Japan Press Weekly

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2012 June 20 - 26 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

10% of 3.11 victims in Ishinomaki need mental care

More than 10% of households in areas devastated by the 3.11 tsunami in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture need mental health services, shows a health survey released on June 24 by a local private body.

Specialists and nurses point to post-disaster traumatic stress as the major cause.

The Health and Life Revival Council in Ishinomaki District (RCI) said that 87 out of 616 respondent households are in need of psychological support, and that more than a half or 48 households complain about insomnia or have suicidal thoughts.

The RCI also said that 14% or 154 out of 1,072 surveyed individuals stated that they feel depressed or have jittery nerves.

The survey will continue until September to include 25,000 individuals of 8,000-9,000 families in Ishinomaki City.