“Re-living the earthquake moment in the first weeks is a natural reaction”

Saying that after disasters, it is natural to feel extreme fear, helplessness, horror, shock, inability to feel emotions, unresponsiveness, inability to cry or cry a lot, guilt, appetite problems, and to feel like constantly reliving the moment of the earthquake, Psychiatry Specialist from Medical Park Karadeniz Hospital. Sevilay Kantekin says, “For most trauma survivors, these reactions will usually go away in the first weeks after the event. In this process, many people can naturally return to their pre-event state without the need for treatment or intervention. It is necessary to respect the natural process of adaptation. In the first days, basic needs should be provided first.”

Stating that natural disasters such as earthquakes are painful events that affect the individual, family and society, Psychiatry Specialist from Medical Park Karadeniz Hospital, Dr. Sevilay Kantekin said that such painful events can have similar effects on those who are exposed as spectators as well as those who are physically exposed.

Pointing out that each individual may react differently to these sad events, depending on the magnitude of the event, their own culture, past experiences, whether they have experienced similar traumatic events before, their age and many other personal variables, Uzm. Dr. Sevilay Kantekin made suggestions.

FEELING EXTREMELY FEAR AND HELP IS NORMAL

exp. Dr. Sevilay Kantekin listed the usual and some disturbing reactions that may occur in the acute period following the trauma:

“Feelings of extreme fear, helplessness and horror, shock, inability to feel emotions, unresponsiveness, inability to cry or crying a lot, guilt, appetite problems, reluctance to tell or talk about the event over and over, feeling like re-living the earthquake event constantly, from places reminding of the earthquake event. or avoid situations,

Experiencing symptoms of extreme tension such as insomnia, irritability, irritability, excessive startle, palpitations, tremors, difficulty breathing.”

Underlining that for most people exposed to trauma, these reactions usually disappear in the first weeks after the event, Uzm. Dr. Kantekin said, “In this process, many people can naturally return to their pre-event state without the need for treatment or intervention. It is necessary to respect the natural process of adaptation. In the first days, basic needs should be provided first,” he said.

DON’T TRY TO SUPPRESS YOUR EMOTIONS

exp. Dr. Kantekin made the following suggestions to help people who experienced or witnessed the earthquake feel better:

“Don’t try to suppress your feelings, your sadness. Try to share it with people around you.

In the first days, there may be various symptoms of anxiety such as insomnia, palpitations, and boredom. Therefore, do not take sedatives, sedatives or alcohol, your sleep will improve within days.

If you are feeling very anxious, you can do breathing and relaxation exercises. However, if these complaints do not subside in a week or two, if they make your life difficult, if you have difficulty in coping, you should consult a mental health professional.

In the process, allow yourself to grieve and grieve for your loss, it is your natural right. You will need some time to feel better. There may be ups and downs with your emotions. Know that you are not alone, everyone who experiences what you are going through experiences similar feelings as you.

BE PREPARED FOR FAMILY REACTIONS

The first reaction of close relatives may be numbness, shock or disbelief; Stating that these reactions can turn into feelings and behaviors such as denial, anger or pain, blame, sadness and guilt afterwards, Uzm. Dr. “Avoid interpreting, criticizing, and defending against family members’ emotional reactions. Touching and hugging a close relative may be appropriate, but be alert to their comfort or discomfort, and respect cultural, age, and gender differences. Let the close relative digest this news in the safe environment of the private room,” he said.

AVOID WORDS LIKE ‘YOU HAVE TO BE STRONG’

Pointing out that it is necessary to be careful when approaching people who are in the mourning process, Uzm. Dr. Kantekin stated that clichés such as ‘You must be strong’, ‘Life goes on’, ‘It will pass soon, it will end’, ‘You have to stand up for your children’, which are said to people to reduce the pain, should be avoided, and instead suggested trying to understand and share the feelings sincerely.

EVERYONE’S COLLECTION IS DIFFERENT

Stating that people try to take care of their body care in this process and try to do whatever they were comfortable before, Uzm. Dr. “Everyone has different needs and coping responses. While some need ways of coping such as praying, meditating, taking a walk; someone else may be in need of chatting and being together with their relatives. All are acceptable, all are normal,” he said.

BE CAREFUL OF WRONG INFORMATION

Adding that it may be beneficial to direct people in the grieving process to working life, taking into account the positive effects over time, to support students to continue school, and to encourage those who do not work, the elderly and housewives to find new areas of interest and occupation. Dr. “After disasters and traumas, people may tend to look for a criminal. Beware of rumors, news and gossip that could scapegoat them because of a single person or group. These rumors, which range from simple gossip to supernatural explanations, can cause social divisions.