The invisible face of Feb 6 Earthquakes: Psychological trauma persists after 3 years

By Bilge Türk | Wise News Press

ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE — Three years have passed since the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on February 6, 2023, a period etched in history as the "Disaster of the Century." While statistics have quantified the painful losses and physical destruction, the psychological toll of the disaster remains largely unquantifiable and deeply entrenched in the lives of survivors.

As cities are rebuilt and physical wounds begin to scar over, experts are drawing attention to the "invisible wreckage" that persists. Clinical Psychologist Eslem Fulya Ekşi from Moodist Psychiatry and Neurology Hospital emphasizes that the feelings of fear, anxiety, helplessness, and uncertainty experienced during such natural disasters often do not fade as quickly as the aftershocks.

"Physical damage is visible, psychological impact is silent"

Although an earthquake may seem like a nature event that lasts only seconds, its impact on the human psyche is far more enduring. Once the ground stops shaking, the real challenge begins for many: psychological recovery.

"Fear, anxiety, helplessness, and uncertainty are extremely common after an earthquake," says Clinical Psychologist Eslem Fulya Ekşi. "These reactions are not a sign of 'weakness,' but a natural part of the human survival reflex. Because an earthquake is sudden, uncontrollable, and life-threatening, it is defined in psychology as a 'traumatic experience.'"

Ekşi notes that assessing the impact of the earthquake solely through physical damage is a flawed perspective. "While physical damage is visible, psychological effects often progress unnoticed. This can prevent the individual from re-establishing a healthy harmony with life long after the event," she adds.

Why does the brain remain on "High Alert"?

Survivors often report a state of constant vigilance, startling at the slightest sound, sleep disturbances, and intrusive flashbacks of the event. According to experts, these are not necessarily signs of mental illness but rather the brain's acute stress response continuing to operate.

"The nervous system records the event as 'high risk' and tries to protect the individual from a potential threat," explains Ekşi. "Therefore, post-earthquake psychological symptoms are often normal reactions to an abnormal situation."

The danger of suppressing emotions

In the aftermath of disasters, there is often a societal expectation to "be strong" and move on. However, experts warn that suppressing emotions can delay the healing process and lead to psychosomatic symptoms.

"Unexpressed emotions can eventually manifest as physical complaints, intense anxiety, anger outbursts, or depressive symptoms," warns Ekşi. "Scientific studies show that recovery progresses more healthily in environments where post-trauma emotions are recognized and allowed to be expressed. Being able to talk about fear, sadness, and uncertainty helps slow down the mind's alarm system."

When is professional help necessary?

While many psychological reactions diminish over time, some can become chronic. It is crucial to distinguish between a normal healing process and one that requires intervention.

Clinical Psychologist Ekşi outlines the red flags that indicate the need for professional support:

• Duration: Symptoms persisting for weeks without subsiding.

• Functionality: Inability to return to daily life, work, or care for oneself.

• Avoidance: Increasing withdrawal from social relationships and narrowing of one's living space.

• Physical Symptoms: Persistent sleep and appetite problems.

"Psychological support does not aim to make the individual suppress the traumatic experience, but to make sense of it within a safe framework and reconnect with life," Ekşi concludes. "Support received in the early stages is a significant protective factor in preventing long-term mental health problems."

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