Wonder why we don’t hear much now about the 33 Chilean miners that were trapped underground for over two months? So much hype in the beginning and then the story faded away into the ethos. That’s because the miners are likely trying to get back into daily life quietly, perhaps some of them suffering with more psychological effects than they want the media to be aware of. Maybe not.
There is no doubt that these miners, faced with unbelievable odds, are some of the most corageous, perseverent and resilient people, who used teamwork and engenuity to maintain composure during the dark days underground. But there is likely to be some dark days above ground too. Even with the elation and relief they are likely to feel, those initial feelings may break down as they adapt to their situation and figure out what to do next.
Research psychologists have learned that both men and women in extremely stressful situations like this, including hostage events, space travel, combat, or natural disasters, may function well during the event, or immediately after, but then struggle to various degrees afterwards. Some of the things psychologists and counselors will look for is anxiety. Yes, this includes PTSD, but it could also include phobias of the dark, enclosed places, or being alone. It might also include restlessness, a sense of doom, and reliving the trauma through flashbacks. Professionals might also look for mood changes, such as depression or irritability. This happens as the individual begins to think about the extent of what has happened to them, and allows themselves to truly experience those feelings. With anxiety and depression, there could also be parallel concerns related to sleep (insomnia, nightmares, and changes in their circadian rhythm), appetite and eating problems, social withdrawal, cognitive symptoms, grief, and difficulty adapting to daily life.
Of course, there is a possibility that the miners, after emerging from the rescue shaft, will experience only happiness and relief to be alive and be with their families again. Again, they are extremely resilient individuals with many psychological strengths to have endured such an ordeal. But one can’t help but wonder why we don’t hear much about them now? We can only hope that they are well.