Stating that earthquake victims were affected much more by the disaster with the effect of their responsibilities, experts point out what needs to be done in order for women to get out of this period with the least damage. Specialist Clinical Psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy said that having a purpose in life, being a remedy for others, and trying to do this despite lack and limited opportunities, on the one hand, is very challenging, but on the other hand, it can play a protective role from depression. According to Demirsoy, even if it is temporary, women’s establishing a living order in the place where they sheltered after the earthquake and being able to cook for their own family and clean the place where they live will start the psychological recovery process.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Specialist Clinical Psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy made an assessment about the trauma experienced by earthquake victims and their ways of coping, in a statement she made on the occasion of 8 March International Women’s Day.
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, “Even though the earthquake deeply affects people of all ages, women, men and children, the difficulty is much greater for women. Women are primarily responsible for the care of other members of the family, the disabled, if any, and the elderly. Their caregiving responsibilities exacerbate their difficulties. While they hardly meet their basic physical needs due to losing their house, belongings and organization, they also have to protect and watch over the people they are responsible for. If he has a disabled or elderly person or a small baby he is responsible for, it further aggravates the conditions of mobility restriction. When they have to do things like get food, water, line up for supplies, it’s a challenge to let them go and do it.” he said.
Having a purpose in life can protect from depression
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who stated that earthquake survivors had to care for others and re-establish a life order while they were experiencing the pain of their loss on the one hand, said, “Having a purpose in life, being a cure for others, and trying to do this despite lack and limited opportunities is a must. While it is very challenging on the one hand, it can also play a protective role from depression. There was a great disaster and people lost not only their homes, belongings, life style, but also their family, relatives, friends and loved ones, even if it was not their own loss, they experienced the pain of those who lost it closely.” said.
Experiencing shock and anxiety are natural reactions.
Specialist 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 mourning period in which some physical, emotional and behavioral problems are felt and depressive feelings are observed. Feelings of shock, anxiety and panic, sleep disturbances, sadness, grief, anger, and difficulties in thinking and making decisions, experienced in the first month or two 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 mourning process and developing some psychiatric disorders after sudden and terrifying losses due to natural disasters such as earthquakes.” warned.
The way of thinking differs in sadness and depression
Stating that the most common illness after natural disasters is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the second is major depression, Çiğdem Demirsoy said, “Deep sadness and grief due to losses are natural in this process and not every sadness is depression. Like sadness, the feeling of pain is a normal part of the grieving process. Trying to escape from these feelings makes it difficult to adapt and has unhealthy consequences. The thought that accompanies the feeling of sadness is ‘My life has changed and it will never be the same again’, while the way of thinking in depression is ‘My life has no meaning, no value from now on’. said.
Establishing a life order will start the healing process
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who also gave advice to earthquake victims for this period, said, “Trying to establish life routines within the framework of possibilities, reminding oneself of life goals before the disaster and gradually returning to the behaviors related to these will help to prevent depression. Even if it is temporary, women’s establishing a living order in the place where they sheltered after the earthquake and being able to clean their own family’s food and the place where they live will start the psychological recovery process. It is important to be able to offer the opportunities that they can provide in the aids made by the institutions.” he said.
If the complaints do not decrease after two months, beware!
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy, who advises to consult a specialist if the complaints do not decrease, said, “If feelings such as anxiety, fear and anger continue unabated even after two months, sleep disorders and nightmares are experienced frequently, traumatic memories resurface before their eyes again and again, and helplessness, hopelessness, If it is not possible to gradually return to the functionality before the disaster with feelings such as a feeling of emptiness, a specialist should be consulted.” gave advice.
To overcome trauma, these recommendations should be heeded.
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Çiğdem Demirsoy listed the points to be considered in order to overcome this severe trauma:
- To adapt to living with the absence of loss and to give yourself time to heal.
- Allowing yourself to feel and grieve emotions such as sadness and pain.
- Talking and sharing their experiences.
- Not neglecting their needs such as food, sleep and physical health when they are emotionally sensitive.
- Establishing some life routines to eliminate uncertainties.
- Avoiding drug mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes that may delay the healing and coping process and negatively affect it.
- Unfortunately, news of devastation and disappearances is constantly broadcast on television, limiting viewing as it leads to re-experiencing the traumatic event.
- To be able to ask for help before reaching the point of exhaustion while caring for the family.
- Avoiding making important life decisions such as moving or changing jobs during this period.
- Seeing a mental health professional when you realize that you are unable to maintain daily responsibilities and routines, and have persistent feelings of distress and hopelessness.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
