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alexk
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When the 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, pictures of the structural damage caused by the event were posted almost immediately online.
But what we don’t necessarily see following such disasters are the psychological effects they may have on survivors, Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (TTAP) PRO Kelly Mc Farlane said yesterday.
Mc Farlane said the way to help people who were adversely affected mentally by the event was simply being there for them.
He said while generally speaking the T&T population was usually nonchalant about such events, there were others who were more affected from a mental health perspective.
“So you look at people who might be more on the neurotic side who tend to be more sensitive and more emotional and they may experience heightened anxiety, maybe some post traumatic stress, having some nightmares or questioning what if this happens again going into overdrive for preparing, that real anxiety where they might not want to leave home,” Mc Farlane said.
“Then I would consider children, because children who may not have been previously taught much about earthquakes on a serious level and something of that magnitude may get really, really scared.”
She said in helping loved ones overcome this sort of fear, loved ones were the “first line of support”.
“If you are the family member who is not as affected as the person having the nightmares and so on, reassure them that you will look out for things, maybe take shifts in sleeping just until the person settles down,” Mc Farlane said.
“Of course as with any other mental health symptom that you may see in a family member or friend, if it does not start to subside after a couple days seek professional help. So if you are the person suffering and really stressed out by this seek the support of your loved ones.”
Mc Farlane said parents and guardians could help children learn more about earthquakes and the preventative steps needed to be taken in order to help calm them down.
HOW TO SURVIVE AN EARTHQUAK
• Stay secure, do not panic but remain alert
• Do not run outside
• Stand in doorway or under sturdy desk or bed and hold on
• Do not use elevators and stairs
• Move away from heavy objects and glass
• If outside, stay away from glass buildings, utility poles and bridges in outside
If driving and an earthquake occurs
• Slow down until it’s safe to stop
• Stay in the vehicle unless you are on the shoulder and can exit safely
• Keep on your seatbelt
• Put on your hazard lights
In the event of an emergency call 999—this emergency number must dispatch police, fire, and ambulance.
Courtesy the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management and Arrive Alive TT