Psychological support sought for survivors, kin of Tanay bus crash victims

The survivors and the parents of the victims of Monday morning's deadly tour bus crash in Tanay, Rizal, must be given psychological support to process their grief and acknowledge their trauma, a counseling psychologist said Tuesday.

In an interview on "Balitanghali,", Dr. Joy-Alvi Aranas said survivors in accidents experience post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD that must be addressed immediately by a professional.

"Kailangan rin magkaroon ng assessment to know the extent, ng severity, ng every individual. And in the case, for example, may na-identify na kailangan ng evaluation, they can refer it to a professional," Aranas said.

Fifteen people — 13 of them students — were killed when their tour bus experienced malfunctioning brakes and slammed into a post. Of the fatalities, 10 died on the spot.

The students were from Bestlink College of the Philippines (BCP) and were supposed to have their medical and survival training as part of their National Service Training Program (NSTP) subject in Tanay when the accident happened.

In the interview, Aranas said survivors, parents of victims, and students who were not on the bus but were on the same trip may also feel traumatized by what happened and must also be attended to psychologically.

"Ito'y unusual na pangyayari na hindi nila ine-expect," Aranas said. "At hindi ito maaari lang sa mga estudyante at pati rin sa mga pamilya ng estudyante at mga pamilya ng nakaligtas, at sa mga pamilya ng naka-enroll sa eskwelahan na yan."

In addition to counseling, a support system must be fostered for survivors that will allow them to talk about the incident and feel like they are not alone in their recovery.

"I-encourage, i-kwento kung ano ang nangyari. It's a way of therapy na rin siya," Aranas said. "Kailangan nila ng support system for example sa school na 'wag kayong masyadong mag-alala, na mas magandang kayo mismo ang magkaroon ng suporta sa bawat isa."

"Kasi makakatulong 'yon na makita ng bawat isa na meron kaming pinaghuhugutan, na hindi lang kami ang nakakadanas ng ganitong agam-agam, hindi lang kami nakakaranas ng ganitong pakiramdam, ngunit pare-pareho tayo."

Students must also be observed for intrusive thoughts, dreams, and unusual behavior as trauma may manifest through non-physical symptoms, he said.

"Maaring sa ngayon ay hindi pa sila masyadong expressive kasi hindi pa masyadong pumapasok sa kanila yung mga nangyari. Pero kailangan rin nating mag-obserba, hindi lang sa kanilang mga physical manifestations but also psychological," Aranas said.

He said the length of treatment varies according to the severity of their trauma. He said some may take months or years to address.

No memes, please

The public, meanwhile, should be sensitive and refrain from posting pictures or videos of the incident in social media and use them as the subject of jokes to avoid hurting the survivors' feelings.

"'Wag na nating gawan ng mga memes o anumang mga retrato na ilalagay natin. Kailangan maging sensitive tayo. Kasi itong mga pangyayari  na 'to, hindi tayo nakakatulong kapag ito'y ipo-post natin kasi nga it's very traumatic not only for the parents but also sa mga makakakita," Aranas said.

Aranas said parents have the ultimate discretion of allowing their children to participate in field trips as schools offer projects as alternatives to this requirement.

"Pero sa ngayon, kung hindi sila ready emotionally, kung ayaw nilang payagan ang kanilang mga anak, might as well 'wag muna nilang payagan. Sila mismo yung magkaroon ng worry na baka kung ano ang mangyari sa anak ko dahil hindi natin hawak ang mga pangyayari," he said. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News