It is of great importance to provide psychological intervention to children exposed to disasters such asearthquakes at the right time and with the right content. In case of parental loss in the earthquake, experts stated that the explanation to the child should be made as soon as possible and by the person he/she trusts the most, and if the child does not have any relatives, this information should be given by the person who will take responsibility for the child. According to experts, even if the death itself is traumatic, the truth should be explained to the child, emotions should not be hidden while explaining, appropriate and short answers should be given to the questions asked by the child, and they should be allowed to express their feelings.
Noting that psychological intervention in times of disaster should be done at the right time and with the right content, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said, "It is not appropriate to carry out psychological intervention for children without trauma knowledge. This can cause more emotional damage to both the person providing support and the child. For this reason, intervention and treatment should be carried out by experts working with trauma."
What should be done in the first stage for children who have experienced the earthquake?
Stating that the goal for children who have experienced the earthquake in the first stage is to meet their most basic vital needs such as nutrition and shelter, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said, "Only after these needs are met, children become emotionally ready to recover and stabilize. Afterwards, bonding and being able to emotionally regulate the child and rebuild a sense of security should be ensured."
Drawing attention to the secure attachment between the child and the caregiver, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said, "First of all, the coping skills of the caregivers are also very important. If the child is safe, if the routine can be maintained, if there is a secure attachment between the child and the caregiver, children will be able to overcome this trauma much more easily."
Elvin Akı Konuk stated that adults should be able to provide trust to children with a soft tone of voice that is not sudden or loud, and said, "In addition, protecting children from sudden and violent stimuli such as loud noises, etc. in the environment will also help prevent children from being triggered. Safe tactile contacts such as hugging with compassion, patting the child on the back, holding the child's hand are important for establishing a bond. Similarly, breathing exercises with the child will help balance their nervous system. Routines in children's daily lives should be maintained as much as possible, and a regular sleep and nutrition program should be established as well as the continuity of routines. In addition to these, it is necessary to enable them to move by creating movement areas frequently, and to verbally emphasize that they are safe and that they are with them."
What is the Role of Play in Children's Traumas?
Stating that play is an important tool, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said, "Play is a very effective and powerful tool for processing trauma. Through play, it guides the child to discover what is happening and to make sense of events that are difficult to understand. They can be made to relax by repeating their experiences in the game without interfering with all kinds of games they play. Such games can be played in kindergarten, school or at home. For older children, areas where they can realize their hobbies should be created and necessary materials should be provided. It will be a supportive approach for them to express their feelings and thoughts about the traumatic experience they have experienced verbally, rather than silencing them."
Should the Loss of a Parent Be Hidden from the Child?
Emphasizing that if there is a loss of parents after the earthquake experienced by children, the explanation should be explained to the child as soon as possible and by the most trusted person, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said, "If the child does not have any relatives, this information should be conveyed by the person who will take responsibility for the child. Even if the death itself is traumatic, the truth should be explained to the child, emotions should not be hidden while explaining, appropriate and short answers should be given to the questions asked by the child, and they should be allowed to express their feelings. Even after loss, children need trust and order around them. The re-development of trust and order can be realized by the adults caring for the child by restarting the old order and maintaining it regularly."
How to Communicate with Earthquake Victim Children?
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said that as a society, it is an important point to support children both emotionally and socially, to enable children to move and socialize as much as possible, not only during the earthquake, but also to ensure the continuity of the support given in the future.
Noting that children have a fragile structure due to their nature, but they are just as resilient, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk said, "If appropriate support can be provided, they have the capacity to overcome traumatic life events. Since they have an innate capacity to heal, it is necessary to help them reach this capacity as adults."