What Is Earthquake Fear and What Are Its Effects on People?

Earthquakes are natural events commonly encountered around the world that threaten people's lives and can have devastating effects. Depending on their magnitude, earthquakes can cause severe damage in the area where they occur. Natural disasters such as earthquakes can lead to psychological problems in addition to physical destruction.

Earthquake fear may begin after the earthquake in people who were directly affected by it. In addition, fear can also arise in people who did not experience an earthquake firsthand but witnessed it through the media or another communication channel. What is earthquake fear? What are its symptoms? How can this fear be coped with? You can read on for answers to these questions and detailed information on the subject.

What Is Earthquake Fear?

Under normal circumstances, people may have certain fears in their lives. Earthquake fear is one of them. Earthquakes are among the most feared natural disasters, because it is not entirely possible to know when and where an earthquake will occur. Earthquakes, which can occur anywhere and at any time, can have profound effects on human psychology. People often experience feelings of helplessness, anxiety and fear when they feel endangered and when events unfold beyond their control. However, one of the most important aspects that distinguishes earthquake fear from other fears is that a person feels anxious both for themselves and for those around them.

Earthquake fear is the fear and anxiety people experience about earthquakes during or after an earthquake. Such fear is encountered more often in people living in areas with high earthquake risk. In some cases, earthquake fear is not just a feeling of fear but can become a phobia that affects every aspect of a person's life. Earthquake phobia, also called seismophobia, is rooted in fear of death and fear of loss.

People living in regions affected by an earthquake who have lost relatives and/or their homes or workplaces may feel fear more intensely. In these people, psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression may emerge. In addition, intense anxiety may also arise in those who have relatives in the affected regions or who have in some way witnessed the destruction in the area. For this reason, psychological support is an important necessity after an earthquake.

What Are the Symptoms of Earthquake Fear?

Symptoms of earthquake fear vary from person to person, and symptoms may differ depending on the intensity and duration of the fear. Fear may sometimes appear as a phobia, while in some cases it may manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder. The most common symptoms of earthquake fear can be listed as follows:

Persistent anxiety and fear,

Heart palpitations,

Sleep problems,

Difficulty concentrating,

Eating problems,

Making efforts to bring the feeling of fear under control but failing,

Dizziness,

Avoiding crowded and enclosed places,

Feeling of restlessness,

Panic attack symptoms such as shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation (1)

In addition to the symptoms listed above, people who experience fear and anxiety related to earthquakes generally do not want to be in environments where earthquakes are discussed.

Symptoms Seen in Adults

Earthquakes can have negative effects on everyone, regardless of age or gender. However, the symptoms seen in adults and children may differ. The main symptoms seen in adults are as follows (1, 2):

Constant worry and fear: Adults who fear earthquakes may be in a constant state of worry and fear. These people may experience a continuous state of anxiety about when an earthquake will occur and/or how they will protect themselves and those around them in the event of a possible earthquake.

Panic attack: Talking about an earthquake-related topic or an earthquake occurring anywhere may trigger a panic attack in adults. This condition may manifest with symptoms such as sudden intense fear, sweating, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and a feeling of numbness.

Sleep problems: Sleep problems are commonly seen in adults who fear earthquakes. People who fear being caught by an earthquake at night may have difficulty falling asleep. This can negatively affect a person's daily life.

Difficulty concentrating: The minds of adults experiencing this fear may be preoccupied with thoughts about earthquakes. People may feel the need to constantly research earthquakes or follow the news. This can prevent people from carrying out their daily tasks.

Social withdrawal: Problems may also arise in the social relationships of people experiencing earthquake fear. People who constantly think about earthquakes may withdraw into their inner world, distancing themselves from their family and friends.

Depending on the level of fear, the reactions people display may also vary. So what are the reactions to earthquake fear in adults? An earthquake, although a natural phenomenon, is a destructive event that occurs outside the normal flow of people's daily lives. Various reactions given by people in such extraordinary situations are generally considered normal. The first of these reactions includes behaviors aimed at protecting oneself and one's surroundings. Along with this, physiological reactions such as loss of appetite and heart palpitations, and cognitive reactions such as memory problems and insomnia, are also commonly seen. Since these complaints may continue for a long time, they can negatively affect people's lives. For this reason, it is important for people who fear earthquakes to apply to the nearest healthcare facility without losing time and seek help from healthcare professionals.

Symptoms Seen in Children

Children's physiological and psychological characteristics differ from those of adults. For this reason, the reactions children display in response to situations may also differ. The main symptoms seen in children are as follows:

Crying without cause,

Not wanting to be alone,

Avoiding sleeping alone,

Not wanting to go to school,

Physiological complaints such as stomach ache and nausea,

Emergence of behaviors not previously present, such as irritability and shyness,

Problems such as unhappiness and lack of motivation

The symptoms listed above are seen more frequently especially in children who have experienced an earthquake. However, today the presence of media and communication tools in every area of life may cause children who have not experienced an earthquake to see people affected by it and to fear earthquakes. One of the most important ways to overcome fear in children is to explain earthquakes to them. So how should earthquakes be explained to children? When explaining an earthquake, it is important to first use language appropriate to the child's age and development. It is important to give children accurate information about earthquakes, such as what an earthquake is and how it occurs. Along with this, it is also important to listen to children's concerns and to explain, in language suited to them, that protection from earthquakes is possible.

What Can We Do About Earthquake Fear?

People who fear earthquakes can reduce their anxiety by taking certain precautions. However, it is important for people with psychological problems to first apply to the nearest healthcare facility and receive the necessary help from doctors who are experts in their field. So what can be done to overcome earthquake fear? Some suggestions that can help overcome earthquake fear can be listed as follows:

Having sufficient information about earthquakes: Having sufficient information about earthquakes can help people cope with fear and anxiety. In addition, watching videos about how earthquakes form, attending seminars or reviewing local disaster management plans can help reduce fear and anxiety.

Being prepared: Being prepared for earthquakes can help reduce people's fears and anxieties. To do this, first an emergency bag can be prepared and it can be checked whether homes are earthquake-resistant.

Doing calming exercises: Calming exercises such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and thus reduce feelings of fear and anxiety.

Getting professional support: One of the most effective ways to overcome fear and anxiety is to seek help from an expert such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The Importance of Psychological Support for Earthquake Fear

Earthquake fear can be a highly challenging situation for people. For this reason, providing these people with psychological support is extremely important. Psychological support can help people with earthquake fear cope with the emotions they are experiencing.

Therapy is a beneficial option for people who fear earthquakes and experience anxiety.

A psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert in their field can help people who fear earthquakes understand their fears and anxieties. Psychological support is also important for people who experience traumatic experiences during or after an earthquake. People who suffer from post-earthquake stress disorder often have difficulty coping with the terrifying experiences they have lived through. These people can be helped using therapy, medication treatment and other treatment methods. Psychological support can help people who fear earthquakes manage their fears and continue their daily lives.

An earthquake is a natural event with destructive effects. For this reason, reactions of those affected by earthquakes that may seem abnormal are normal reactions. Approaching someone affected by an earthquake is important. So how should someone affected by an earthquake be approached? First of all, it is important for not only those affected by the earthquake but also the people around them to receive psychological support. Along with this, when approaching someone affected by an earthquake, it is important to first try to understand their feelings and listen to them. Empathy is important for understanding the pain and concerns of the affected person. In addition, it is necessary to make the affected person feel that you will help them not only now but also in the future.

Coping with traumatic experiences may not always be easy. At this point, it is recommended to seek help from a healthcare professional who is an expert in the field. Do not neglect to apply to the nearest healthcare facility for support and information, both for yourself and for your child.