The psychological effects of the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake, which is accepted as one of the most destructive disasters of the century and caused many people to die and be injured in 10 provinces of our country, are especially evident on children. Unlike other natural disasters such as floods, fires and severe storms, the sudden and rapid earthquake that does not show any symptoms causes deep and devastating scars on children and young people that are hard to forget. Earthquake can lead to the shaking of the senses of “safety” and “normality-normality-” in children, emotional and physical exhaustion, and in some children, feelings such as guilt due to the injury or death of other friends. It is of great importance in this process that parents make them feel that they are with them by being calm and hugging their children without avoiding talking about the earthquake.
Pedagogue from Memorial Şişli Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychology Department, Dr. Melda Alantar made suggestions for controlling the devastating psychological effect of the earthquake in childhood and adolescence.
Children react differently according to their age and developmental maturity level.
Unlike other natural events such as hurricanes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, earthquakes occur without any warning. Causes extensive destruction within minutes. This leads to a decrease in psychological adjustment that facilitates coping in disaster victims. Survivors are forced to face realities such as aftershocks, explosions, smoke and soot reminding of destruction. It is very difficult to deal with this situation, which creates confusion and confusion, especially for children. Ruined and abandoned places, mud and cold all over the place drag people into despair. After natural disasters, people feel powerless and exhibit negative emotional reactions because events occur outside of their control. Children, on the other hand, show different reactions according to their age and developmental maturity levels. There are also common feelings that are frequently observed in children after natural disasters. People do not have the ability to completely prevent natural events. For this reason, the feeling that everything is out of control is very evident in children. Disasters cause disruption of the natural order. The child may lose confidence with the thought, “If such a disaster happens, all kinds of bad things can happen to me”. He feels that he is not safe.
Some common symptoms in children after natural disasters include:
- Symptoms such as infantile behavior, thumb sucking, bed-wetting, clinging to parents, mischief, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, alienation from friends and normal daily routine can be observed in preschool children.
- Anger, aggression, night nightmares, school refusal, distraction, withdrawal from friends and activities, and academic and behavioral regressions can be seen in primary school children.
- Symptoms such as nutrition and sleep disorders, complex emotions, conflicts, irritability, physical complaints (head and stomach aches, etc.), distraction, school failure, crime, alcohol, cigarette and drug use can be observed in adolescents.
- Some children may feel guilty, thinking that the disaster is because of their past misdeeds. There are those who avoid talking about the events that have happened, and there are also those who want to talk about it all the time. Some children may not show any of these behaviors, their distress may not be noticed from the outside. In some children, behaviors related to these problems may occur weeks or months later.
How can parents help their children affected by natural disasters?
After the sudden feeling of severe threat, children take the example of adults who are important in their lives in order to cope with the effects of events. Parents, teachers, and other adults can help children and young people after a natural disaster by staying calm and speaking convincingly that nothing bad will happen to them.
Parents should pay particular attention to the following points for the right approach to their children affected by the earthquake:
- Do not be afraid to talk about events. If you can’t think of words after what’s happened, it’s always good to hug him and say, “This is really tough for all of us.” Be calm and let him know that you will always be there for him as a parent. Be honest with your child about what happened. Do not deny the seriousness of the situation. Saying “Don’t worry, everything is fine” does not lessen the child’s worries. The child knows that this is not true for the near future. Be warm and affectionate towards him.
- Let children express their feelings and thoughts. Some children want to tell stories over and over again, this is part of the healing process. Listen carefully to him. Young children, on the other hand, can express their feelings by playing with toys such as fire trucks and ambulances.
- Try to restore the house order before the events or create a new order as soon as possible. Make sure that family members are together. Make sure to keep the promises you make to your child to get them to trust adults again.
- Do not make your children watch news and programs about disasters that are frequently covered in the media. Mention other program suggestions they might watch.
- Support should be given to children who lost their relatives and friends in the events. Adults think that they will protect children by keeping them away from conversations and ceremonies about death. This situation creates anxiety and confusion in the child. Use simple language when describing death. Provide short, accurate information appropriate for the child’s age. Tell him that he can attend the ceremony if he wishes, and provide information on what he will encounter there.
- Every crisis is an opportunity. Remind your child that these natural disasters bring together all people in our society and around the world.
- Get professional support. You can get help from psychological counselors working in schools, pedagogues, psychologists and psychiatrists working in hospitals and other institutions.
How can educators help students affected by natural disasters?
- It is usually appropriate to return to the usual daily schedule as soon as possible. However, if the students are restless, the events can be discussed in groups at the beginning of the school day. Teachers can go beyond the daily curriculum and ask the following questions: “Where were you when it happened? Do you want to tell what happened, what you saw, what you heard? When was the hardest, worst moment? What were your feelings? What are you feeling now? What scared you the most?” like…
- Activities such as painting, writing a story, and creating a memory corner using different materials such as paper, paint, clay, and dough provide students with the opportunity to express their feelings.
- Assign less homework by keeping lessons shorter. Talk to your students about how natural disasters occur.
- Children can take part in some concrete activities to regain the sense that they can control their lives; for example, donating for the injured, sending cards or letters to their relatives, planting trees to commemorate the dead.
- The most appropriate person to announce the news of his death at school is the principal. When announcing the death, use the central announcement system where all students can hear this information at the same time. Then go through the classes one by one. Especially go to the most affected. Do not rush to remove the deceased child’s desk or belongings. Get help from the child’s friends while doing this. Encourage students to visit the deceased child’s or educator’s family and send letters home. Arrangements should be made for funeral ceremonies, and as a general principle, teachers and students should be allowed to attend the funeral.
- Remind your students often that what they are going through is difficult but temporary and that everything will be okay.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
