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A clinical psychologist says people must be allowed to react to Saturday's earthquake in their own way.
Ian de Terte from Massey University told TVNZ News at 8 that some people might go into hiding while others could be more extroverted than normal.
He said at this early acute stage family and friends should simply monitor each other and not be too concerned if a person's behaviour is different to normal. But he said if the unusual behaviour continues for a long period of time and the person starts falling apart that could be the time to seek psychological help.
With aftershocks still happening people are likely to be in survival mode and provided it is safe they should be allowed to respond in their own way, de Terte told TVNZ News at 8.
He said there is no right way and some people may want to talk about it while others might want to just think about what has happened.
De Terte said some of the phases people might go through include: Why me; Catastrophising and fear it might happen again; Realisation that "I'm all right"; damage observation - a focus on personal belongings that cant be replaced; Optimism when they realise they have survived a major event.
People are likely to be hyper-aroused and susceptible to bangs or noises while they are still in the acute phase, de Terte said.
And he said it is important for children to have reassurance and support.
Explain to children what has happened, de Terte said and keep listening to what they are saying.
He said children need to be allowed to talk and be part of decisions.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentgordy said on 2010-09-09 @ 13:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im my 51 years on this earth I have never felt so pertrified..my first thoughts was we had been hit by a nuclear bomb and it was Armageddon. Never ever want to experience it again
schicken said on 2010-09-08 @ 19:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
I thought the same thing initially. However, another quake big enough to close or shift the cracks further is likely to be heard first and all the kids will most likely be fine. If a child does get swallowed up, I'm probably not going to have huge empathy for the media coverage or their parents, but until then, let the region have a little bit of fun. Education about health risks regarding contaminated water may be a good idea for all. :)
thinkaboutit said on 2010-09-06 @ 23:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
More great coverage tonight TVNZ especially highlighting the situation at individual community levels where people reported they felt abandoned. All credit to those organising themselves into community working groups at this level despite this. Arguably the recovery process would be greatly enhanced if these community groups were psychologically and practically supported by establishing official coordination centres at individual community levels.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
You're making some good points here. Perhaps some of the donations could be towards purchasing and setting up storage of these sorts of things. Individuals are also responsible for making their own preparations. I clean and keep old 3L juice bottles filled with water. Every now and then I water my house plants with one and refill it to refresh it.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why are they buying water? Aren't there several tankers about the city giving it away?