How should earthquake survivors bandage their wounds?
Specialized clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, in her statement on the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day, evaluated the trauma of earthquake survivors and their way of coping.
The burden of women has become heavier
Specialist clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who said that the burden of earthquake survivors became heavier during this period, said: “Although the earthquake deeply affects people of all ages, women, men and children, the difficulty is much greater for women. Women are primarily responsible for caring for other family members, the disabled and the elderly. Their caring responsibilities exacerbate their problems. While the loss of their home, belongings and organization makes it difficult for them to meet their basic physical needs, they must also protect and guard the people for whom they are responsible. If he has a disabled or elderly person or a small baby for whom he is responsible, this further exacerbates the conditions of mobility impairment. If they have to do things like access food, water, queue for supplies, it’s a challenge to let them go and do it,” he said.
Having a purpose in life can protect against depression
Specialized clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who stated that earthquake survivors on the one hand had to care for others and restore an order of life while experiencing the pain of their loss, said: “To have a purpose in life, to be a remedy for others, and to try this to do despite lack and limited opportunities is a must Although it is very challenging on the one hand, it can also play a protective role against depression. There was a great disaster and people not only lost their homes, property, lifestyle, but also their family, relatives, friends, loved ones, even if it was not their own loss, they experienced the pain of those who lost it close. said.
Experiencing shock and fear are natural reactions.
Specialized clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who says, “The feeling of loss is an overwhelming experience, but it does not always cause trauma at the level of illness,” said, “After the loss, there is a period of mourning during which some physical, emotional and behavioral problems are resolved. felt and depressed feelings are observed Feelings of shock, fear and panic, sleep disturbances, sadness, sadness, anger, difficulties in thinking and making decisions, experienced in the first two months after this great disaster, should not be seen as diseases These are natural reactions to the extraordinary situation that disrupts and interrupts the natural flow of life, it is not considered a disease However, there is a high risk of experiencing a traumatic grieving process and developing psychiatric disorders after sudden and horrific losses due to natural disasters such as earthquakes.” warned.
The way of thinking differs in sadness and depression
Çiğdem Demirsoy stated that the most common illness after natural disasters is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the second is major depression, saying: “Deep grief and grief due to losses are natural in this process and not every grief is depression. Like grief, feeling pain is a normal part of the grieving process. Trying to escape from these feelings makes it difficult to adjust and has unhealthy consequences. The thought associated with the feeling of sadness is ‘My life has changed and it will never be the same again’ while the mindset in depression is ‘My life has no meaning, no value from now on’. said.
Establishing a life order will start the healing process
Specialized clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who also gave advice to earthquake victims for this period, said to avoid depression. Even if it is temporary, the psychological recovery process will start when women build a living situation where they took shelter after the earthquake and are able to clean their own family’s food and the place where they live. It is important to be able to provide the opportunities they can provide in the tools of the institutions.” he said.
If the complaints do not subside after two months, watch out!
Specialized clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who advises to consult a specialist if the complaints do not improve, said: “If feelings such as anxiety, fear and anger persist unabated even after two months, sleep disturbances and nightmares are often experienced, traumatic memories surface their eyes over and over again, and helplessness, hopelessness If it is not possible to gradually return to pre-disaster functionality with feelings such as a sense of emptiness, a specialist should be consulted, gave advice.
To overcome trauma, these recommendations must be followed.
Specialist clinical psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy listed the points that need to be taken into account to overcome this serious trauma:
* To adjust to life without loss and to give yourself time to heal.
* Allowing yourself to feel and grieve emotions such as sadness and pain.
* Talk and share experiences.
* Do not neglect the needs such as food, sleep and physical health when you are in an emotionally sensitive period.
* Establishing some life routines to remove insecurities.
* Avoidance of drug mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes that can slow down and negatively affect the healing and processing process.
*Unfortunately, news of the vandalism and disappearances is constantly televised, limiting viewing as it leads to reliving the traumatic event.
* Being able to ask for help before reaching the point of exhaustion while taking care of his family.
* During this time, avoid major life decisions, such as moving or changing jobs.
* Seeing a mental health professional when you realize you are unable to keep up with your daily responsibilities and routines and have lingering feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.