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6 April 2001 by John Sparrow in Istanbul Where the two 1999 earthquakes left 18,000 people dead in north-western Turkey, the suicide rate continues to rise. Domestic violence and abuse are on the increase, and since the disasters, mental disease has affected more than 17 per cent of the population. Eighteen months on, a nightmare still haunts the population. Ali Yaman, a 38-year-old volunteer with the Turkish Red Crescent, knows the anguish and sense of helplessness that comes with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was among the rescuers toiling in the rubble and devastation, and lives with the sound of a crying child no one could reach. For months any unhappy child distressed him and he feared the ground opening up beneath his feet. Today, he helps himself by helping others, in a psycho-social programme (PSP) supported by the International Federation. Statistics from the Turkish Psychologists Association underline the need of such programmes. Past research has shown that among disaster-affected populations around 10 per cent develop mental disease that needs psychiatric or psychological treatment, and 40 per cent develop serious symptoms that impact upon daily life. In Turkey the figures are worse. It has been found that 25 per cent of people in the earthquake region were seriously traumatized. Of those, 70 per cent - some 17.5 per cent of the population - have developed mental diseases, chronic post-traumatic stress disorders among them. Research carried out among 21,000 people living in the Avcilar/Istanbul area found widespread PTSD symptoms, such as the re-experiencing of events, feelings of guilt, irrational behaviour, and an increase in religious fervour. Around 60 per cent showed signs of the disaster seriously disrupting their lives. Newspapers have reported many cases of people jumping from windows in panic when tremors have occurred. Said Caroline Schlar, the Federation's psycho-social delegate in Istanbul, "The findings confirm a well-known argument that psychological effects of traumatic events may emerge months or even years after someone has been exposed to disaster." People turning up at PSP centres for counselling reveal psychosomatic disorders, panic attacks, problems with grieving over close relatives, alcohol abuse, and depression. Recently an increase in family violence has been apparent, although such a sensitive matter is rarely directly reported by those concerned. The psycho-social programme is community based. "It isn't about treatment," said Schlar. "It's a preventive programme in which we start by talking about personal experiences. From there we work towards guidelines which can help a community cope using their own resources. It's about identifying needs and providing support, so people can control their own lives."When people said they would feel more secure if they knew more about construction, a seminar was organized on safer building. When others said they felt helpless because they knew nothing about first aid or rescue, the programme provided instruction. Community rescue teams have been organized. When seismologists and media report that another major earthquake is likely within 30 years, there is reassurance in being prepared. "You begin with a negative experience," said Schlar, "and respond with something positive." Ali Yaman now trains rescuers and organizes teams. By teaching people how to help others, he is building individual strength and social solidarity. Said Caroline Schlar, "We are seeing a snowball effect. You start with a core group of volunteers who go out and confront real needs and end up empowering a community." |
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The
Turkish Red Crescent houses the Psycho-social programme of the Federation
