Following a recent earthquake in Bangkok, health officials are emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health concerns arising from the aftermath. Dr. Varoth Chotpitayasunondh, a spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health, highlighted the psychological impact of the seismic event, particularly noting the prevalence of anxiety triggered by the earthquake and the influx of information online.
Dr. Varoth stressed that while anxiety is a common response to such disasters, individuals need to be vigilant for persistent stress and emotional changes. He advised people to monitor their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, emphasizing the significance of identifying specific fears that could indicate difficulty in adjusting to the situation, potentially leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.
Moreover, Dr. Varoth drew attention to a condition known as “Earthquake Drunk,” or Post-Earthquake Dizziness Syndrome (PEDS), which can manifest as ongoing dizziness even after the tremors have subsided. This phenomenon, also known as “Jishin-Yoi,” reflects the body’s continued adaptation to the earthquake event.
To alleviate dizziness, Dr. Varoth recommended several measures, including resting, avoiding overexertion, sitting down when experiencing dizziness, staying hydrated, and minimizing exposure to reflective screens. He emphasized that if symptoms persist beyond a week, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Dr. Pairoj Saonuam from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) echoed these concerns, noting that the earthquake’s impact extends beyond physical damage to affect survivors emotionally. He encouraged individuals facing significant disruptions in their daily lives to seek assistance.
ThaiHealth is actively involved in supporting the “Here to Heal” web application, which provides online mental health consultations through chat, in partnership with the Mental Health Centre at Chulalongkorn University. The platform offers self-care tips such as acknowledging emotions, practicing deep breathing exercises, staying present-focused, consuming reliable news, and maintaining daily routines.
For those in need of professional mental health support, Dr. Pairoj recommended accessing the Here to Heal online chat service free of charge at http://here2healproject.com/. In light of the earthquake’s aftermath, the focus on mental health support is crucial to aid individuals in coping with the psychological repercussions of the disaster.
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