"Avoid Premature Advice to Survivors and Bereaved Families"…Mental Health Experts Issue Statement

Joint Statement Announcement by the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association and the Korean Trauma Stress Society

"Refrain from giving premature advice to survivors and bereaved families."

The Korean Neuropsychiatric Association and the Korean Trauma Stress Society issued a "Statement on Trauma Response to the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Accident" on the 30th.

At Muan International Airport, on the 29th, family members of the victims are waiting in the terminal after a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 passengers collided with the outer wall of the runway during landing, causing a fire in which most of the passengers died.

The statement said, "As mental health professional organizations, what is especially important regarding this disaster tragedy is to heal and recover the emotional pain and trauma of survivors, bereaved families, witnesses, and many others who may be shocked by this accident." It also emphasized, "It is necessary to minimize the trauma of witnesses at the scene and various personnel involved in accident recovery, and to prevent the mental distress of the public who receive news through the media."

Director Ahn Yong-min of the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association explained, "Survivors and bereaved families facing sudden accidents and losses may experience various trauma and mourning responses such as anxiety, fear, mental confusion, sadness, helplessness, anger, guilt, sleep problems, and physical symptoms," adding, "Recovery from overwhelming pain like a disaster requires sufficient time and help." He recommended, "Along with healthy coping, sharing grief and pain with family, relatives, and friends is encouraged," and "It is also good to connect with disaster recovery support groups that share the same experience. If the pain is severe and daily life is difficult, please seek help from mental health professionals immediately."

They also stated that the press and media need to recognize trauma. Reporting and coverage by the media should not cause or worsen trauma. "Newsrooms should ensure that reporters covering disasters are knowledgeable about trauma and how to cope with it, protecting sources, journalists, and the public from trauma," emphasizing, "Disaster reporting guidelines and trauma prevention disaster reporting codes must be strictly followed." They advised news consumers, "Limit viewing accident-related news reports to set times for obtaining information," and "Avoid producing or sharing sensational or incorrect information."

Regarding the government, they stressed that the best efforts must be made for the trauma recovery of survivors and bereaved families. Choi Yoon-kyung, president of the Korean Trauma Stress Society, urged, "The government should support survivors and bereaved families to endure and heal their grief and pain in a safe environment, along with physical recovery," and "Since disaster trauma can have long-term physical and mental effects beyond the immediate aftermath, measures should be prepared to ensure survivors and bereaved families receive appropriate treatment and psychological support for a sufficient period."

They stated, "Recovery from disaster requires the strength of all of us. Refrain from evaluating, judging, or giving premature advice to survivors and bereaved families; listening to their stories and being with them is the most effective support and comfort," adding, "Local communities, related organizations, experts, the media, government, and members of society should faithfully fulfill their roles in disaster response, recovery, and the rehabilitation of disaster experiencers, protecting survivors and bereaved families from hatred, blame, and secondary stress, and providing continuous attention and assistance."