MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

 Semsûr (Adıyaman)- Although eight months have passed since the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Kurdistan on February 6, 2023, the wounds of the people have not been healed. The trauma experienced by quake survivors is slowly observed by the solidarity shown by the volunteers.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Psychologist Fadime Temel, a volunteer in earthquake-affected cities, said that they observed anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and aggressive behaviors among quake survivors.

 ‘Women and girls shoulder the burden of this disaster’

Fadime Temel said that they observed the symptoms of anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among quake survivors, especially women and girls. “Women and children have lost not only their relatives but also their old standards and daily routines. We observe that the norms, roles and responsibilities of women and girls have changed after the disaster. They shoulder the burden of this disaster. The physical symptoms of grief and depression are more common among women while children develop symptoms such as difficulty in expressing their emotions, withdrawal and isolation, and aggressive behavior.”

‘They expresses what they need more’

The earthquakes forced thousands to leave their homes, neighbors and safe areas. “The majority of quake survivors have experienced conditions that they had never experienced before. They continue to live by shouldering a sack full of obligation and loss. They felt guilty when they demanded their basic needs to be met because thousands of people were killed in the earthquakes. Now, they have accepted the fact that life is going on and they are able to express what they need and that they need psychosocial support more.”

Fadima Temel also drew attention to the increase in suspicious death-suicide cases. “The reports sent by our colleagues and the members of NGOs working on the ground confirm the increase in suspicious death-suicide cases in the quake-affected areas. The cases keep increasing. In such an environment, people should establish a warm relationship with each other to overcome all difficulties faced by them. The volunteers, the members of NGOs and public employees working on the ground play an important role in supporting quake survivors. They should work in cooperation with each other.”

‘Effective and appropriate studies should be carried out in quake-affected areas’

Fadime Temel highlighted the need for cooperation among NGOs, volunteers and public employees working in quake-affected areas. “Effective and appropriate studies should be carried out in these areas. I think our new normal will cause new problems. We observe that the level of aggression in society will increase, the family conflicts will intensify and survivors will face more behavioral and adaptation problems. Every organization and individual should take responsibility according to their potency and capacity, and work in cooperation to strengthen each other. Social solidarity is important for healing from trauma.”