Earthquakes, which are a type of natural disaster, cause not only physical, economic, and social devastation but also physiological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects. If these normal effects persist for more than a month, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Experts note that post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are the most common conditions observed after an earthquake and emphasize the importance of early intervention.
What Are the Traumas That Develop After an Earthquake?
The unpredictability of earthquakes—which are a type of natural disaster—leads individuals to experience a sense of helplessness, causes changes in their lives, and contributes to the emergence of psychological problems.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression are the most common mental health disorders observed after an earthquake.
Another common condition following traumatic experiences is depression. The most common symptoms of depression include lack of motivation, fatigue, low mood, sleep and appetite disturbances, and an inability to enjoy life.
How Can One Cope with Earthquake Trauma?
Psychological first aid is the primary psychosocial intervention that can be provided after an earthquake. This support is intended for people who are stressed and have recently been exposed to a major crisis. Psychological first aid is a humane and supportive intervention provided to individuals who are suffering or in need of support and assistance. Psychological first aid is a vital first-response practice designed to help people cope with the event they have experienced, while also addressing their basic needs. The primary goal here is to guide individuals through acute traumatic stress reactions following sudden traumatic experiences such as an earthquake, to facilitate a return to normal life, and to protect them from the potential long-term effects of the traumatic event.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition characterized by persistent recollection of the traumatic event, avoidance of situations or events that remind him of the trauma, and a state of heightened arousal. The onset of PTSD is influenced by many factors, including pre-trauma factors (such as gender, genetic makeup, past traumatic experiences, and past mental health issues), factors during the trauma (such as the severity and duration of the traumatic experience, and the presence of injuries), and post-trauma factors (such as a lack of social support and economic problems).
How Should Psychological Support Be Provided After an Earthquake?
Reactions following an earthquake vary depending on individual characteristics. These are natural reactions viewed as normal responses to an abnormal situation. These reactions are categorized as physiological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. Physiological reactions include fatigue, nausea, headaches, tics, and dizziness. Cognitive reactions include memory problems, attention issues, and difficulty making decisions. Behavioral reactions include sleep problems, frequent crying, restlessness, lack of motivation, and alcohol or substance abuse. Emotional reactions include anxiety, depression, feelings of guilt, and the expectation that harm will come to himself or others. While these reactions are normal, they should be closely monitored, and if they persist for more than a month, the individual should be referred to a psychiatrist and/or psychologist.
