Earthquakes and Mental Health

Impact on Children and Families

Because earthquakes are unexpected and can be very destructive, being in one can be terrifying. People fear they will be injured or killed. They may be separated from family, with hours passing before knowing if their loved ones are safe. They may see collapsed buildings or other destruction and experience the horror of seeing severely injured people or even dead bodies. As they assess the damage, people may find that a relative or close friend has been killed or that their home has been destroyed. Earthquakes are particularly difficult physically and emotionally for people who are disabled or have special needs ceus for social workers

In the aftermath, people may continue to encounter sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and inner feelings that remind them-even years after-of the earthquake. These traumatic reminders can bring on distressing mental images, thoughts, and emotional/physical reactions. Common reminders include aftershocks, cracks in the wall, rumbling noises, destroyed buildings, smells of fire and smoke, the place where they experienced the earthquake, seeing people with disabilities, funerals, anniversaries of the date, and television or radio news about earthquakes.

An earthquake may serve as a reminder of prior trauma and loss, making the current reactions even worse. Post-earthquake problems with living conditions, food, water, electricity, transportation, school, work, and daily routines may make living very difficult for weeks or even months. Efforts to contend with these adversities may significantly reduce a person's coping and emotional resources, and in turn interfere with their ability to recover

Post-earthquake studies of children and adults from around the world have found that:
•Those with the most severe earthquake-related experiences and losses have the most severe and persistent posttraumatic stress and grief reactions.
•There can be widespread separation-anxiety in children and adolescents following the event.
•Depression, associated with posttraumatic stress reactions and disruption to living circumstances, often occurs after major earthquakes.
•Ongoing problems may include: marital discord; substance abuse; delinquent, aggressive or withdrawn behavior; and complaints about physical health, including headaches, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, tightness in the chest, and appetite and digestive problems.
•Children and adolescents lose trust in the safety and security of the world, and in the ability of adults to protect them.
•Specialized trauma- or grief-focused mental health services can help children and adolescents recover from the psychological consequences of an earthquake.

Recovery: After an Earthquake



Most families will recover over time, particularly with the support of family, friends, and organizations. The length of recovery will depend, in part, upon how frightening the earthquake was, whether evacuation from home was necessary, and the extent of the damage and loss. Some families will be able to return to their normal routines rather quickly, while others will have to contend with repairing damage to their home and possessions, finding medical care, and facing financial hardship. Some families will have lost a loved one or a pet. Others will need to deal with school closings or changes in school schedules.

Children's functioning and recovery will be influenced by how their parents and caregivers cope during and after the earthquake. Children often turn to adults for information, comfort, and help. Children do best when parents and teachers remain (or at least appear) calm, answer children's questions honestly, and respond as best they can to requests.