Chen Liangliang, a therapist responsible for the counseling room, said several doctors and nurses had sought help. They said they were tired and worried by patients either dying or whose conditions were worsening. They were also anxious about insufficient protection and of becoming infected with the virus and passing it on to family members.

"In some individual cases, people said they were experiencing exhaustion and difficulty in dealing with interpersonal relationships," said Chen, a chief doctor from Changning District Mental Health Center in Shanghai.

Counselors listened to their accounts and empathized with those seeking help.

"We tried to mentally rejuvenate our comrades-in-arms," Chen said. "We emphasized to them the importance and value of frontline medical work, discussed supportive psychotherapy and tried to help them gradually regain their confidence."

Psychologists suggested that medical professionals "switch off" completely when they are not working and enjoy activities such as listening to music, reading and taking part in sports, as they may face a long battle to contain the outbreak.