Around the
World people celebrated as the Chilean miners, trapped underground for nearly
two months, were rescued. The miners seemed in surprisingly good physical
health but the effects on their mental health are yet to be established. Over
the next 6 months the miners will receive regular medical checks to monitor the
appearance of any stress-related illnesses. It is expected that some will
suffer flashbacks, anxiety and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
but may be unused to asking for help. The men will also have to deal with the
pressures of becoming internationally famous.
Dr Peter Collett, an Oxford-based psychologist, said:
"What
they don't realise is that if they thought it was hell down there, it's going
to be nothing compared with what they are going to experience. This will
overshadow everything else that has ever happened to them and everything that
happens in the future. Events like this recalibrate people and give them a new
perspective on life. They will feel like different people and it is critical
that they are helped to understand the feelings and experiences that are
coming."
Throughout
their ordeal, the miners and their families have been supported by a team of 23
local psychologists and will be given every assistance in readjusting to their
new lives.
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