Watch for these signs in children after the earthquake

Psychologists from Izmit Municipality stressed the importance of psychological support for children exposed to the reality of the earthquake through social media, televisions and the environment. By explaining how parents will manage the process of reducing the traumatic effects of an earthquake on children, psychologists underlined that it is normal for children to have emotional reactions.

“Earthquake can be explained with Legos or jenga stones”

Psychologist Kerim Alp İlter stated that because children do not know how to think abstractly, much of the earthquake must be explained concretely. They can say they will try to protect them. This will comfort the children. Children usually take care of their parents. Therefore, the level of anxiety of parents is very important. If the parents are calm, the children will generally be calm. Children can show facts such as injury and death due to earthquakes in their games. At this point, parents should try to listen calmly to their children’s feelings and thoughts. They should also not interfere too much with the games. If the games take too long, they can arrange their games to better finish their games. In the first 30 days, it is normal for both children and adults to give emotional goods. If these reactions continue to increase at the end of 30 days, you should definitely seek help from a specialist.

“It is important to talk about the events and be in direct contact with the child”

Psychologist Göksu Aymergen, who stressed that the earthquake fact should be discussed with children, said: “Even though they do not mainly live in the earthquake area, they are exposed to events on social media, televisions or conversations with their parents. They are very responsive at the moment. This does not mean that they are unaffected by the event. Problems such as crying fits, difficulty entering the house, not being able to leave the parent. The reason for these symptoms is the feeling of insecurity. It is important to know about talk about these events and have one-on-one contact with the child to overcome this feeling. Emotions can be discussed instead of describing the events in detail. It should be explained to the child that it is a child. can be done with the child to cope. Instead of saying that there is nothing to be afraid of, say that you understand. It is necessary to a sense of trust in the child in this process. ac is important. I hope we get through this process in the most harmless and healthy way possible,” he said.