In the days following the recent series of earthquakes, anxiety has quietly taken root across Bangladesh. For many, the tremors lasted only seconds, but the fear has endured far longer.
The visible destruction of buildings and infrastructure often captures immediate attention. Sleepless nights, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, constant social media scrolling, and even leaving the city in panic have become common responses as people try to navigate the unease.
The country experienced four earthquakes within a span of 31 hours, with the strongest tremor originating from Narsingdi on Friday morning. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the first quake hit Madhabdi in Narsingdi at 10:38am on Friday, measuring 5.7 magnitude. The impact was felt across Dhaka and surrounding districts.
A second tremor was recorded the following morning in Palash, Narsingdi, at 10:36am on Saturday, registering 3.3 magnitude. Later that evening, two more quakes struck in quick succession. The first was detected in Badda, Dhaka at 6:06pm, with a magnitude of 3.7, followed by another in Narsingdi at 6:06pm, measuring 4.3 magnitude.
Mental health professionals say these reactions, while distressing, are normal but coping requires structure, awareness, and proactive steps.
According to the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), disasters often challenge people’s coping abilities, whether they witness them firsthand or through media. Such stressful events can evoke fear, anxiety, and memories of past trauma, magnifying distress.
Recognising that emotional recovery is as critical as physical rebuilding, mental health professionals emphasise that proactive self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Practical steps for healing
The CPA outlines several key strategies to help the people suffering from earthquake trauma.
Manage media exposure: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to images and footage of the disaster can heighten anxiety. It is crucial to take breaks from the news cycle.
Communicate openly: Talking about fears and concerns with family, friends, or health professionals is a powerful healing tool. Sharing the emotional burden can make it feel more manageable.
Prioritise physical health: Emotional well-being is deeply connected to physical health. Eating well, engaging in regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep are foundational. The CPA warns against using alcohol or drugs to numb emotional pain.
Establish daily routine: Maintaining a semblance of normalcy through daily routines such as work, school, or regular mealtimes can provide a comforting structure and a mental break from constant worry.
Help others: If possible, contributing to relief efforts or volunteering can foster a sense of purpose and community connection, which are vital for resilience.
Support children and teens: Young people are particularly vulnerable. Parents and caregivers are advised to have honest, reassuring conversations, provide a safe space for them to express their fears, and watch for significant behavioural changes.
When to cope with earthquake trauma?
The CPA stresses that people are inherently resilient and often discover inner strength during adversity. However, reactions to trauma are highly individual. “Not everyone reacts to the same event in the same way,” the article notes, highlighting that children often take their emotional cues from the adults around them.
While some distress is normal, certain warning signs indicate when professional help may be needed. These include persistent sleep or appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, feeling anxious or depressed, withdrawing from others, increased substance use, and experiencing intense feelings of despair or helplessness.
“If you have a number of these signs and symptoms and they persist beyond a couple of weeks, or you are unable to carry out your usual routines, it is time to consult a regulated health care professional,” the CPA advises.
Seeking support from a psychologist, family doctor, or other mental health expert is a sign of strength and a critical step toward recovery.
In the difficult journey following an earthquake, acknowledging psychological wounds and taking deliberate steps to heal them is paramount for rebuilding not just communities, but the lives within them.
