Earthquakes create effects that will last for years. It is not necessary to have experienced an earthquake to be affected by an earthquake. Every image seen on the screen and on social media can wear out psychologically. Stating that earthquake, like every natural disaster, has a devastating effect on human psychology and that children can be adversely affected by this process, Psychologist İrem Naz Kırmızı said, “Reduce children’s exposure to the screen, do not cause secondary trauma even if there is no trauma in the first place. Do not talk too much about this situation, do not show news footage. Not every image and sound is suitable for every age.
NATURAL DISASTER MEANING PROCESSES MAY DIFFER
Noting that earthquakes, like every natural disaster, have a devastating effect on human psychology and that their children may be adversely affected by this process, Psk. “Knowing, recognizing and interpreting these effects will make it easier for us to cope with the psychological chaos it creates. As people react differently to every event, they will also differ in the process of making sense of the natural disaster. While the first shock effect that will occur at the time of the incident occurs in a quiet and introverted way, some may face it by crying and wailing.
BE OPEN AND INFORMED ABOUT EARTHQUAKE
Stating that children may also be adversely affected by this process, Psk. “Reduce children’s screen exposure, do not cause secondary trauma, even if there is no trauma in the first one. Do not talk too much about this situation with him, do not show the images. Not every news image and sound about the earthquake is suitable for all ages. You have to be clear and informative, without exaggerating what’s available. Listen carefully to their questions about the earthquake and try to answer them without glossing.
MEETING YOUR PHYSICAL NEEDS MUST BE PRIORITY
Ps. İrem Naz Kırmızı said the following about how to approach people with post-traumatic mood disorders:
“Emotions that may be encountered after a natural disaster can take the form of fear, anger, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness or a frozen image. You may be confused, have difficulty distinguishing between time and space, understanding what is happening, and remain undecided. You may be physically tense, tired, have difficulty sleeping, aches, irregular heart rhythm, nausea and decreased appetite. You may experience problems in your social life, restlessness, insecurity, anger, difficulty in controlling, feeling abandoned, feeling guilty while eating or sleeping, being overly accusatory, feeling empty. It should be a priority to meet the physical needs of people we see in such a situation. It is necessary to make the person feel safe after meeting their food, shelter and medical needs. If he wants to tell his story, listening should be made to feel understood and not alone. Providing accurate and explanatory clear information about the situation from the right sources, information that we confirm to be from reliable sources should be conveyed without hiding the truth, without confusing it. It is necessary to take the person to the nearest aid organization and to help prepare the ground for contact with the survivors.”
ATTENTION TO THE SYMPTOMS OF EARTHQUAKE FEAR IN CHILDREN
Stating that children show different reactions as in adults, Psk said. Crimea shared the following information:
“Children relay the same reactions you show in the face of disaster through observation. How much the child is affected by the earthquake is related to his age. Since children younger than school age cannot express their feelings and thoughts like adults, they may show physical symptoms such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, difficulty sleeping at night, staying with you, getting angry and crying often, nausea-vomiting. They may have fears that they will experience the earthquake again and again.”
TELL US THAT FEAR IS NORMAL
“Noting that your child should be told that the earthquake is a natural event, Psk. “Explain that it is normal to be afraid and have nightmares, and that it is normal for you to cry and be sad. There was an earthquake in our country and our house was destroyed, we won’t be able to stay in our house for a while, but now the place we are staying is safe and I am with you, I will not leave you. Look, many people on this issue are working to keep us safe and help people.” You have to be clear and informative, without exaggerating what’s available. Listen carefully to their questions about the earthquake and try to answer them without glossing. If he requests, contact more and show interest.”
DO NOT SHOW IMAGES
Emphasizing that children should not be shown the earthquake-related images, Psk. “Reduce children’s screen exposure, do not cause secondary trauma, even if there is no trauma in the first one. Do not talk too much about this situation with him, do not show the images. Not all images and sounds are suitable for all ages. They can’t think like you, remember. After a while, get help from psychotherapists in the field of trauma, both individually and for children.”
(UAV)