Mainly for those grown up people.

This caught my eye in the paper and I thought some of it sounded pretty good. Have a read it might just help a little.



Reactions to what has happened in the earthquake and afterwards are many.


Distress is a common reaction, it can last for days or weeks. Allowing enough time to heal physically and emotionally is important.


Some people want to talk about it, others do not, both are fine as long as that person has chosen their course of action.


There is a range of common symptoms - disturbed sleep, impaired concentration, worry, flashbacks and a disconnection from reality.


Reactions can be caused by what we read, see, hear smell or any movements of the earth.

Human contact and communication is the best treatment.

There is no right way to grieve for our losses and no right timeframe.

This is a psychological first aid (PFA).


Talking to others. It may help you feel less alone and more understood.


1. Defy the aftershocks and try to keep to regular sleep patterns.


2. Re-establish usual routines if and when possible.


3. Eat regularly and properly, if you can.


4. Keep physically active to reduce tension and anxiety.


5. Keep busy but also relax.


6. Still do the things you enjoy doing.


7. Don’t overwhelm yourself with media coverage ie watching everything about the quake on the TV - if you  have power.


8. Set yourself some realistic goals. Allow space to come to terms with the events of the past week or so.


9. Too much coffee, ie four to six cups a day will muck up your sleep.


10. Try not to increase your use of alcohol or any recreational drugs.

What most people are experiencing is a normal response to an extraordinary event. Most people will recover but it may take weeks or months. It is important to seek professional advice if things don’t improve. See your GP.