COPIAPO, Chile - The emotional and psychological trauma of 33 miners rescued this week after 69 days trapped underground began to surface Friday, even as many of the physically healthier men were being released from a regional hospital here.
In a Friday news conference, Health Minister Jaime Manalich said some of the men who were rescued from the San Jose mine are showing signs of disorientation as they struggle to become reacquainted with life above ground.
It was this psychological fragility that was given as the reason for the cancellation of a Mass of thanksgiving that was to have been celebrated at the San Jose mine Sunday by the miners and their families. Atacama state Gov. Ximena Matas said the men are not in a condition to confront the scene of their anguish and want "a moment of tranquillity."
"It's not a good idea that they go back to the mine so soon," said psychologist Alberto Iturra, who was part of the medical rescue team that counseled the miners during their ordeal.
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"Ideally, they need a period of rest because they are still on emotional roller coasters," Manalich said. "They still have to process what they went through, to let their experiences settle, have their nightmares and let out their anxieties."
However, the glare of media attention focused on the men, who have essentially become global stars, is not likely to ease that process. Job offers, gifts, invitations from around the globe issued by celebrities and presidents to visit glamorous spots and attend major events have poured in.
Yet coping with even small celebrations after months in the dank and dark have proved a challenge.
