Yesterday's earthquake in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, was strongly felt in Beijing. This morning, reporters observed lingering psychological tension among commuters. How should one adjust their mental state during such times? We consulted a psychological counseling expert."Feeling tense is perfectly normal," said renowned writer and psychology PhD Bi Shumin calmly. "Natural disasters often strike unexpectedly. An earthquake of this magnitude occurs once in decades. It's natural for people to feel astonished, stunned, panicked, or anxious—these are instinctive reactions of life."After initial reactions like bewilderment, once the actual situation is understood, most people's psychological state will—and should—quickly return to a rational level. We cannot allow certain negative emotions and feelings to run rampant."
Yang Xia, a psychological expert at Peking Union Medical College's Qidi Psychological Counseling Center, analyzed various post-earthquake scenarios.
Yang Xia explained to reporters that when faced with threats to life and property, the difference between individuals lies in their fundamental psychological resilience. Those with stronger foundations "experience shorter periods of helplessness, fear, and low spirits, and respond more quickly and positively to difficulties and dangers."Regarding the flood of rumors that often accompany disasters, Yang Xia explained that such phenomena are closely tied to unhealthy psychological states. "Some individuals, frustrated by unmet personal demands, harbor resentment and seek to vent their anger. They deliberately spread rumors to cause chaos."Another category involves immature individuals engaging in prank-like behavior. "Some people, though adults, remain psychologically at a childish or infantile stage. Many of their actions manifest as immature, childlike patterns." Yang Xia advises the public to first ensure unobstructed access to information and seek out factual details. Greater transparency and symmetry in information often reduce psychological pressure.Second, prioritize listening to expert analysis and judgment. For instance, regarding the recent earthquake, one should heed the assessments of seismologists, meteorologists, and structural engineers to swiftly calm negative emotions. Third, in the aftermath of crises, cultivate a greater sense of selflessness. Focus on helping others escape danger and overcome distress—"helping others actually helps oneself. Paying attention to others significantly aids in alleviating one's own anxiety."