On the morning of February 6, 2016, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred that caused several buildings to collapse and created many casualties that required rescue in the Yong Kang area of Tainan City. The Ministry of Health and Welfare immediately initiated psychological care services to help the public overcome these difficult times. 

After a strong earthquake occurs, people in the disaster area may exhibit the symptoms of anxiety, tension, and even involuntary trembling of their hand(s). It is normal for people who have experienced the disaster to feel that the disaster is still occurring when they close their eyes and see vivid disaster scenes in their minds, so please do not worry if this is occurring. 

Studies have shown that after a major disaster, some 70% of people who experienced the disaster will show a certain level of temporary anxiety. Experts recommend taking the following steps to take care of both yourself and the people around you: 

1. First, make sure that you are safe. Find a safe place that can make you feel secure. 
2. Try to breathe deeply. Do not recall scenes of the disaster and allow your emotions to calm down. 
3. Think about how to take care of yourself and people around you. You can then help yourself or others. 
4. Try and establish contact with your family and friends. Maintain contact or get together with them and support each other. 
5. Understand what types of support measures government and civil groups can offer, and what is available in the future. 

Some victims may feel afraid when they hear about earthquakes. Do not worry about this too much. We recommend you turn off the TV or radio and interact with your friends and family. Get some exercise and breathe deeply. Working out, eating, and chatting together can all help you. 

Because this disaster occurred around the Chinese New Year, friends that are not from the disaster area also wish to help, but do not know how to do so. At the same time, they may be continuously watching related news reports that can lead to anxiety and emotional responses. We recommend they learn about service measures provided by government and civil groups to disaster victims. Contact friends and family in the disaster area and donate clothes and living supplies according to the needs of disaster victims. Even calling friends and family in the disaster area can help disaster victims. People who have been through the earthquake can also participate in religious activities of their own choosing and pray for disaster victims to attain inner peace. 

People with emotional anxiety or sleeping disorders can call the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s peace of mind hotline (0800-788-995). This hotline can provide disaster victims with 24-hour free psychological consultations and support services. In addition, the Southern Area of the Regional Psychiatric Service Network core hospital (Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare) will be providing 24-hour peace of mind outpatient services and a peace of mind care and consultation hotline (0926-560-713) starting today. The public can use this information for reference.