Mental health in the aftermath of disasters ; psychological effects, treatment approaches and coping

The February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaras earthquakes were repored as one of the biggest disasters in our country. The magnitude of the natural events, the large-scale impact, and its man-made aspect made this disaster a mass trauma that affected almost the entire country. Survivors can experience many different psychological symptoms after disasters, and although Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most frequently reported one, all psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can be seen. In addition to the individuals who experienced the earth-quake, mental problems can be observed in rescue and health workers who go to the region to help. Different methods such as psychological first aid (PFA), psychotherapies, and drugs can be applied from very early to the following months after the disas-ter. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) can also develop as one of the mechanisms for coping with great suffering in individuals and communities after major traumas. This article will present the psychological effects that develop after major disasters, espe-cially earthquakes, the treatment approaches, and discuss PTG.