Mental Health Concerns Over the Trapped Miners

Mental stability has become a top concern of those half a mile above the 33 trapped miners in northern Chile. One day after discovering they were alive, the primary calculations began. Four months: that’s how long it is going to take to rescue the miners. After President Piñera dropped a few hints that they weren’t going to be out in time for certain holidays, he squared with them—we’ll hug you in time for Christmas. Now a secondary calculus consumes those above ground: mental stability. One miner is reportedly known to be very superstitious, and told his girlfriend in the past that he fears the spirits of dead miners. Vitamins and anti-depressants are reportedly being sent down along with individual lights to give each miner some exposure to “sunlight.” Solid food will be sent down soon, after the miner’s stomachs have had time to adjust from their meager rations of semi-solids.

Every communication with the miners impresses. They first asked about their colleagues who fled during the mine collapse, instead of the obvious “When are we getting out of here?” They sing the Chilean national anthem. They write inspiring letters to loved ones. This continent branded ‘magical realism.’ Hopefully, we are going to witness an inspiring denouement. Until then, we wait.