After a high-intensity and devastating earthquake occurs, children may experience anxiety, fear, sadness, sleep disturbance, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and outbursts of anger. Young children under the age of 8 are particularly at risk for mental health problems. Some children may develop disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after an earthquake. Stress and emotional problems affect children’s physical health, quality of life, and how they behave at home, at school, and in their communities. It is important to keep children mentally and physically safe during and after a disaster. Parents who can recognize the signs of children’s mental stress can best help their children cope with stress and stay healthy.
The stress caused by the earthquake can be more difficult for children because they do not have as much perception and make sense of the situation as adults, they feel less in control and have less experience in dealing with such difficult situations.
How Can Families and Adults Help Children Cope After an Earthquake?
Give your children opportunities to talk about what they’ve been through or what they think about it. Encourage them to share their concerns and ask questions. Talking will put them at ease.
Let your children be with you or another trusted adult who can help them feel safe, calm and give them a sense of hope.
Limit exposure to mass media related to the earthquake and its aftermath. Children who have been directly exposed to an earthquake may become upset again when they see or hear reminders of what happened.
Encourage your children to take action directly related to the earthquake. This can help them regain a sense of control and manage their emotions. For example, children can help others to help community or family members in a safe environment after a disaster. Children, especially young children, should never be involved in disaster recovery activities.
When should psychological support process be started for children?
Children may need ongoing mental health support for months or longer after a major earthquake. If he continues to be very sad, worried, scared, and angry for more than 4 weeks after the earthquake, he should seek professional support at that point. If support is not received, your child’s problems may worsen rather than improve over time. Schoolwork may be affected, and relationships with friends or family may suffer.
