Overview

Earthquakes not only cause devastating loss of life and property; it is also one of the most common natural disasters that can have long-lasting effects on mental health, especially among children and young people. An earthquake occurs unexpectedly, suddenly and causes serious trauma. It affects different age groups differently. Exposure to disasters can be direct or indirect, and both can leave lasting behavioral health problems in children. 
Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of natural disasters. When they experience mental problems, they show different symptoms because they are developmentally different from adults. Emotional and behavioral response to feared situations. These are "ordinary" reactions to extraordinary situations. This should not frighten families and teachers; adults should remain calm and rebuild a “sense of trust” for children and young people.

Different Reactions Are Observed in Different Age Groups

Children and young people who are directly or indirectly exposed to earthquakes have different reactions according to their developmental stages. These are normal responses to trauma. It is important that parents and teachers pay attention to these reactions.

In Pre-School Period:

• Inability to be alone, not wanting to be separated from parents
• fear, startle, restlessness
• Sleep and appetite problems
• nightmares
• behavioral problems
• Regression in acquired skills (such as pee-poo incontinence, thumb sucking) can be seen.

In School Age Children:

• clinging to parents or other primary caregivers
• crying or whining
• feeding problems
• Headaches, sleep problems and nightmares
• social withdrawal
• Attention and academic problems
• not wanting to go to school
• Irritability and behavioral problems may occur.

In youth:

The thought that an earthquake could turn their lives upside down and lose their control in this way is shocking for young people. The post-earthquake reactions that can be seen in this age group are revealed accordingly.

• Finding life meaningless and empty
• Seeing the future uncertain, aimlessness
• Making negative inquiries about the meaning of life
• Decrease in previous responsible behaviors
• Impulsive behavior, irritability, outbursts of anger
• Headache
• Sleep and digestive problems
• Uncertain physical complaints, increase or decrease in physical activity
• Don't want to be alone, don't be introverted
• Attention and academic problems may occur. 

Moreover; Along with conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, self-harming behaviors such as isolation, behavioral problems, risky behaviors, smoking, alcohol and substance use may develop.

Approach to Children and Young People with Trauma Symptoms

In times of earthquakes and similar natural disasters, children need adults who stay calm and can rebuild their sense of security. For this reason, adults should first try to find out what children know and think about the earthquake and convey the right information according to the child's age and developmental level. While presenting reassuring and realistic information, they should express that they are not alone, they are with them, and children should be allowed to convey their feelings.
Moreover; 

• It is necessary to quickly return to daily routines. 
• Programs that the child can participate in during the day should be planned.  
• Physical intimacy can be good for children.
• Spaces can be created where they can express themselves with games and pictures.
• Be flexible according to the child's reactions (especially in sleep and appetite problems)
• They should limit the use of screens and keep them away from earthquake-related programs.
• Adults should find common activities where they can spend time according to the individual characteristics of the child and their values.
• Communication with young people should be continued, 
• Young people can be given responsibility for domestic or earthquake-related assistance issues, and they can be directed to activities. The sense of control they lost can be rebuilt. It will be good for young people to be useful. 
• Young people want to be together with their peers, they should be supported in this regard.
• Spaces should be created where children and young people can express their feelings and get support from their friends and teachers, especially in the school environment.  

Adults post earthquake They should know that the severity of the symptoms will decrease and pass over time. When symptoms are severe and persist for more than a month, they should refer mental health professionals for support.