion, the same number as France, with its population of 60 million.¡± The number of practitioners is small, but the concern shown for mental health in the wake of the earthquake indicates that recognition of the field is growing.

 

From make-shift volunteer stands offering counseling to refugees, to special trauma counseling centers and hotlines established by universities, to the official large-scale distribution of children¡¯s books on counseling, individuals as well as the government are making special effort to attend to the psychological needs of the survivors. Young children especially need care at this time, though they may have the capacity to heal faster than older adults.

 

Nearly two weeks after the major quake, survivors still live in terror. One person reported being repeatedly frightened by the vibration from her cell phone. Even Sichuan residents relatively far from the earthquake center are living with anxiety, many still sleeping outside. There are stories (see links below) of people in denial - young girls cheerfully chatting about their schoolmates¡¯ death, a man who can only think of rescuing others, though his own child has been killed. These are simply the immediate responses; the effects of trauma will continue ten years, or for some, a lifetime.

 

In addition to the trauma experienced by the victims and survivors of the earthquake, there is also significant psychological risk for the tens of thousands of emergency workers and volunteers, including psychologists, who have flooded to Sichuan to offer their help. It is clear that psychological workers are desperately needed.

 

ZMIP counselor Sun Wen, however, expressed fears that less-than-professional counseling could actually further harm survivor¡¯s psyches. Many of the experts in psychological counseling have an academic rather than clinical background, and many counselors, though licensed, lack experience.

 

Those who suffer from trauma often have unusual, even what seem like¡°crazy¡± reactions. The most important thing a counselor can do is normalize their seemingly "abnormal" reactions, reassure them, through his or her presence, that they are not alone; respect their emotions and reactions, no matter what they are; and gently help them to face reality.

 

There is no doubt a varying degree of professionalism among responses to trauma needs, and even less doubt that the huge need has only just begun to be addressed. Still, it is encouraging that the mental health care has been so widely recognized as important, and addressed.

 

Why is the Earth Crying? Because it is Hurting (Chengdu Commercial Report, translated)

 

Mental Trauma Rampant After China Earthquake (Yahoo)

 

Psychologists Suggest Long-term Counseling for China Quake Victims (CCTV)

 

Sichuan Survivors Suffer Post-Earthquake Trauma (Scoop, NZ)

 

China Adds Counseling to Earthquake Relief Efforts (NPR)

 

China Sends 800,000 Counseling Books to Child Quake Survivors (Xinhua)