EARTHQUAKE

Dear Students;

Considering the disaster and its effects, we have been living the last few weeks in an unusual way. Of course, the situation can be much more difficult for individuals who experience this reality and whose living conditions are directly affected. We have trouble breathing, eating, sleeping, and going to work or school. We want our loved ones by our side, and as a result of all that has happened, we have worries about the future. Many of us also feel anger and helplessness in the face of these experiences, and we may even unintentionally reflect these feelings on the people closest to us.

First of all, we must state that all these feelings are normal reactions to an extraordinary event. The thing that can reduce our feelings of fear and anxiety a little bit and facilitate the rebuilding of the feeling of trust is providing basic protection, basic care, and living conditions. In the first place, it is of great importance that the needs for shelter, food, and drink can be met. You may be confused about what to do next. For this reason, as the Psychological Counseling Unit of the Dean of Students, we have determined the steps you can take advantage of by creating a road map to help our students, staff, and their relatives who have experienced the earthquake and were directly or indirectly affected by the earthquake:

· Your health is important. You may have medications, doctor checkups, or an exercise program you need to continue. In this period, it will be in your best interest to continue all these follow-ups from where you left off. Physical exercise (walking, etc.) as much as you can makes it easier to regain your lost body calmness.

· Accurate information gives confidence. Try to get accurate information from reliable information sources about the disaster situation, what to do, planning, and psychological first aid. Stay away from posts that are confusing or that try to spread anxiety and fear.

· You may have relatives and friends who came to your cities from disaster areas after the earthquake. When communicating with these people, your willingness to help may come to the fore. At this point, instead of trying to save them from the situation they are in, It will be much more beneficial to listen to them, to make them feel that you are with them, to allow them to tell about their experiences, and to try to understand their feelings. Avoid using expressions such as "Everything will be fine" or "at least nothing happened to you".

If you have complaints such as insomnia, inability to eat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, intense feelings of anxiety that you have difficulty coping with, nightmares, or not being able to enjoy the things you love after the earthquakes, and if these symptoms are at a level that prevents you from continuing your daily life, you can seek help from a specialist.

· Especially if you have experienced another earthquake before, you can stay away from repetitive images and social media posts that you think have a negative impact on you.

You can remind yourself that you need time to heal. Having realistic expectations in this regard will be good for both you and those around you.

Psychologist Nagihan SEN

exp. Ps. From. Emel Bulu

01-03-2023

DEAN OF STUDENT

Psychological Counseling Unit