In the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic, providing psychological assistance has become more important in Chinese society as people's life return to normalcy. The Central Government has released guidelines to help address anxiety and maintain good mental health while local governments are providing psychological counseling, which has seen a good response. However, the services are still far from meeting the growing public need as more people undergo severe trauma.

Identifying the target group is a prerequisite for this work. The group includes novel coronavirus disease patients, their family and frontline workers. Besides the physical

distress, many suffer from the mental pressure caused by the disease.

The authorities should assess their mental health and provide prompt help. Also, people in the severely affected regions, such as Wuhan in Hubei Province, central China, should be the focus of the assistance, which will help prevent the stigmatization arising from the disease.

According to a work plan on psychological counseling issued by the State Council on March 19, experts participating in the services should give more help to those with anxiety and depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

From a long-term perspective, psychological assistance has become an essential issue in social governance. It is necessary to build a comprehensive system with professional services to address people's mental problems and ensure stable social development.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Xinhuanet.com on April 8)