Many Pattani bombing victims suffering from high stress
The impact on the mental health of more than half of the victims of Tuesday’s bombing in southern Pattani province needs to be closely watched, especially of children, Mental Health Department director-general Dr Boonruang Triruangworawat said on Thursday.
Following the visit by a team of psychiatrists to provide initial assistance to 87 people affected by the attack, including five children, Boonreung said 43 adults were found to suffer from high anxiety and stress while the five children suffered from stress, fear and anxiety that such an attack could happen again.
All these people would be continuously monitored and provided with mental healthcare, he said, adding the team had taught them some relaxation techniques and dispensed anti-anxiety medicine to those who could not sleep because of excessive stress.
He also suggested that the affected people try to return to their daily routine as soon as possible, rest sufficiently and confide in people they trust. He also urged parents and family members to help the affected children understand the situation, give them more care and help them get back to their routine.
People could also seek advice from the department’s hotline at 1323 around the clock.
