Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "Scientific discussions should not take place on TV screens but in closed sessions among experts"

Following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Silivri, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the psychological effects of earthquakes, including fear and anxiety, during a live broadcast. He explained that "Post-earthquake psychology consists of three phases. Acute stress experienced in the first 15 days is natural and typically resolves on its own. However, if this state persists beyond four weeks, there is a risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After eight weeks, professional clinical support becomes necessary."

Prof. Tarhan also criticized the contradictory public statements made about earthquake predictions and stated that "Each expert offers interpretations from their own perspective. These kinds of scientific debates should not be held on television but rather in closed environments and scientific platforms among professionals. Official institutions should evaluate expert opinions based on scientific data and communicate them to the public in a clear and reassuring manner. Otherwise, public anxiety and distrust increase."

 

President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan discussed the psychological impact of the earthquake and the resulting fear and anxiety in society on the program "Balçiçek ile Şimdi" aired on EKOL TV, following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Silivri.

We need a 360-degree perspective on earthquakes

Prof. Tarhan emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach and made the following remarks: "Focusing solely on geological aspects tends to heighten anxiety. Post-earthquake psychology has three stages. Acute stress in the first 15 days is normal and typically subsides on its own. If it lasts more than four weeks, the risk of PTSD arises. If it continues past eight weeks, clinical intervention is needed."

Fear of earthquakes varies by personality type

Tarhan noted that fear of earthquakes differs depending on personality traits. Some individuals may appear calm externally while experiencing inner panic. In such cases, composure may function as a defense mechanism. However, if unresolved, this could lead to chronic stress.

Prof. Tarhan highlighted that uncertainty, helplessness, and hopelessness significantly contribute to increased fear of earthquakes. Citing Japan as an example, he stated that strong systems can help reduce public fear in such situations.

We must not believe without questioning!

Prof. Tarhan further elaborated on the inconsistent public commentary about earthquake predictions and made the following remarks: "Each expert speaks from their own vantage point. These kinds of scientific debates should occur not on television but within closed expert groups and scientific forums. Official bodies should assess these opinions in light of scientific evidence and share them with the public in a clear and trustworthy way. Otherwise, public anxiety and mistrust grow. One person says, ‘Leave Istanbul,’ another says, ‘It’s over, nothing to worry about.’ They're only seeing things from their own angle, often responding to the worst-case scenario and projecting their personal emotional state onto the public. That’s why we shouldn't believe everything earthquake experts say without scrutiny, that is not not the overly optimistic ones, nor the overly pessimistic ones."

New stress factors added to society

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that the chronic stress following the earthquake has had serious effects on society and said that "There is a prevailing sense of chronic unhappiness in society. We were already a turbulent society, and now new stressors have been added. Such situations create group stress, which leads to more arguments, conflicts, and incidents of violence."

Emphasizing that already existing crime rates in society may further increase during such periods, Prof. Tarhan highlighted the critical role of leadership amd stated that "If the public does not trust leaders and decision-makers, the crisis deepens. When leaders conceal the truth, anxiety increases. No one feels secure where trust is lost. At the moment, there is no public perception that plans and projects related to earthquakes are in place in Türkiye."

Communication systems fell short!

Commenting on criticisms that communication systems failed after the earthquake, Tarhan said that "The internet and phone lines collapsed. Afterwards, all we received were apologies. In preparing for such disasters, the state's role as a regulator and overseer is extremely important. Citizens pay taxes; in return, they expect effective crisis management."

Mental exercises for earthquake preparedness

To cope with earthquake-related fear, Prof. Tarhan recommended practicing “acceptance exercises,” citing techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), also used in Japan.

Tarhan outlined the core steps of these exercises as follows:

"Approach fear with compassion; instead of rejecting it, you need to accept it. Children, in particular, shape their responses based on their parents. If parents remain calm, children can manage fear more easily. Breathing and muscle relaxation exercises are helpful. Communicating with the body, recalling stressful situations that were previously overcome, and cultivating gratitude are important. Thoughts like ‘I am healthy right now, I am conscious right now’ help soothe the mind. Creating a mental sanctuary and feeling part of a greater purpose gives strength. Trusting a higher power, as in faith systems, and perceiving an order in the universe brings comfort. In moments of panic, knowing that you are not alone is very important."

Social contact reduces the impact of trauma

Prof. Tarhan observed that on the night of the earthquake, people felt a heightened need to be with their families and said that "This is an instinctive behavior. Social contact helps reduce the impact of trauma."

