Following the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, the imminent Istanbul earthquake, according to experts, remains on the agenda. Discussions about the possible consequences of the Istanbul earthquake are encountered on television, news in newspapers, and rumors on social media. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan states that the earthquake being on the agenda every day means ‘live with the earthquake,’ and it is impossible for this situation not to negatively affect people's mental health. Tarhan points out that discussions should focus on scientific studies and concrete steps taken, rather than elements that frighten people, warning: “The main cause of the increase in psychiatric conditions in humans is uncertainty and the unknown. Continuously talking about earthquakes will have serious consequences for people’s mental health.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan addressed the effects of the frequently discussed major Istanbul earthquake, which has been on the agenda since the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, on people's psychology.
To mention the Istanbul earthquake every day means ‘live with the earthquake’
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that the Istanbul earthquake being on the agenda every day means ‘live with the earthquake,’ saying, “Telling someone to ‘live with the earthquake’ is like telling them to ‘live with a snake in their house.’ It is impossible for this not to negatively affect mental health; we can easily say that. Psychologically, this has two types of effects. One raises anxiety, and the second causes avoidance behavior. The person tries to live with this issue by ignoring it. Or they try to avoid it by changing their environment. These are situations that increase a person’s stress load.”
For people’s mental health, concrete steps should be discussed, not how an earthquake will occur
Evaluating how even those who have not experienced an earthquake sometimes feel 'an earthquake is happening,' Tarhan said, “Awareness about earthquakes is needed; we must accept this. It is now definitively known that a significant portion of the building stock is not earthquake-resistant. In such situations, instead of giving people illusions, paranoia, or scaring them, one should proceed with scientific studies, stating, ‘these buildings in this neighborhood are risky, and these concrete steps are being taken regarding them.’ What most disturbs people, increases their anxiety, impairs their mental health, pushes them to do wrong things, and causes an increase in psychiatric conditions is uncertainty and the unknown. In such matters, it is necessary to draw a roadmap and take concrete, evidence-based steps. When this cannot be done, earthquake awareness cannot be managed. Continuously talking about earthquakes will have serious consequences for people’s mental health.”
Earthquake fear triggers ‘bad world syndrome’
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that those living in Istanbul might experience an earthquake, struggle for survival under rubble, or face fears of death, saying, “The type of fear a person experiences varies according to their personality traits. Those with past earthquake trauma experience this situation more intensely. Those who have lost loved ones experience it differently. Currently, those who say ‘life is not safe, Istanbul is not safe’ have increased in society.”
Tarhan added that avoidance behavior might be observed in individuals sensitive to the fear of death, continuing:
“There is a condition called ‘bad world syndrome.’ In bad world syndrome, people think the world is not safe, and three types of reactions emerge. The first reaction is withdrawal and depression. The second reaction is that the person becomes aggressive, leading to an increase in violent incidents. The third reaction is avoidance behavior. They start to flee, saying ‘Istanbul is not safe.’ We also know that many experts who wanted to come to Istanbul from Anatolia have changed their decision to come just because there will be an earthquake.”
The first condition for psychological preparation for an earthquake is acceptance
Referring to how to psychologically prepare for an earthquake without being a victim, Tarhan said, “First, we must be aware that we live in an earthquake zone in Istanbul. Second, we need to accept that an earthquake is no longer a distant possibility but an imminent and probable one. After accepting this, one must have their own plan. It is essential to know the ‘triangle of life’ and to have an earthquake kit. Individuals should have tests done on whether their home is safe and obtain reports. Doing nothing increases anxiety, but taking a step reduces anxiety. It is essential to think ‘what is my duty here’ and take concrete steps. After doing everything possible, when this issue comes to mind, one should say ‘I have taken sufficient steps regarding this’ and immediately return to routine tasks.”
It is necessary not to mummify trauma
Tarhan stated that a person thinking about their trauma for very long periods and living with the idea that it will recur is ‘mummifying the trauma,’ saying, “Reactions such as sleeping with a whistle around one’s neck, walking around with a helmet on one’s head, or rushing to the door at the slightest tremor are observed. Many people just experience their fear without taking any action, and these individuals mummify the trauma they experienced. That is, they keep the trauma alive as it is. These individuals’ mental health problems can also turn into post-traumatic stress disorder. Expert help is needed here.”
Tarhan also underlined that ignoring trauma is not healthy, warning, “When trauma is ignored, it emerges in the form of another illness, such as stomach, intestinal, or heart disease. We must accept the situation by saying, ‘I experienced this event, this is a reality of life,’ keep the memories of our lost loved ones alive, and continue our normal routine. In this way, we miniaturize the trauma, not mummify it in our minds.”
The real issue is not managing a crisis when it emerges, but calculating and managing risks
Emphasizing that it is necessary to be aware instead of being negligent about earthquakes, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “One should take concrete steps and do what is required of them in this regard. They should also clearly distinguish between their own responsibilities and those of the municipality or the state. The method of finding relief by blaming others is also frequently used. One does not do what is required of them, does not take precautions, and then blames the state, the municipality, or others. This is actually an unhealthy defense mechanism.”
Underlining that people should first make a crisis preparedness plan for what to do if an earthquake occurs, Tarhan concluded his words as follows:
“There is such a risk; how can we manage it? Taking precautions is risk management. Those with a crisis plan automatically implement the plan when a crisis arises and overcome it with minimal damage. For example, approaches like ‘I will hide in this corner at home, I will not go up the stairs’ should also be part of this plan. We saw it in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. While everyone rushed to the stairs, the Japanese went upstairs. This means they have plans and training related to earthquakes. The real issue is not managing a crisis when it emerges, but calculating and managing risks.”