Psychological impacts of earthquakes extend beyond physical epicenters

Natural disasters like earthquakes cause psychological impacts that extend far beyond the physical epicenter. Individuals located hundreds of kilometers away may experience severe anxiety, hypervigilance, insomnia, and repetitive thoughts due to the inability to communicate with loved ones and the overexposure to devastating images on social media and news outlets.

Experts note that the brain reacts not only to immediate physical danger but also to the perceived possibility of loss and the inability to protect others. Compulsive checking of mobile phones and social media are often attempts to regain a sense of control in uncontrollable situations. However, experts clarify that a lack of immediate communication is often due to network saturation or battery issues rather than tragedy.

To manage post-seismic stress, specialists recommend returning to basic routines such as regular sleep, hydration, and nutrition. It is advised to reduce constant exposure to news, rely only on official sources, and practice slow breathing. When communicating with children, experts suggest validating their emotions by asking how they feel rather than dismissing their fear, as adults serve as essential models for emotional regulation.