Lysette* has been undergoing psychological treatment at the trauma therapy centre of the Albert-Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles, supported by AMURT, since 15 March 2010. She is suffering from anxiety and is seriously depressive. The doctors have diagnosed her as having post-traumatic stress syndrome as a result of the earthquake on 12 January 2010. She is slowly recovering and is at least able to get through her everyday life.

The need for psychological aid is great. Around 300 people are currently being treated by a team of psychologists specialising in post-traumatic stress syndrome. The team is mobile and comes directly to the people’s homes, the churches or to the children at their schools. As part of this, the people are informed of how post-traumatic stress manifests itself, and offered help with these symptoms. This is an important step towards ensuring the people are able to regain control of their lives.

*Name changed by the editor.