The Psychological Impact of Earthquakes on Children

The Psychological Impact of Earthquakes on Children

Indonesia is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. This is because Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean. This zone is where several tectonic plates meet, causing high seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Additionally, Indonesia has many active volcanoes, which are a result of tectonic activity. Movements of magma within volcanoes and volcanic eruptions can also trigger volcanic earthquakes, although these are generally smaller compared to tectonic earthquakes.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) records earthquake data in Indonesia, documenting thousands of earthquakes each year with varying magnitudes.

Psychological Effects on Children

Earthquakes not only cause physical destruction but also leave psychological scars, especially on children. The psychological impact can range from mild anxiety to more severe conditions like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Here are some common psychological effects children may experience after an earthquake:

1. Anxiety and Fear

Children may feel anxious, scared, or panicked after an earthquake. They might be afraid to stay indoors, fear being alone, or constantly worry about aftershocks.

2. Difficulty Sleeping and Behavioral Changes

Children who experience trauma from an earthquake often face sleeping problems such as nightmares or insomnia. Behavioral changes may also occur—some children might become easily irritable, clingy, withdrawn from social interactions, or lose interest in attending school.

3. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

In severe cases, children may develop PTSD after witnessing or experiencing a major earthquake. Symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, flashbacks, trouble concentrating, being easily startled, and avoiding things that remind them of the event.
 

Helping Children Recover After an Earthquake

Helping children recover psychologically after an earthquake is a crucial process to ensure they overcome trauma and return to their normal state. Every child responds to trauma differently, so proper support is essential to protect their mental well-being.

Here are some key steps for helping children recover:

1. Create a Sense of Safety and Stability

Re-establish daily routines as soon as possible, such as regular mealtimes, sleep schedules, and daily activities. Ensure the child feels safe at home or in temporary shelters.

2. Listen and Encourage Communication

Invite children to talk about their feelings and thoughts. Listen patiently and empathetically without dismissing or judging their emotions. Offer emotional support, such as giving hugs and using calming words to reassure them.

3. Play and Art Therapy

Organize play and art therapy sessions, which are highly effective for children. These activities allow them to express their emotions and experiences through creative means.
Encourage children to engage in activities like drawing, coloring, playing with dolls, or role-playing. Artistic activities, such as painting or crafting, can help them express feelings that are hard to put into words.

In a disaster-prone country like Indonesia, Gugah Nurani Indonesia (GNI) is always ready to protect children’s rights after disasters through Emergency Response activities. GNI provides emotional support through Psychosocial Support programs and distributes Educational Kits to affected children.

Read more about GNI’s disaster relief efforts in the following articles:

Source:
https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4191750/ini-jumlah-rata-rata-banyaknya-gempa-di-indonesia-dalam-setahun
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/5-cara-tepat-sembuhkan-trauma-anak-korban-bencana 
https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/hnhs/article/download/5328/2861

Written & Edited by: FD Team