Experts state that acute stress reactions can be observed in individuals within 3 to 30 days after an earthquake, warning that symptoms of hyperarousal such as irritability, verbal or physical outbursts of anger towards people and objects, sleep disturbance, lack of concentration, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle responses may emerge. Experts, stating that within three weeks following a disaster, the pace of aid and interest shown to earthquake victims may begin to decrease, and the initial positive thoughts held by society and victims may diminish, underscore the importance of meeting needs during this period. According to experts, otherwise, new traumas may be experienced with the emergence of problems like epidemics and black markets…
Lecturer Dr. Mert Akcanbaş from Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, made evaluations regarding traumas arising from natural disasters like earthquakes and the necessary interventions for these traumas.
Many types of losses can occur in disasters
Dr. Mert Akcanbaş stated that various types of losses can emerge in disasters, listing them in order of importance as material losses, emotional losses, organ losses and those with permanent scars, and spiritual, belief-related, and moral losses.
Dr. Mert Akcanbaş noted that while material losses are the least impactful, spiritual, belief-related, and moral losses cause the greatest harm to people, stating, “No predictions should be made about what the victim feels. It should not be assumed that every victim will become psychologically ill, and their reactions should not be approached pathologically. Victims should not be treated like students, and attempts should not be made to expose their mistakes and errors. Victims should not be pressured to immediately learn all the details of the event. Speculative answers should not be given to victims’ questions on unknown topics.”
9 important signs may indicate acute stress disorder
Dr. Mert Akcanbaş stated that acute stress reactions can be observed in individuals within 3 to 30 days after an earthquake, and some symptoms seen during this period may indicate acute stress disorder. Dr. Mert Akcanbaş listed these symptoms as follows:
- Continuously and involuntarily recalling the stressful part of the traumatic event.
- Dreams in which the traumatic event or emotions experienced at the time of the event are relived.
- Reactions defined as the victim acting and feeling as if the traumatic event is happening again (flashback).
- Experiencing psychological stress or giving a physiological reaction when faced with internal and external triggers that symbolize or recall part of the traumatic event.
- Inability to experience positive emotions.
- Different perceptions about one’s self or the reality of one’s surroundings (Seeing oneself through others’ eyes, blurry vision, feeling of time slowing down).
- Inability to recall a significant part of the traumatic event.
- Avoiding memories, emotions, and thoughts about or related to the trauma.
- Avoiding external factors that trigger memories, thoughts, or emotions about or related to the trauma and causing stress.
Beware of anger outbursts and sleep disturbances!
Dr. Mert Akcanbaş also stated that symptoms of hyperarousal include “Irritability, (in the absence of provocation) verbal or physical outbursts of anger towards people and objects, sleep disturbance, lack of concentration, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle responses.”
Prioritized needs must be met immediately
Referring to the immediate needs arising after the earthquake, he said, “These prioritized needs are ensuring physical safety, shelter, food, heating, and hygiene needs, providing glasses, walking sticks, wheelchairs, regularly used medications, and/or medical support like dialysis for those who need them, a safe play area for children, and reuniting individuals separated from their loved ones as soon as possible.”
Measures should be taken against the possibility of declining interest
Stating that within three weeks following earthquakes, the pace of aid and interest shown to earthquake victims may begin to decrease, and the initial positive thoughts held by society and victims may diminish, Dr. Mert Akcanbaş warned, “Shelter and livelihood problems increase. During this ‘disappointment’ phase, individuals must be provided with reliable housing options as soon as possible, and their food, heating, and hygiene needs must be met. Otherwise, problems like epidemics and black markets may arise, leading to new traumas.”