Miners in Chile could be trapped for months, must overcome severe mental trauma (Video)

33 gold miners in Chile could be trapped underground for four months according to engineers. Psychologists believe the miners must overcome major psychological trauma during confinement 2300 feet below the earth's surface. (See Video Below)

Engineers say it could take up to four months to dig a tunnel deep enough to rescue 33 gold miners who are trapped 2300 feet underground near the northern city of Copiapo, in Chile. Experts are projecting that being trapped in the mine for an extended period of time could be extremely damaging to their mental health. Among the psychological challenges they face is the stress of the confinement itself which is a 600-square-foot space.

"We all need and are used to a certain amount of physical and psychological space around us," said Simon Rego, adjunct clinical supervisor at Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. "As a result of being trapped, both of these variables will be compromised, along with other 'freedoms' that we normally take for granted." Rego said that among these freedoms are the ability to move about at will and to choose who to be around.

Impending signs of mental breakdown include non-responsiveness, loss of appetite, hysterical behavior – including screaming, uncontrollable crying and aggressive behavior.

"The stress reaction that one might therefore expect they would experience would be initially, an increase in stress and anxiety symptoms (elevated heart rate, blood pressure, on edge, etc.) followed by depressive and irritability symptoms as the length of time being trapped increases," wrote Rego.

Mining technicians secured a lifeline today to provide the miners with food, water, medicine and communication. The miners had been missing for 17 days, trapped since a mine collapse on August 5th, until a drill probe reached the group on Sunday.

Other Geopolitics articles

Policeman kills eight tourists in Manila after hijacking motor coach

Iran fuels up first nuclear reactor with Russia's help in defiance of UN sanctions

Geopolitics Roundup: Bombing Iran, Palestinian prisoner photos, Taiwan and China strike deal

Pakistan floods: Food riots erupt in Sindh (Video / Photos)

Ground Zero Mosque: American intolerance on full display for Muslim world

==

For more Geopolitics Examiner articles, click here.

For Afghanistan Headlines Examiner articles, click here.

Get the latest Geopolitics headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Just click the SUBSCRIBE button located above the article and provide your email.