At the program organized by the Nevşehir Provincial Mufti's Office Family and Religious Guidance Bureau, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan was a guest. Tarhan emphasized the importance of perception in crisis management, noting that anxiety has increased and our perceptions have changed with the pandemic.
“We must manage crisis management well in difficult times”
The topic titled “Emerging Stronger from Difficult Times” was discussed in the program moderated by Religious Services Expert Adem Aydın.
In the program held on the digital social media platform, Tarhan made evaluations on emerging stronger from difficult times; “What do we understand by difficult times? Earthquakes, natural disasters, pandemics are difficult times. Crisis management is important during such times. We think about how we can continue our lives despite the storm and we don't perceive it negatively. First, we need to have a risk plan and conduct a risk analysis. If a policy has been determined, you won't panic; it will be overcome calmly. The strongest point of the chain is its weakest link. If your health policy is good but your economy is bad, the chain breaks there. The flow of life is also like this chain. During the epidemic period, it is necessary to be prepared and say 'there is stress, but no panic'. We must manage crisis management well.” He stated.
“The process we are experiencing has changed our perceptions”
Tarhan, addressing the increase in anxiety among people and the change in our perceptions with the pandemic; “Perception is very important in crisis management. In the tendency to think catastrophically, anxiety and fear increase. As these increased, some people started not being able to leave their homes, and even if they did, they exaggerated the precautions significantly. Some people's hands cracked from excessive use of cologne. Smart individuals adapted to the situation; unlike other living beings, humans have reason to adapt. Humans are the only beings aware of their existence, and they have perceptions related to time, space, and death. Their desires are limitless, but their power is limited. This process we are experiencing has changed our perceptions.” He stated.
“If there is positive communication in the family, healthy children will grow up”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that challenging processes are an opportunity for ourselves and our families; “Familial justice must be established; if children are treated differently, trust will not form, and there will be no peace. It's the same in a country; if disagreements reach the level of animosity, they become demonized, and destruction begins. The pandemic period became a time spent with families. Appreciation and approval increased. It provided an opportunity to spend time. Let's not forget compassion and courtesy within the family. If there is positive communication in the family, healthy children will grow up.” He noted.