Mental health guidance book for those who have lost loved ones

Social workers from Xinhua Hospital have written a book that offers mental health guidance for people whose loved ones have died.

The book's first section was released on the public WeChat account of the China Social Worker Education Association and Xinhua Hospital on Saturday, the Qingming Festival, a time Chinese pay respects to deceased relatives.

"We wrote the book to offer support and guidance for people to deal with the first 49 days after their loved ones passes away," said Sun Ying, one of the writers who has nearly 20 years experiences of hospice care. 

"The first period is the most painful and anxious time for people, who can experience anger, depression, sorrow, denial, guilt and loneliness," she said. 

In China, there is also a tradition to mourn the deceased in the first 49 days after death. The book is designed to help people get through the toughest time more smoothly, health professionals said. 

"Sadness is a continuation of love," Sun said. "We can't fix people's pain but we can use our knowledge and service to help them. The book can be used by people who lose their loved ones and also is useful for professionals like social workers and psychologists."

The e-version has been sent to social workers in Wuhan to help them better serve those who lost their relatives due to the coronavirus, officials said.