Regardless of its severity and location, every earthquake is a situation that negatively affects all of us and exacerbates our fear. However, for some, earthquakes are more than fear, they are a phobia that turns life into a nightmare. So, what is the fear of earthquakes (Seismophobia)? How to get over it?
The fear of earthquake, unlike many other phobias, is not an issue in which the person himself is in danger; It is triggered by disaster scenarios involving the family, the immediate environment, and even the world. Actually, it is a kind of phobia of death and loss. So, in reality, we are not afraid of the earthquake itself, but of its potential consequences, of dying and the possibility of losing our loved ones. Seismophobia is mostly triggered by uncertainty. The person becomes stressed and anxious, thinking that he will not be able to escape from the earthquake, and this fear is triggered with every bad event he experiences. In events that lead to severe consequences such as earthquakes, people get used to the situation within a few weeks and continue their lives, but in some people, this process takes a long time, leading to Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It should not be forgotten that it can cause anxiety.
Although the symptoms of this fear, which will seriously affect our lives, vary from person to person, in general; sleep disorders, the state of being afraid of even a small movement, the desire to cry, a feeling of intense restlessness, depression, the moment of the earthquake being remembered and the same moment being remembered again with every movement.
How to Overcome the Fear of Earthquakes?
- First of all, you should focus on your real desire to overcome this fear. Believing is the most important factor in overcoming this phobia.
- You should research treatment methods and start treatment as soon as possible to get rid of this situation that has a negative impact on your life.
- By attending a training on earthquakes, you can raise awareness about this issue and help you overcome your fear. It will make you stronger.
- Do not suppress your fear, do not bottle up your experiences with the worry that you will not be understood. Share and get moral support from those around you to find solutions.
- Test your realistic beliefs and thoughts about a possible earthquake with cognitive-behavioral psychotherapys. You can start to think more realistically instead. In this way, the emotional, physical and mental symptoms of earthquake fear will disappear, and avoidance behaviors will decrease or even end over time.
- Most importantly, you should learn to stay calm.
- Creating an earthquake bag will reduce your anxiety, but keep the earthquake bag in front of your eyes. Avoid reminding yourself of the earthquake every second.
- Listening to relaxing music, breathing exercises and relaxation exercises are useful methods to relieve anxiety and depression.
The aim of treating fear of earthquake is to give the person the ability to cope with this fear. As I mentioned before, earthquake creates anxiety in all of us, but only after a period of more than two weeks. If you are still experiencing intense fear and grief and are having difficulty returning to daily life, I recommend that you seek professional support as soon as possible.
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