We are going through difficult times as a country due to the pandemic, economy and natural disasters. Finally, the earthquake in Izmir made us all very sad and worried. Of course, although it is challenging for all of us to protect our mental health and survive in such difficult times, it becomes more difficult for children to make sense of such events.
When a human being faces a threat such as life or death or witnesses such a situation. , he experiences psychological trauma when he watches it. Traumas are experiences that disrupt the flow of life, such as when an obstacle suddenly appears in front of us while driving on a straight road. Earthquake is one of these traumas. In this article, I would like to give some information about how we can explain earthquakes to children.
First of all, we must explain that an earthquake is a natural phenomenon like rain or wind. Earth is a planet and we live on the earth. Sometimes the layers on our planet may move from time to time. Mountains, seas and plains are formed thanks to these natural events. In this way, we must explain in age-appropriate language that the earthquake is a natural event. An important point here is to emphasize that the earthquake is not a punishment but merely a natural event. In order for children not to feel guilty, statements such as punishment from our Creator should be avoided.
We must emphasize that it is very normal to feel fear and worry at such times. We should encourage him to express his feelings. We should talk about his feelings. We must tell you that you can easily ask us any questions you may have.
We must remind you that our emotional reactions to abnormal situations are normal, but that we are safe now. Making the child feel safe will reduce his anxiety. We can do this through contact. He/she may hug a lot and want to spend more time with the family. It will be useful to increase contact by allowing all of these and to remind them that they are safe.
Especially in young children, since the concept of time is not developed, they may not be able to understand when the earthquake footage they watch on TV is about. He may think that the danger belongs to the present. This keeps the child's anxiety alive. Therefore, definitely Bees should not be constantly exposed to images of earthquakes.
Playing plenty of games and engaging in physical activities to ensure emotional regulation will positively affect the child's mental health.
It is normal at this time for a sound, smell or image to remind you of the traumatic event. However, if such traumatic symptoms last for more than a month, it would be beneficial to seek help from a specialist.
Finally, I would like to express my best wishes to all the people of Izmir. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured, mercy to the deceased and patience to their families.
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