How to deal with earthquake stress

Whether that was your first earthquake or you seven thousandth, there’s likely a lot of shock running through your system. Earthquake stress is something New Zealanders know well, but that doesn’t mean it gets easier with experience. Some people are able to ‘‘keep calm and carry on’’; others may feel they can’t cope after that midnight, 7.5 magnitude wake up call. over now’’.

Instead, emotionally prepare for another earthquake. Whether it’s several aftershocks or another big one, accept the possibility that this experience (and associated feelings) may endure for days or weeks.

‘‘Feeling a degree of stress and fear afterwards motivates us to consider what we can do to be safer if this happens again and helps us to accept risk,’’ says Duncan Thomson, a registered psychologist on the Kapiti Coast.

In accepting that possibility, despite how paradoxical it sounds, you will actually gain some of your control back. likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

At this time of crisis, provide emotional first aid to everybody around you.

‘‘The most helpful thing is social connection,’’ says Thomson. ‘‘People are calmed and reassured by contact with other people so just gently supporting and being around people who are upset should help.’’ anything they did.’’