Japan’s Quake Measuring 9.0: The Trauma Aftermath of the Survivors
Japan’s 9.0 earthquake took place on March 11, 2011, followed by an unstoppable tsunami. It is estimated that at least 20 thousand are deceased or missing. Now the people that survived have to manage the challenges of the financial and emotional stress incurred, lack of coping skills for some, the need for more daily provisions, the physical injuries they may have sustained, and others. As stated by some foremost psychologists, most people will adjust to their life after the earthquake, yet while others will encounter harsh psychological issues.
Among those that have the highest risk psychologically are survivors with:
- No or already established or an inadequate network of support
- A pre-existing mental or mood disorder such as Major Depression
- Psychological disorders that have not been clinically dealt with
- History of unresolved/untreated traumas
- Hindered or a lack of coping skills
Survivor experiences that are common after major disasters like Japan include:
–Feelings of unreality
–Major changes in mood
–Disruption in normal sleeping patterns
–Severely decreased appetite
–Being startled easily
–Extra sensitivity to the triggers of trauma, like an aftershock
–Shock
In Japan’s history, it was the 1995 Kobe earthquake that instituted the first organized psychiatric trauma response effort. After the 2011 Japan earthquake, teams of psychiatric professionals were sent out to the trauma areas giving assistance to those in need. Interestingly, the mental health relief effort has primarily focused on supplying the survivors’ physical needs prior to meeting their psychological needs. It is not uncommon for those that survive a disaster to not be able to deal with their emotions when they are still in need of the basic staples such as food and shelter. The psychological toll on the survivors will most likely continue for years, even with all of the great relief efforts in place.
Japan’s sense of community and their strong family values will pose to be great advantages in their rebuilding efforts. Both physical and psychological healing is necessary for those affected and may very well be expedited by their emphasis on community support and teamwork. This support network seen in Japan through this disaster may serve as a model for other societies who endure similar circumstances. Especially if one’s survival may one day depend on it.
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