Beware of Mental Health After Earthquake!

Emphasizing the importance of psychological preparedness against disasters after the earthquake in the Marmara region, Istanbul Gelisim University Psychology Department Head Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel shared applicable recommendations for both adults and children. Although the earthquake that occurred in Istanbul on April 23 and was felt throughout the city did not cause physical destruction, it brought the fear of earthquakesback to the agenda in the society. Stating that the psychological effects of such disasters should not be ignored, especially for children and individuals with high levels of anxiety, Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel explained psychological support methods.

Dealing with the Fear of Earthquakes: Knowledge Reduces Anxiety

Istanbul Gelisim University Head of Psychology Department Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel stated that the most basic emotion experienced by individuals is uncertainty and loss of control and added following; "Getting information from the right sources on issues such aswhat an earthquake is, how it occurs, when it poses a danger reduces the anxiety of the person and reinforces the sense of control in a crisis. Knowledge often removes uncertainty and reinforces the idea that “I know what to do.”

Psychological Preparation Reduces the Chronicity of Traumatic Stress Reactions

Asst. Prof. Bulent Tansel stated that the preparations made before the earthquake increase not only physical but also mental resilience: “Preparing anemergency plan, determining exit routes, creating an earthquake bag and conducting regular drills make the individual feel more prepared and stronger.
Individuals can give "fight-flight-freeze" reactions in times of high stress, Asst. Prof. Tansel stated that breathing control and internal suggestions are effective in this process;
Taking deep breaths signals the brain that danger has passed and stabilizes the heart rhythm. The person can direct himself/herself by saying ’I am prepared, I have to stay calm. "

Ways to Prevent Fear of Earthquakes in Children

Stating that children have difficulty in understanding the earthquake and expressing their feelings, Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel, emphasized that they should be approached in a realistic and appropriate way for their age; "Children should be given messages such as‘ It is normal to be afraid, but we are prepared and together ’. It is very important to share instead of suppressing the fear caused by the earthquake. Such expressions both give confidence and help them make sense of their feelings.”

Stating that children can express their fears about earthquakes through play and art, Asst. Prof. Tansel made the following suggestions:

Teach how to create safe spaces.
Gamify the drills to make them instructive.
Use picture and story methods to express their feelings.
Enabling them to narrate their fears and express their feelings with pictures and games will help them develop insight and create awareness.
Maintaining routines : Habits that will make them feel safe,
Bonding: Family communication and teacher support,
Narratives that make you feel powerful: “I'm proud of you, how brave you've been.”

Important Warnings to Parents and Teachers

Tansel emphasized that parents should not directly reflect their own concerns to children and said; "Children are very affected by their environment. Therefore, a parent who remains calm in acrisis also maintains the emotional balance of the child.”
The first step to overcome this process in a healthy way is to express emotions without suppressing them. Individuals should express their feelings in ways such as telling, sharing, and writing about their experiences.
Post-Earthquake Trauma Symptoms: Recognize the Warning Signs
Istanbul Gelisim University Head of Psychology Department Asst. Prof. Bulent Tansel said that insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness, distraction and guilt are the most common symptoms seen in adults. ''Peeing, finger sucking, nightmares, separation anxiety and earthquake themes in games can be observed in children.

These symptoms may be part of a natural process, but if they last for a long time, expert support should be sought.
Psycho-educational group work to be organized particularly for children will be of great benefit in terms of expressing and making sense of emotions. In such groups, children realize that they are not alone and are emotionally relieved.''