Ways to cope with earthquake anxiety

One year after the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, the effects of the trauma experienced continue. What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and how can one cope with earthquake anxiety? Here are the answers to the questions citizens are wondering about...

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It is known that traumatic events are incidents that threaten people's vital integrity and, in some cases, disrupt this integrity.

Experts state, "Disasters are natural or human-made events that interrupt the flow of people's daily lives, leading to physical, psychosocial, and economic losses, and in some cases, they can be defined as 'traumatic events'."

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER?

Within this one year, re-experiencing the traumatic event, having those moments come to mind repeatedly, avoiding things that remind one of the traumatic event, deterioration in thought and mood, and a state of increased alertness are critical symptoms for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder that may be seen after an earthquake.
In the presence of these symptoms, the person may also become unable to go to work or fulfill their family responsibilities.
Many psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, alcohol-substance use disorders, somatic symptom disorders, dissociative disorders, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, pain disorders, and psychotic disorders may have been triggered or an existing diagnosis may have flared up during this process.
People can emerge from this process with different and more positive thoughts about themselves, other people, and the world. Especially after disasters that cause mass trauma like earthquakes, the importance of social support and solidarity is great.

HOW TO COPE WITH EARTHQUAKE ANXIETY?

To cope with the anxiety triggered by an earthquake, it is necessary to choose more functional methods.

Here are those methods:

Coping behaviors such as breathing exercises, nature walks, strengthening social bonds, maintaining healthy sleep durations, limiting the consumption of tea and coffee before sleep that disrupts sleep quality, and avoiding exposure to phone screens can be preferred.
Research conducted after earthquakes has concluded that social support enables post-traumatic growth and increases hope. If various avoidance behaviors such as being unable to enter closed spaces or being unable to be in crowded environments have developed after the earthquake, these should be prevented, and psychological support should be sought if necessary.
The psychological effects of a disaster that creates a mass traumatic impact, such as an earthquake, are far-reaching. To be protected from this impact, it is essential to be prepared for future disasters. Our country is always at risk in terms of the destructive consequences of earthquakes.
To minimize this risk, we must all do our part in terms of preparation for future earthquakes. Commemorating our losses together on this important anniversary and standing in solidarity during the existing process is indispensable for community mental health.

News Source: 12punto