TRAUMA, ADDICTION, AND THE PATH TO RECOVERY AFTER THE KAHRAMANMARAŞ EARTHQUAKES

Year 2024, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 37 - 59, 03.07.2024

Metin Çınaroğlu

https://doi.org/10.52122/nisantasisbd.1434830

Abstract

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey, characterized by their suddenness and severity, have highlighted the acute need to understand and address the psychological aftermath of such natural disasters. This article examines the intersection of trauma and addiction that frequently follows such catastrophic events. It delves into the widespread psychological distress and the documented rise in post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors among the affected populations. The review synthesizes findings from global earthquake studies, including those from Japan, Nepal, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti and China, to draw parallels and learn from previous experiences in managing post-disaster mental health challenges.
The article proposes a multi-pronged approach to intervention that includes immediate responses such as Psychological First Aid and longer-term strategies like sustained psychological counseling and community-based support. It acknowledges the complexity of integrating cultural nuances into these interventions and highlights the importance of ethical considerations, political coordination, and the need for training mental health professionals in trauma-informed care.
Challenges such as resource limitations, infrastructural damage, cultural barriers, and the need for long-term sustainability of mental health programs are discussed. Furthermore, the article stresses the importance of supporting the mental health of professionals and volunteers working in disaster zones, who are at risk of burnout and secondary trauma.
Innovative and adaptable interventions, supported by rapid and responsive research, are advocated to improve mental health outcomes. This comprehensive review contributes to the discourse on disaster response, emphasizing that addressing both trauma and addiction is essential for the holistic recovery of affected individuals and communities.

Keywords

Earthquake Psychology, Trauma, Addiction, Post-Disaster Mental Health

KAHRAMANMARAŞ DEPREMLERININ ARDINDAN TRAVMA, BAĞIMLILIK VE İYILEŞME YOLCULUĞU

Abstract

2023 Kahramanmaraş depremleri, Türkiye'de ani ve şiddetli karakterleriyle dikkat çekmiş ve bu tür doğal felaketlerin ardından ortaya çıkan psikolojik sonuçları anlamaya ve ele almaya yönelik acil bir ihtiyacı vurgulamıştır. Bu makale, bu tür felaketlerin ardından sıklıkla ortaya çıkan travma ve bağımlılığın kesişimini incelemektedir. Yaygın psikolojik sıkıntıların yanı sıra, etkilenen nüfuslar arasında travma sonrası stres bozukluğu, anksiyete, depresyon ve bağımlılık davranışlarında bulunan artışları derinlemesine ortaya koymaktadır. Derleme, Japonya, Nepal, İtalya, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti ve Çin gibi ülkelerde yapılan küresel deprem çalışmalarının bulgularını sentezleyerek, felaket sonrası zihinsel sağlık zorluklarını yönetmede önceki deneyimlerden paralellikler çiziyor ve dersler çıkarmayı amaçlamaktadır.
Makale, Psikolojik İlk Yardım gibi anlık müdaheleler ve sürdürülebilir psikolojik danışmanlık ve toplum tabanlı destek gibi uzun vadeli stratejiler içeren çok yönlü bir müdahale yaklaşımı önermektedir. Bu müdahalelere kültürel nüansların entegrasyonunun karmaşıklığını kabul ediyor ve etik düşüncelerin, politik koordinasyonun ve deprem travma süreçlerinin tedavisi konusunda zihinsel sağlık profesyonellerinin eğitilmesi ihtiyacının önemini vurgulamaktadır.
Kaynak kısıtlılıkları, altyapı hasarı, kültürel engeller ve zihinsel sağlık programlarının uzun vadeli sürdürülebilirliği gibi zorluklar tartışılmaktadır. Ayrıca, felaket bölgelerinde çalışan profesyonellerin ve gönüllülerin zihinsel sağlığını desteklemenin önemini vurguluyor, zira bu kişiler tükenmişlik ve ikincil travma riski altındadır.
Zihinsel sağlık sonuçlarını iyileştirmek için hızlı ve duyarlı araştırmalarla desteklenen yenilikçi ve uyarlanabilir müdahaleler savunulmaktadır. Bu kapsamlı inceleme, felaket müdahelesi üzerine olan tartışmalara katkıda bulunmakta ve etkilenen bireylerin ve toplulukların bütüncül iyileşmesi için hem travmanın hem de bağımlılığın ele alınmasının önemini vurgulamaktadır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Deprem psikolojisi, travma, bağımlılık, deprem sonrası ruh sağlığı
Jel Kodları: I12,I31,J12

Keywords

Deprem psikolojisi, travma, bağımlılık, deprem sonrası ruh sağlığı

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