Up till Wednesday afternoon, the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China's southwest Sichuan Province has caused the deaths of nearly 15,000 people, leaving more than 60,000 more injured.

Over 25,000 people are still trapped under debris, and another 7,800 are still missing.

As all sides are reaching out to help victims in the quake-hit region, China Youth Daily says it is also of vital importance to help survivors maintain their emotional stability.

The paper says, such a catastrophe can greatly destroy people's sense of security, which is a basic element of their psychological stability.

Many survivors would feel powerless and self-condemned, because they failed to help people around them when the disaster took place. After they found out that they have lost some of their beloved family members and friends all of a sudden, they could be troubled with negative emotions such as horror, depression and anxiety for quite a long period.

The article notes children who've been through this tragedy could even develop more serious psychological setbacks after they grow up.

The paper cites some psychologists as saying that victims should be encouraged to speak out their repressed feelings to release their tension and fear. Let them cry, shout, or tell the story.

Meanwhile, the article says, other people around should comfort them with tenderness and assure them that all terrible things will pass away. Psychologists reminded people that it is wrong to keep the horrible facts back from the victims. But most victims can only overcome their psychological barriers through recalling the horrible truths. And professional assistance is needed during this process.

The paper adds that social support could be the best source that can restore the psychological health of these victims.

For instance, people trapped under the debris might feel deserted after waiting for hours and days for rescue. But if they can be informed later on that the troops walked for days and nights over blocked mountainous roads to reach them, they can regain some confidence.