Wuhan's toughest times may be behind the city. But the emotional and psychological wounds of some people may never fully heal. Fortunately, thanks to the care and concern of those with big hearts, there is help.

Yu Zhihong was going about her business, enlightening young lives and minds as a teacher at Wuhan University – then came the COVID-19 outbreak. When the epidemic overwhelmed Wuhan, Yu decided to channel her knowledge and make a difference by launching an online social work campaign to help people in need.

Yu said many couldn't be hospitalized in early February due to a surge in infections.

"My mother was up all night. What can I do? Please help her, we can't wait any longer," Yu showed CGTN one of the messages from online groups seeking help.

"In the most difficult and desperate times, if there's someone or a group of people that can stay with them and provide solutions, this can be a strong power of care, concern and attention between people," said Yu, creator of Shegong Tongxing, or Social Worker Companion.

Her peers also helped arrange volunteers, mostly COVID-19 patients, to help medics with chores at temporary hospitals. As the situation eases, patients have recovered and been discharged. When these hospitals suspended operations, their jobs came to an end.

Yet the fight continues for Yu's team, and for those who lost their nearest and dearest to the coronavirus.

"Watching their family members pass away as days go by was a painful process. It gave them a strong sense of inability and desperation," said Yu.

Yu's team provides online counseling to offer comfort and guidance to those coping with losses by themselves, hoping they can overcome trauma and anger soon.

"We're not superheroes. We're just normal people, ordinary people, maybe a little empowered thanks to the internet," said Yu, adding, "Although we weren't there on site, we keep these people company so they may not feel alone, or abandoned by the world."

"Thank you for always staying with me and helping me during my most desperate times. I'll help others in return if I can," a woman, who later became a volunteer, texted Yu.

Yu believes these people still have a long way to go and hopes that society can treat them with extra care. And her team's counseling may always be a light for them in their darkest hours.