Xinjiang offers mental support to battle virus

Doctor Ma Rui's words are considered to have a healing effect on residents of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

At a time when the region was fighting a recent wave of COVID-19 infections, the practicing psychologist has helped soothe many anxious minds either under quarantine or treatment.

After a 24-year-old resident in the regional capital of Urumqi tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-July, Xinjiang has tightened epidemic prevention and control measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Ma was among the first batch of psychologists dispatched to a designated COVID-19 treatment hospital to offer mental health support.

"We fully understand the anxiety and fear among patients. Their mental stress should be eased through a better understanding of the disease," said Kang Yan, a professor at West China Hospital of Sichuan University.

COVID-19 case Wang Jing said he felt better after meeting with Ma.

"When I was diagnosed with COVID-19, I was afraid that I would never see my family again and encountered sleepless nights," Wang said. "I was finally able to calm down after chatting with Doctor Ma every day. Now I have almost recovered and will be ready to return home soon."

Psychological counseling has been a critical part of COVID-19 treatment in China. It has also proven effective in relieving stress among those under quarantine or people who are over-worried about the situation.

Chen Xiaoying, director of the psychological treatment center at the Urumqi fourth people's hospital, said patients who receive psychological support are more cooperative in treatment.

About 4 million residents in Urumqi have avoided unnecessary outdoor activities as part of efforts to reduce possible cross-infection. Thus, some residents have experienced mental health issues after being confined indoors for a prolonged period.

Wang Xiaozhen, a certified psychological consultant, has seen surging inquiries lately.

"Most of the people have never experienced such long-term isolation, and from my experience in post-disaster psychological assistance, I know how much help they might need in this situation," Wang said.

She recalled participating in a two-hour video call with a deaf-mute woman using sign language to mediate her family conflict.

Hundreds of psychological counselors and psychologists like Wang have offered to join hands to battle the mental trauma triggered by COVID-19 in Xinjiang. The local government has launched 10 hotlines to answer queries.

Echoes of laughter emanating from the hospital wards have become a positive sign in Xinjiang's anti-epidemic fight. Daily new confirmed cases dropped to zero on Sunday. Further, from July 15 to Sunday, 448 people were discharged from the hospital after recovery, and another 110 asymptomatic cases were dismissed from medical observation in Xinjiang.