Traumas intensify the search for meaning…

President of Üsküdar University and Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that moments of trauma intensify people’s search for meaning. He noted, “In such moments, individuals re-evaluate their lives, values, relationships, and self-perception. It is important to practice acceptance exercises for fear, approach oneself with self-compassion, and reinterpret the past in a positive light.”

Prof. Tarhan also noted that individuals with a high need for control tend to experience fear more intensely: “This is especially common in panic disorder. A businessperson managing a company with a billion-dollar budget once told me that he couldn’t manage his own blood pressure. That’s because there are things we can and cannot control.”

How should trauma be managed in children?

Explaining that children’s responses to traumatic events like earthquakes vary by age group, Prof. Tarhan emphasized that children aged 0–6 primarily need strong attachment relationships. Tarhan stated that “During an earthquake, children must be with their parents. Being by their side increases the secretion of the hormone oxytocin in the brain, which is associated with safety and love.”

For children over the age of 6, Prof. Tarhan explained that they begin to question events: “Children in this age group ask questions like ‘Why did it happen? Will something happen to me? Will something happen to you?’ During this stage, it is crucial not to silence children but to listen to them. Rather than doing all the talking, it’s important to let them express their emotions.” Highlighting that parental attitudes directly influence children’s resilience to trauma, Prof. Tarhan added, “We should not expect adult-level responses, but we must approach them with adult understanding. Helping the child feel valued and safe is the most important gain during this period.”

What about youth and their earthquake anxiety?

Addressing the concerns and psychological responses of young people regarding earthquakes, Prof. Tarhan emphasized that the identity questioning and search for meaning experienced during adolescence are natural.

He described adolescence as a turbulent period during which questions such as “Who am I? Where should I go? Why?” are frequently asked. Tarhan expressed that “Engaging in existential and meaning-oriented questioning at this stage is a sign of healthy development. Major events like earthquakes can trigger these questions. If adolescents are in a safe group environment, they tend to support each other. Peer relationships often become more important than family during this time. That’s the nature of adolescence. Instead of giving advice, parents should seek their adolescents’ input, that is, asking questions like ‘What do you think we can do?’ can strengthen their sense of belonging. This approach alone can have a therapeutic effect.”

Narcissists are more afraid of earthquakes!

Prof. Tarhan also stated that narcissistic individuals may appear fearless from the outside, but they are among the groups most afraid of earthquakes. Tarhan expressed that “Narcissistic people hide their fears because they feel compelled to appear strong. In reality, they do not have a strong character; they only play the role of being strong. In critical moments like earthquakes, they may be among the first to panic and flee.”

Challenges offer an opportunity to grasp a greater meaning!

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out that Türkiye is located in a difficult geographical region and noted the growing prevalence of the feeling of “loneliness in the crowd” within society in recent times.

“When concerns about earthquakes are added on top of this, feelings of hopelessness about the future may increase within society. However, Türkiye has overcome much greater crises in the past, such as the War of Independence and World War I. There was a purpose during those times; now we, as a society, must define a new purpose,” said Prof. Tarhan, emphasizing that challenges provide people with an opportunity to grasp a greater sense of meaning.

A welcoming and inclusive environment is needed!

Stating that everyone should engage in self-reflection, Prof. Tarhan said that “Türkiye does not deserve the current atmosphere of tension. What we need now is an environment that is inclusive and embracing. Everyone must take a moment to reflect and ask, ‘What have we learned from all of this?’”

He also highlighted the ongoing disintegration in Türkiye’s social structure, pointing out that the collapse of the family system, young people’s growing reluctance to marry, economic hardships, and feelings of loneliness are negatively impacting the nation’s overall mental well-being.

If we instill a sense of trust and justice in youth, most problems can be solved

Despite these negative developments, Prof. Tarhan expressed his belief that it is still possible to find a common meaning that can foster social peace. However, he noted that there is currently a deep atmosphere of anxiety in society. “At the moment, society is overwhelmed by a warlike state of mind. People are unable to feel trust or hope for the future. Therefore, we must define a new goal and vision. If we can unite around a common purpose, just like we did during the War of Independence, 50% of the stress and turmoil in society would decrease.”

Emphasizing that society remaining silent in the face of these challenges is also risky, Prof. Tarhan urged people to act with hope, not despair. He particularly emphasized the strong desire for justice among younger generations and concluded his remarks as follows: “Young people are not bad. They are in search of innocence. If we provide them with a sense of trust and justice, most problems can be resolved.”

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)