The deadly earthquake not only swallowed lives in the disaster areas, but also triggered massive mental trauma for quake survivors. Young people, who are still struggling to recover from the nightmare, were especially badly affected.

To help them deal with the psychological impact of the earthquake, several groups of psychologists have been sent to the quake-hit regions.

Let's follow our reporter Lin Lin to see how they work.

Reporter:

"Speaking aloud about my experience is a source of great relief."

Liu Kai, a middle school student from Beichuan County, the epicenter of the earthquake, refused to recall what had happened for the first few days after he was rescued. Like many who survived the tragedy, he was suffering from the loss of family members, classmates and friends. Soon, he found himself having difficulty sleeping, and he spent his days weeping constantly.

Experts are concerned that psychological scars may take even longer to heal than physical injuries. This is because it can take longer to detect the symptoms of psychological trauma, and professionals are needed to treat it.

Thanks to the counseling of a volunteer, the young man has now stepped out of the shadows, and has begun to help others in his temporary home.

The program aimed at helping to rehabilitate quake survivors who are suffering from psychological trauma has been underway since rescue operations began. There are more than 50 psychological teams on the ground. Professor Feng Zhengzhi, a psychologist with a military university in southwest China, came to the region the day after the earthquake.

"Actually, the psychological aid had already begun when they were rescuing people from the ruins. It was not simply about inspiring their desire to live but establishing the confidence that they could be rescued. We first help them to gain trust and let them tell of their fears. Then we help them restore their normal psychological status. For example, we gathered dozens of people to talk about their fears. It turns out that everybody keeps his or her fear inside. Those measures helped traumatized people restore their sense of security and relieved their internal fears."

In addition to on-the-spot services, hotlines have been opened. Psychological aid programs are being aired by radio stations and pamphlets have also been distributed to enable re-adjustment.

As a huge number of soldiers, medical workers and volunteers are involved in rescue and relief operations, experts warn their mental health should also be given full consideration.

Professor Wo Jianzhong from Beijing Normal University who is leading a psychological team in Sichuan says their target groups need to be extended.

"We should offer psychological help to our volunteers, soldiers, medical staff and the reporters as they have also been suffering heavily from mental stress."

He warns the first three months are of great importance in healing mental injuries as most of the survivors are still overwhelmed by the loss of families or friends. He said helping them rebuild not only their home but their mental health is a long and arduous task.

Lin Lin, CRI News.