When should psychological support be provided in an earthquake zone?

SAFAKNA TURKEY – Clinical psychologist Cemre Ece Gökpinar assessed the possible traumatic effects of the earthquake that deeply shook our country. Speaking about the traumas experienced as a result of natural disasters can cause anger in a person, he emphasized that the process of rejection and denial can be experienced in the first stage. Gökpinar recommended doing psychological intervention after the process of denial and anger and sharing the pain rather than suggesting it first.

THE PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISASTER ARE IMPORTANT IN THE FIRST TIME

Stating that a person may face a situation that will cause a shock effect in moments of trauma or poignant moments, Gökpınar said: “A person first checks if there is a physical problem, and not the psychological consequences of the situation in which he is. Once physical trauma and environmental events are brought under control, the psychological effects of the trauma can begin to show.

TRAUMA CAN CAUSE ANGER

Stating that traumas resulting from natural disasters can make a person angry, Gökpınar said, “A person goes through a process of rejection and denial. The psychological consequences of a disaster witnessed later can have a physical impact on a person’s personal life. For example, symptoms such as sleep disturbances and loss of appetite may be identified as the first physical symptoms. A person may experience some traumatic symptoms such as lack of enjoyment in what they are doing, hopelessness about the future, restlessness, flinching at the slightest sound, and fear.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

Noting that during a natural disaster, if there is no physical damage and shock is experienced, the first intervention for psychological assistance is defined as psychological first aid. Then comes the disturbing process. As a person moves away from the process of trauma, over the years, a process of acceptance takes place in a person. Among these phases, the period after the phase of denial and anger will be the most appropriate period for seeking psychological help. Because what a person denies cannot help him. Acceptance is necessary.”

DO NOT TRY TO OFFER

In the news cited by Sabah: Emphasizing that it would be wrong to carry out psychological intervention in the first stage of SHOCK, when the trauma process has not yet ended, Gökpınar said: “We need to see an open wound. spiritually. Attempting psychological treatment or intervention on a person while the distress process is still going on will not bring relief to the person. On the contrary, in this case, you can get a negative reaction from a person. This is the best time to intervene when a person’s psychological wounds are exposed. What needs to be done in this process is not to try to offer, but to share and share the pain of the person.”

JOIN THE PAIN OF DISASTER VICTIMS

GÖKPINAR said: “The duty of those who witnessed the event from afar during the process of loss and mourning is to share the pain of those who survived the disaster and the people who lost it.”