As Izmir residents, we experienced the long-awaited Izmir earthquake in the past weeks. This 6.6 magnitude earthquake that we experienced not only damaged our buildings and belongings, but also shook and damaged us both physically and psychologically.
As a result of the research, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression such as "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression" occur after traumatic crisis situations such as earthquakes. We encounter psychological disorders more frequently. Many of us experience the phobia or fear of earthquakes called "Seismophobia". Thoughts about death, harm or losing loved ones pass through our minds, and these thoughts trigger feelings of fear and anxiety in us. These triggered feelings of fear and anxiety can cause symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, restlessness, sweating, dizziness, heart palpitations, inability to sleep alone, avoiding environments such as bathrooms and toilets, or staying away from earthquake-related conversations, etc.
Although these reactions after the earthquake vary depending on the age, gender, physical or psychological strength or personality characteristics of the people, all of them are “NORMAL” reactions to an abnormal situation . If these symptoms persist for more than 1 month, the person should seek support from a professional mental health specialist.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that may occur as a result of a traumatic situation experienced by a person. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder generally begin within the first month after the traumatic event. However, in some people, trauma symptoms may appear years after the event. These symptoms experienced by the person can negatively affect his private life, social life and business life, causing problems and making it difficult for the individual to continue his daily life.
3 Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:
Not being able to get rid of the memories created by the trauma: These memories appear suddenly and feel like you are reliving the trauma. creates flashbacks (images). Even if there is nothing that reminds us of the event, it constantly comes to mind and Physical discomfort such as sweating, heart palpitations, tremors, etc. may occur in the person.
Avoiding situations that remind you of trauma: People avoid triggering their fears. For this purpose, he stays away from people, places, activities that remind him of the traumatic event and may avoid confrontation.
Excessive alertness: The same danger In case it happens again, individuals may exhibit emotions and behaviors such as anxiety, anger, or being startled even by small sounds. They have difficulty sleeping or concentrating on a job.
In order to cope with the fear of earthquakes, individuals must first be willing and cooperative in this regard. The feeling of helplessness created by the fear experienced can increase a person's stress reactions. For this reason, instead of avoiding the feared situation, controlling yourself by confronting it, sharing your feelings and thoughts with trusted people, and continuing your daily routine will help you overcome the feeling of fear and anxiety.
I wish all the people of Izmir and our country a speedy recovery.
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