As it is known, Turkey is located in the earthquake zone due to its location. Even knowing this fact can lead to worry and anxiety. While the earthquakes that have been experienced one after another in our country in the last period have negative effects on the psychology of many people with their devastating effects, their consequences such as depression and anxiety disorders draw attention.

From Memorial Ataşehir Hospital, Department of Psychology, Uz. psi. Hande Taştekin gave information about post-earthquake depression and anxiety disorder.

One of man’s greatest worries is coded into the unknown. Thoughts that have not been experienced yet but are based on the possibility of being experienced cause great anxieties, fears and anxieties in people. Natural disasters are the whole of the fear that people know about, and that precautionary plans are considered against the possibility of their occurrence, but it is not known what to do when they happen. These are the concerns experienced before natural disasters.

After the earthquake; panic, stress disorder, anxiety may develop

The earthquake, which is the trauma of Turkey; when it occurs, it causes negative effects. At the beginning of these are the factors that are experienced psychologically. People may be in a state of extreme panic, sadness and fear caused by a danger or the possibility of danger. Besides these; He may show symptoms such as not knowing what he is doing, not being able to name his feelings, and disappearance of his perception. These symptoms can cause depressive moods, anxiety, panic symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorders in people. All of the responses that occur during an earthquake are normal responses to an abnormal situation. Making quick interventions to these reactions may not always work. The first phase must be experienced with shock, denial, mourning, anger, pain and sadness. However, after time has passed, if the symptoms still continue and especially if it disrupts our daily life functionality, then psychological help is needed.

After the earthquake, each age group should be approached differently.

The way we handle fears and worries is different for everyone. We must be patient and understanding with those who have been exposed to such situations. It is more difficult to explain the earthquake, especially to children, especially to the elderly and children, and how we explain it differs according to age groups.

If the child knows or has experienced the earthquake, it should be told. Since younger age groups express themselves through games, it is possible to express their feelings by playing games with those age groups, and the earthquake can be expressed in general terms. Earthquake for our elderly; It can make fear, anxiety, and depressive feelings more intense.

Providing emotional support and reassurance for our seniors will put them at ease. It is very important to feel that they are not alone and to listen to their concerns and concerns and encourage them.

Daily routines should be started after the earthquake.

It is important to start and maintain daily routines as much as possible after an earthquake has occurred. It is necessary for people to have a space in their lives where they can talk about the earthquake and share their feelings, as well as create a space where they help, continue the things they love, and continue their lives.

The psychological problems experienced by adults after the earthquake can be listed as follows;

-Sleep problems

-Fear and anxiety about the future

-Irritability and anger

-Change in eating habits

-Crying crises

-Disbelief and shock

-Sadness, depression, hyperactivity, irritability, or anger

-Nightmares and recurring thoughts about the earthquake

-Having no feelings

-Lack of energy or feeling exhausted all the time

-Lack of appetite or vice versa, constant desire to eat

-Difficulty making decisions or concentrating

-Social isolation, reduced or restricted activities

-Thinking that no one else has the same reactions as you

-Headache, stomachache, or other body aches

-Increasing alcohol and drug use

In order to cope with the psychological problems experienced;

-By talking to others about the earthquake or natural disaster, you may realize that others share your feelings.

-Spending time with your friends and family can help you through difficult times.

-Regular nutrition, fluid consumption and exercise can reduce the negative effects of stress.

-Watching or reading the news about the earthquake over and over can increase the depression and anxiety disorder experienced. In addition, be aware of new developments. Use reliable sources of information to avoid speculation and rumors.

-Help other people affected by the earthquake. Helping other people can give you a sense of purpose in a situation that feels ‘out of your control’.

-Drugs and alcohol may seem to remove stress temporarily, but in the long run they often create additional problems that increase the stress you already feel. Therefore, stay away from drugs and alcohol.

-If the depression or anxiety you experience does not improve over time, seek professional psychological support.