Human Psychology After Natural Disasters

Human Psychology After Natural Disasters Noting that stress reactions such as insomnia, nightmares, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, reluctance to speak, and constant alertness can occur following traumatic natural disasters like earthquakes, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Sümeyye Keskin from Medical Park Gebze Hospital stated: "Reactions may vary depending on the physical impact the trauma has caused the person, their age, social environment, and losses. The first step in recovery is acceptance. Methods applied to a person who accepts that they have experienced trauma and that experiencing these symptoms is normal are much more effective."

Emotional Emptiness Can Develop in the Individual

  Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin noted that when traumatic natural disasters such as earthquakes occur, it is known that 15 percent of the population experience stress reactions related to trauma. "These stress reactions manifest as insomnia, nightmares, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, reluctance to speak, constant alertness and others. Reactions may vary depending on the physical impact the trauma has caused the person, their age, social environment, and losses. The earthquake's impact on individuals in cognitive, behavioral, and social ways creates emotional emptiness in the person. This emotional emptiness grows over time, initially appearing as acute stress reaction (ASR) and later as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the duration of reactions extends," he said.

Four Groups Psychologically Affected by the Earthquake

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin said there are four main groups psychologically affected by earthquakes and listed them as follows: • "First group: Persons who directly experienced the earthquake. Those who directly experienced loss of life and property. • Second group: Those who did not directly experience the earthquake but whose relatives directly experienced it. • Third group: Consists of people who provided aid to the earthquake region. These people can be official workers or volunteers. • Fourth group: Persons who neither directly experienced the earthquake themselves nor had close relatives experience it, but learned about it through the media and other people."  

Stress Reactions Can Be Similar in Everyone

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin noted that although the physical and psychological effects of the earthquake differ in each group, the stress reactions it creates show similarities. "Nightmares seen in earthquake victims can be similar to nightmares seen in people who witnessed the event on television. The difference is in the frequency and severity of the nightmares. After an earthquake, stress symptoms in some people decrease and psychological well-being is usually achieved within a few days. However, in others, the situation is neither this easy nor temporary," he said.  

Symptoms Emerge Under Three Headings

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin grouped post-traumatic stress symptoms under three main headings and stated the following: • The event repeatedly replaying in the mind (Flashback): Even though they do not want to remember, the mind is constantly preoccupied with the trauma. They feel distressed by these thoughts. Sweating, heart palpitations, and hot flashes occur. Despite the absence of a trigger that would remind of the trauma, images coming to mind severely disturb the person. In 30 percent of affected individuals, symptoms of detachment from one's own body and feelings (depersonalization) and distancing from surroundings and objects (derealization) are seen simultaneously. The trauma-affected person has difficulty identifying their own emotions and feelings, becomes estranged from themselves and their surroundings, and remembers events as if someone else is experiencing them rather than themselves. • Avoidance: The person avoids any situation that might remind them of the trauma. To suppress their thoughts, they avoid people, places, and conversations that remind them of the event. • Excessive arousal in physical and emotional responses: Always alert to potential danger. Reacts immediately to sounds and physical contact. For example, a person may react excessively to a door slamming suddenly and think they will relive the trauma. To avoid experiencing the trauma again, they remain constantly on alert.

The First Step in Recovery is Acceptance

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin addressed points to consider when approaching someone experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. "The first step in recovery is acceptance. Methods applied to a person who accepts that they have experienced trauma and that experiencing these symptoms is normal work much more quickly. Without rushing, patience should be exercised while they accept that what they experienced was trauma and that they need support. One should not force the trauma-affected person to seek psychological help. Once they notice that their quality of life has declined, they will naturally seek the necessary support themselves. However, if there are suicidal thoughts, it is important not to wait for the person to accept this but to inform the relevant institutions and organizations," he said.

The Individual Should Experience the Feeling of Loneliness

Emphasizing that we need to inform the individual that they are not alone, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin stated: "An understanding and calm approach should be taken as much as possible. Instead of saying 'Time heals all wounds, you will forget like everyone else,' using phrases like 'I want you to know I am here for you' will help the trauma-affected person feel safe. No unnecessary, unfounded, or irrelevant information should be shared with the other party. Otherwise, it triggers and amplifies the trauma. If the trauma-affected person is a child, it is important to make them feel supported without judgment and without overwhelming them with questions. This is because children's anxieties are more intense and their problem-solving abilities are still developing," he explained.

Support Can Be Sought From a Specialist Doctor

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Keskin emphasized that even without communication, a simple embrace has healing power for trauma. "An embrace is 'I am here and I will be by your side under all circumstances' transformed into action. If symptoms are observed that negatively affect quality of life, cause decreases in work and school performance, lead to failure in relationships with the social environment, and include suicidal thoughts along with loss of trust in people and the world, mental health specialist support must be sought," he said.