After the Earthquake
It's Not the Earthquake Itself, But the Potential Consequences That Scare
Earthquake phobia, unlike other phobias, is triggered not by the individual facing danger themselves, but by catastrophic scenarios involving their family, close surroundings, or even the world. In other words, it can also be referred to as fear of death and loss. We are terrified not by the earthquake itself but by its potential consequences, the possibility of dying, and losing loved ones. ‘Seismophobia’ is most triggered by uncertainty. We cannot predict when, where, or with what intensity an earthquake will occur, and its consequences are inevitable.
The Human Brain Responds with Fight or Flight
An earthquake threatens human life. In such situations, the human brain responds with a fight or flight reaction. To escape the danger, symptoms such as increased heart rate and breathing speed, muscle tension, fear, disbelief, numbness, sweating, trembling, and nausea may occur. After the threat is removed, the individual's ability to cope with the emotional and cognitive effects of the stressful experience becomes a problem.
Post-Earthquake Sleep and Concentration Issues Arise
Psychological responses after an earthquake include a range of strong mental and emotional states such as fear, confusion, sadness, guilt, and anger. Sleep and concentration issues may emerge during the ongoing process. Experiences may continuously replay in the mind. Most people, before experiencing an earthquake, consider the world a safe place and do not entertain the thought of their loved ones suddenly dying. This lack of consideration stems from not having faced such a traumatic event before. Since this security is built up slowly over a lifetime, adjusting to a sudden change at the same pace is very challenging for mental health. This new reality after the earthquake creates conflicting emotional states in consciousness. The essential steps are to accept the tragic event after initial wounds are treated, to re-interpret life, and to continue with vital responsibilities from where one left off.
Psychological Support is Crucial
Immediately after the earthquake, psychological support should focus on providing the individual with the opportunity to freely express their experiences and emotions, and to ensure mental and physical comfort. Following this, it is important to offer informative support regarding the emotional issues that trauma may create. If the individual does not want to talk about their experience, they should not be forced. It is beneficial to inform them that they can share their feelings and experiences when they feel ready, as this will provide comfort.
Do Not Diminish the Individual's Experiences
When discussing their experiences, avoid comments that belittle their feelings or push them to suppress their emotions. Although trauma might diminish the motivation to continue with life, understanding the importance of effort is crucial for psychological well-being. Mourning after an earthquake is inevitable, but it should be emphasized that like any traumatic event, its impact will gradually decrease.
Pay Attention to These Suggestions for Mood Regulation
Due to the potential increase in the risk of accidents caused by trauma-induced attention problems, it may be wise to take a break from activities requiring concentration, such as driving, cooking, or other attention-demanding tasks.
Balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and light exercises aimed at increasing brain oxygen supply are essential for mood improvement. Consumption of tea, coffee, soda, and cigarettes, which can exacerbate anxiety, should be restricted. Alcohol and drug use should be avoided as they can lead to new problems both in the short and long term. Relaxing music, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques are useful methods for alleviating anxiety and depression. Daily life should be organized. Even if one cannot return to a rigorous work routine, starting small daily activities can be beneficial. Helping those in more difficult situations can provide psychological relief. Keeping a journal to express feelings and thoughts is also important. Mental reliving of the event and experiencing nightmares are common, but these symptoms are expected to decrease over time. If, despite trying the mentioned methods, the person continues to experience intense fear and grief beyond two weeks, has difficulty returning to daily life, or poses a risk to themselves or others, professional support is recommended.
If You Cannot Return to Normal Life Within a Few Weeks, Pay Attention!
If adapting to the new situation and continuing with life is not possible within a few weeks, Acute Stress Disorder may develop; if the distress continues for months or even years, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may occur.
In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, symptoms include re-experiencing the traumatic event in the mind and dreams, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, emotional numbing, hopelessness, sleep disturbances, anger, and restlessness. For Acute Stress Disorder, symptoms should persist for less than one month, while for PTSD, symptoms should last longer than one month and cause significant disruption in social and work life.
The Aim of Treatment is to Develop Coping Skills
The goal of treatment is to help the individual develop skills to cope with stress and, if applicable, grief. Medication may be necessary in appropriate cases.
Risk Groups for Psychological Disorders After an Earthquake
Certain groups are at higher risk for experiencing psychological difficulties after an earthquake. These include mothers with young children, individuals with pre-existing psychological disorders, and children. Children are greatly influenced by their family's reactions. Parents who visibly experience high stress can lead to their children feeling stressed and unsafe. In older children, this trauma can lead to insecure attachments. Adolescents or adults may struggle to trust those around them and experience ongoing relationship problems.
Support should be provided to stressed parents after the earthquake to help them manage the situation effectively. Children aged 1-5 may experience separation anxiety and fear of strangers. Children aged 6-11 might repeatedly narrate the same disaster.
Earthquakes are a reality of our geography; therefore, it is important to reduce the destructive impact of earthquakes. The key is to adapt to the reality of earthquakes and fulfill the requirements of living with earthquake risk.
