Strong earthquake shook Delhi-NCR late on Monday night. The national centre for seismology indicated that the earthquake occurred in Xinjiang which is a region in southern China had a Richter scale value of 7.2.
6.1 magnitude earthquake vibrations occurred in Afghanistan on January 11 that caused minor vibrations of earthquake in Delhi and the National Capital Region. That earthquake epicenter was 241 km northeast of Kabul. The tremors were also felt the region of neighboring country Pakistan. Authorities in the impacted areas are keeping a careful eye on the circumstances, but have not yet issued any alarms.
Also Read: Psychology behind Traumatic Events
Natural disasters
Catastrophic incidents that occur from any of the natural processes which occur on Earth are known as natural disasters. These can include earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, flood etc. These are the natural hazards. Natural disasters are classified in various categories based on the specific criteria:
- Geological disasters: landslides, earthquakes etc.
- Hydrological disasters: flood, tsunami, etc.
- Meteorological disasters: cyclonic storm, cold waves, drought etc.
- Space disasters: impact events, solar flares etc.
- Other types like forest fires and disasters which are caused by living beings.
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Natural Disasters and impact on mental health
It can impact people, both instantly after the event as well as after a long-time period. Natural disasters affect human’s mental health in different ways:
- Nightmares or unwanted memories of the event
- Extreme distress
- Less conversation
- Sleep deprivation
- Irritation and anger
- Depression
- Low self-worth
- Panic episodes
- Severe anxiety
- Changes in behavior
- Increase in drug & alcohol consumption, etc.
Also Read: Know about the link between natural disasters and mental health?
Other psychological impacts
- Unpleasant thoughts: natural disasters are traumatic events that have a negative impact on the thoughts of an individual. It causes the occurrence of disturbing thoughts that are unpleasant and feelings also.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): natural disaster also develops PTSD among people who are exposed to the disasters. It is characterized by the negative and unwanted thoughts as well as nightmares and flashbacks that are related to that particular traumatic event.
- Depression & anxiety: individuals have depressed mood that involves helplessness, anxiety, decrease in appetite, low energy, as well as suicidal thoughts also.
- Grief & loss: also result in the fear of losing loved ones, family members, and friends. It is caused by the sudden and traumatic death of loved ones.
- Substance abuse: many people see substance abuse as a way to get rid of emotional distress and other problems caused by the disaster. They consume alcohol and drugs.
- Social isolation: people feel loneliness and adapt the feeling of isolation. They do not interact with others and also don not engage in conversations.
- Financial stress: natural disasters have an adverse impact on financial situations of an individual which has a negative impact on their mental health. This is caused by the loss of shelter, job and also not able to fulfill their basic needs. These can lead to stress.
- Guilt: those who survive during that disaster feel the guilt that they are surviving and others are not. They have guilt of not saving others. And this leads to self-blame.
- Trust & safety related concerns: natural disasters also have impact on the feelings of trust and security of an individual. They do not trust others easily. This cause anxiety among them and also reduce self-trust.
Strategies to recover mental health
- Give yourself time to get used to the difficult and challenging situations.
- Get support from your relatives (family) as well as friends.
- Share your inner feelings with others or by other methods such as writing, speaking, as well as creative activities.
- Join rehabilitation or support group.
- Consult with counselors.
- Eat healthy food and also do exercise.
- Avoid use of alcohol and drugs.
- Adapt new healthy habits.
References+
- www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- www.intechopen.com
- www.uh.edu
