Communication is essential when responding to earthquake-related psychological well being issues in kids and teenagers, within the aftermath of two main earthquakes in Türkiye’s southeast, which not solely prompted widespread devastation throughout 11 provinces but in addition had a detrimental impact on individuals’s psychological well being, an skilled stated Friday.
Pediatric psychologist Dr. Gülsen Erden highlighted the significance of appropriate communication with younger individuals throughout such a unprecedented disaster.
Emphasizing that it’s psychologically regular for anxiousness ranges to extend and for bodily signs to manifest throughout these tough days, Erden famous that the sense of shock brought on by the catastrophe, coupled with excessive emotions of worry, anxiousness, fear, guilt and helplessness, can result in unresponsiveness or hypersensitivity in people. Repeatedly recalling the pictures of the earthquake, avoiding stimuli that set off reminiscences of the catastrophe, insomnia and withdrawal from social actions are among the signs which may be noticed.
Erden additionally defined that feelings and behaviors corresponding to deep disappointment, and fast and excessive anger are regular stress responses to irregular conditions that may happen throughout a disaster and should final for a very long time. Therefore, it’s important to determine appropriate communication with kids and adolescents to assist them deal with the aftermath of the earthquake and the emotional misery it might trigger.
Effects in kids
According to Erden, kids, like adults, can show vital stress reactions following traumatic occasions.
“Emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, worry and guilt, as well as behaviors such as confusion, shyness, feelings of unease, excitement, hyperactivity, restlessness or overstimulation may be observed. However, the child’s response to the trauma may be influenced by various factors, including their age, their subjective perception of the cause of the trauma (such as feeling responsible for the event), the loss of a loved one, observing adults struggling to cope or experiencing a physical injury,” she stated.
“In teens, on the other hand, typical reactions to traumatic events may include fear, restlessness, depression, self-blame, loss of interest in school and other activities, regressive behaviors, deterioration in sleep and appetite, sleep terror, aggression, low concentration, separation anxiety, withdrawal, feelings of loneliness and grief. It is important to remember that each child may have unique reactions to a traumatic event and may require different types of support and care. Therefore, it is essential to establish appropriate communication with children and teens to understand their reactions and support them,” she added.
Experiencing tough instances
As Erden elaborated, kids and teenagers who skilled earthquakes usually battle emotionally and usually are not absolutely geared up to understand the difficulties they’re dealing with.
“Therefore, it is essential to establish a respectful, sensitive, understanding, sincere and compassionate relationship with them, regardless of their age. It is crucial to talk to them at eye level and to start the conversation by introducing yourself. During such conversations, it is crucial to listen to the child without interpreting or expressing surprise or pity,” she stated.
She additionally emphasised that kids must be inspired to precise their questions, emotions and conditions associated to the traumatic occasion, with none judgment. However, it’s important to not ask main questions, corresponding to “What did you do?” or “What happened to you?” to keep away from triggering worry and anxiousness in kids who’re reluctant to speak. Instead, she steered providing kids choices corresponding to portray, writing or taking part in video games to assist them categorical their feelings and experiences.
How to elucidate quakes to kids?
Highlighting the significance of offering age-appropriate details about earthquakes to kids, Erden famous that for younger kids, a easy and reassuring assertion can be sufficient. “For example explaining the situation as ‘There was an earthquake. On such occasions, the furniture in our house shakes and sometimes our walls can not resist these tremors. Yet earthquakes are rare natural occurrences like the snow winds,’ can be helpful,” she stated.
“For elementary school children, explaining the science behind earthquakes and tectonic plates in simple terms can help alleviate their anxiety. It is important to emphasize that everyone in the family is safe and everything will be alright. However, it is crucial not to show distressing images or convey the disaster with adult concerns,” she added.
Erden additionally steered creating a peaceful and secure atmosphere at house by reassuring kids that they don’t seem to be alone and that their emotions are regular. Families can interact in actions collectively, corresponding to taking part in video games or watching a film, to advertise a way of togetherness and scale back anxiousness. Additionally, sustaining regular routines and offering a way of construction and predictability might be reassuring to kids.
What ought to anxious people do?
Erden emphasised that it’s important to handle psychological well being and well-being throughout instances of disaster, each for kids and adults. She suggests limiting display screen time, utilizing tried-and-tested calming strategies, spending time with mates and interesting in welfare actions, and sharing feelings.
In addition, she means that you will need to try to return to our previous routines and habits, particularly when it comes to consuming and sleeping patterns, if they’ve been disrupted by the disaster.
“Providing safe spaces and opportunities for children to play, interact with their peers, and express their feelings through art and writing can be effective in developing appropriate coping mechanisms,” she stated.
“For adults, it is crucial to avoid harmful behaviors such as alcohol or drug use and to stay away from rumors that easily spread on social media, ending up impacting our mental health negatively,” she added.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
