Traumatized survivors need more than hugs

• Source: Global Times
• [23:47 May 11 2010]
• Comments

By now, only five psychological service centers are still operating in the disaster-hit areas in Sichuan, and the other professionals had been pulled out.

The situation in Yushu so far is no better than that in Wenchuan. Now, only 30 or so professional psychologists are stationed there offering long-term systematic counseling.

Compared to the extensive counseling offered to victims of Hurricane Katrina in the US, China still has a long way to go.

Constrained by the hukou system and limited financial resources, many Chinese disaster victims have no choice but to continue living on the land that swallowed their loved ones and their once happy life.

Building a new city needs more than benefit shows even though those events attracted billions of yuan.

The Chinese government and army's work in rescue efforts has been rightly praised, but this is not enough.

Survivors need the whole nation's long-term humanitarian care and support, something that non-religious people can turn to for care, comfort and unconditional love.

What we need is a well-rounded, long-term psychological rehab system that can be put into use right after disasters take place.

Minds can need healing as much as bodies.

In a nation frequently hit by natural disasters, we need to make sure that survivors aren't scarred for life.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. wumian@globaltimes.com.cn